Best Day Trip Ideas Near San Jose

San Jose remains one of the most important cities in Silicon Valley. Home to tech giants and quiet suburbs alike, over 900,000 residents call San Jose home. It boasts a University, an NHL team, an MLS team, and an airport. It also has plenty of adventure and culture to be found. Living in or near San Jose means you have access to exciting stops, shops, hikes, beaches, and so much more. There is plenty to explore within the city itself, but when you have an entire day to fill, you’re going to need more than just one or two stops!

The Bay Area is filled with exciting day trip ideas just waiting for your visit, so what are you waiting for? San Jose has its own set of local treasures, but when so many diverse villages and cities are just down the road, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and put your exploring shoes on.

Whether you’re planning a solo day trip, entertaining friends from out of town, or creating memories with your family, we’ve created a list with so many sights you’ll have an entire vacation worth of trips.

We’ve already created a list of trip ideas for those near the South Bay and we’re proud to share our next fun-filled list of ideas. So to spice up your weekend or vacation, here is a list of the best day trip ideas in and near San Jose!

2. Downtown San Jose

The very first entry on this list just so happens to be the closest. The entire family can have a fun-filled day and night in Downtown San Jose. The best day trips in the Bay Area are filled with great restaurants, sights, and bars and Downtown San Jose is no different. For those of us who enjoy a drink now and then, there’s a wide variety of unique local breweries and bars to wet your whistle. From themed options to some of the most famous breweries in the state, craft beer connoisseurs will find themselves with plenty of stops to visit like Floodcraft Brewing, Market Beer Company, Dr. Funk, and Strike Brewing Company & Warehouse.

For those who have to factor in some family-friendly activities, Downtown SJ still has a massive amount of options to choose from like the San Pedro Square, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, and Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. Not only is it considered an important Silicon Valley city, but there are several museums where you can explore everything from modern art to tech history. Without having to break the bank, you can also treat yourself or your friend to a trip to one of the many parks that surround the San Jose area like the blooming St. James Park or Guadalupe River Park. The area is certainly modern and advanced, but there’s still so much foliage and nature to explore when you walk an extra block or two.

They also keep things busy in Downtown San Jose, as their calendar is filled with plays at the San Jose Playhouse, performances for kids of all ages, and even free concerts in the park.

Notable Sights

Floodcraft Brewing, Market Beer Company, Strike Brewing Company & Warehouse, San Jose Playhouse, Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, St. James Park, Guadalupe River Park, San Pedro Square, Dr. Funk

Distance from San Jose

~ 1 mile

2. Boulder Creek

A lot of Californians look for peace and quiet when they go on day trips, which is why Boulder Creek is a gorgeous and unforgettable choice for some. This mountain community doesn’t boast the same level of attractions or number of restaurants, but it’s surrounded by remarkable nature and exciting hiking trails. Those looking for a full day can start with a quick bite at one of their cafes, including the popular Jenna Sue’s Cafe or Tree House Cafe.

Then, when the family is ready to head into nature, take a short drive to the San Vicente Redwoods Trailhead. There you’ll see trees older than the country they stand in. Or head to the Big Basin Redwoods State Park and find yourself at the foot of a waterfall.

At the end of a long or short hike, you can head back to town and ‘treat yourself’ by stopping at Fosters Freeze. For the antique fans in the group, head to the Boulder Creek Antiques at Mac’s Place, which sits inside a 100-year-old building. Once the sun starts to set and the hunger starts to set in, the entire family can enjoy some classic American cuisine at The Sawmill Restaurant and Ale House.

Notable Sights

Jenna Sue’s Cafe, Tree House Cafe, San Vicente Trailhead, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Fosters Freeze, Boulder Creek Antique at Mac’s Place, The Sawmill Restaurant and Ale House

Distance from San Jose

27 miles

3. Redwood Shores

King of Hearts / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Trying to get away without actually getting away? We’ve got you covered. Instead of traveling 40 or 50 miles to get to your day trip, why not just drive a few miles north of San Jose and head to Redwood Shores? More of a neighborhood than a village, Redwood Shores has some of the most beautiful homes and campuses in the Bay Area.

It also makes for a fun and upscale day trip too!

Start the day by grabbing a coffee or breakfast at The Hollō Cafe, a modern restaurant with a menu designed around healthy and sustainable food sources. For those looking to save on spending, or just get a few miles of exercise in, there are plenty of trails to be found right outside the cafe. There are so many that the entire area is essentially a trail called Redwood Shores Trail situated right next to the Redwood Shores Lagoon. The Bay Trail specifically goes around the entire neighborhood, taking you through sights like Marlin Park, the Bay Area Viewing Platform, and the Oracle Team USA Trimaran Landmark.

When it’s time to retire from the trails and grab some grub before heading back home, there are plenty of options with unforgettable views. Both Mistral Restaurant and Bar and the Waterside Grill + Lounge can be found right on the water, giving you another glimpse of the Bay before your day is done.

Notable Sights

The Hollō Cafe, Redwood Shores Trail, Redwood Shores Lagoon, Marlin Park, Bay Area Viewing Platform, Oracle Team USA Trimaran Landmark, Mistral Restaurant and bar, Waterside Grill + Lounge

Distance from San Jose

26.8 miles

4. Half Moon Bay

This entry is for the beach bums trying to get to an entire day of surfing, boogie boarding, or tanning. Half Moon Bay is not only a gorgeous crescent-shaped section of the large Bay Area, but it’s also home to some of its most beautiful beaches. The shores are just as remarkable as the sights, so make sure to take them all in.

When it comes to Half Moon Bay, we know we you’ll be starting your day with. So make sure to pull up to one of the dozen or so beaches that are sure to take your breath away. From Montana State Beach in the north to the cliffs next to Redondo Beach, every one of these locations will be perfect for your morning. Fishermen and fisherwomen alike can also head to the Fishing Pier for some amazing sights and surprisingly good catches. For wider views of the entire Bay, head up to Pillar Point Bluff and take it all in with one panoramic view. When you’ve finally had your fill of the beach, it’s probably time to get some eats in. From Breakwater Barbeque to Sam’s Chowder House, there are so many classic tastes you’ll just keep moving on to the next one. If it’s time to head back to nature, take a trip away from the beach and explore Quarry Park with its many, easily accessible trails.

For finer tastes and menu options, head to the La Nebbia Winery or Flying Fish & Grill to end the day. When you’re just looking for a beer by the shore to end the day though, Half Moon Bay Brewing and Blue Ocean Brewing are just waiting with a delicious list of IPAs, lagers, and stouts.

Notable Sights

Montana State Beach, Redondo Beach, Fishing Pier, Pillar Point Bluff, Breakwater Barbeque, Sam’s Chowder House, Quarry Park, La Nebbia Winery, Flying Fish & Grill, Half Moon Bay Brewing, Blue Ocean Brewing

Distance from San Jose

40 miles

5. Old Gilroy

Credit: Wikipedia User SanFranMan59 | License | Image Unchange

Many people don’t think the history of the West runs that deep, but they’ll change their minds when they head to Old Gilroy. The history lovers and buffs out there will be excited to know they have everything from old mansions and ruins to antique airplanes! Not to mention, you’ll find some pretty good fruit while you’re out there.

While the restaurant is no longer open, folks can start by checking out the historic Milias Restaurant, a 100-year-old building that stands out in the middle of Gilroy. The Gilroy Historical Paseo also offers a glimpse into Gilroy’s past through colorful visuals and descriptions. Downtown Gilroy also has plenty of stops and shops including the Old City Hall Restaurant that resides in, you guessed it, the town’s old City Hall.

The best highlight of Old Gilroy happens to be just a minute or two out of town on Pacheco Pass Highway. There, visitors will find a highway surrounded by delicious fruit stands! Best & Last Fruits and Nuts, La Casita Fruit Stand, and the Old Gilroy Market by Bob Filice Farms all have a colorful set of nutritious snacks to choose from. Oh, and you can’t forget the garlic, after all! From garlic ice cream to minced garlic, the Garlic Shoppe and Garlic World are filled with pungent and delicious treats the whole family can enjoy.

Notable Sights

Milias Restaurant building, Gilroy Historical Paseo, Downtown Gilroy, Old City Hall Restaurant, Best & Last Fruits and Nuts, La Casita Fruit Stand, Old Gilroy Market, Garlic Shoppe, Garlic World

Distance from San Jose

33.5 miles

6. Trails and a Touch of Wine in Mission Peak

Kevin Collins from Alameda, California, USA – Mission Peak

This entry is for the nature lovers out there who also enjoy the occasional glass of wine. While this might be better suited to a weekend getaway than a day trip, Mission Peak has so much to offer we had to include it on our list!

If wine just isn’t your thing, the sights and sounds of Mission Peak will be more than worth the trip. First, take a quick glance at the Leland Stanford Winery building, a historic structure that sits right at the bottom of Mission Peak. When you’ve taken in the history, you’ll find that there are so many trails and peaks starting at the Mission Peak Trail Head that you can find yourself lost. Don’t worry though, because the Mission Peak Trail extends up to the Mission Peak Trail View Points. There, you can see the gorgeous basin and challenge yourself to even tougher trails like Horse Heaven Trail which leads all the way to Mission Peak Summit.

When you’ve decided to ditch the trails, you can either head down to Fremont for a trip to Spin A Yarn Steakhouse or Mr. Lau’s Steakhouse, but you can also stay in the Mission Peak mountains! The Mission Peak Winery, the only winery in the Fremont area, offers its own set of accommodations and wine specials for you to choose from. So when you want an entire weekend to yourself, you can book with Mission Peak Winery and enjoy their reds and whites in the very mountains you’ll be hiking.

Notable Sights

Leland Stanford Winery, Mission Peak Trail Head, Mission Peak View Points, Horse Heaven Trail, Mission Peak Summit, Spin A Yarn Steakhouse, Mr. Lau’s Steakhouse, Mission Peak Winery

Distance from San Jose

16.1 miles

7. Scotts Valley

The last stop on our list will send you into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether you’re looking for some day camping or a trip to a resort, Scotts Valley has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages.

Depending on the side of town you’re in you can start at Auntie Mame’s or Heavenly Roadside Cafe for a quick breakfast. For some nature walks around the local pond, you can head to the Glenwood Open Space Preserve, where you can find plenty of wildflowers and even a community swing to enjoy. Across town, you can find another gorgeous park in Lodato Park, a shorter walk but one you can knock out in less than an hour. A little bit of history can be found at the famous Scotts House which was originally built in 1853. For those looking for something a bit more exciting and adventurous, you can explore the local Mystery Spot a few miles out of town, a tourist attraction that’s been a popular ‘spot’ for decades.

Once your day is done it’s time to enjoy some amazing local cuisine. One of the most popular choices in Scotts Valley is tacos, with Maya Mexican and La Chimachanga Cantina ready to serve while the Italian alternative, Casa Nostra, is right around the corner. Then finish the perfect meal with the perfect dessert from Soul Sweets: The Dessert House.

Notable Sights

Auntie Mame’s, Heavenly Roadside Cafe, Glenwood Open Space Preserve, Lodato Park, Mystery Spot, Maya Mexican, La Chimachanga Cantina, Casa Nostra, Soul Sweets: The Dessert House

Distance from San Jose

26 miles

Want More South Bay Day Trip Ideas?

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check out our other blog post on day trip ideas in the South Bay.