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Whether you’re visiting San Jose for business or for pleasure, you should allow extra time to enjoy all there is to see and do nearby, from a beach boardwalk getaway in Santa Cruz to world-class museums and eats in San Francisco.
Only have a half day? There are several options within 30 minutes of your downtown San Jose hotel, including the wineries of Saratoga.
Here are five of our favorite day trips near San Jose:
Saratoga
The nearby Santa Cruz Mountains boast more than 60 wineries from Woodside to Watsonville, but the historic hillside village of Saratoga is home to a much more manageable half dozen, with three located right on Big Basin Way in the heart of town. Weather permitting, hit the new patio and tuck into the elegant chardonnays at Cinnabar Winery.
Prefer Rhone varietals? Down the street at Big Basin Vineyards, you can sample an array of luscious syrah and grenache wines. Don’t fill up, though. You need to grab dinner, including homemade seasonal soups and tasty spinach bucatini at Pasta Armellino, the casual spinoff from Michelin-starred Plumed Horse.
Santa Cruz
Located 30 miles south of San Jose, this coastal city is a year-round draw for hikers, cyclists, beachcombers, artists and anyone craving a laid-back scene. Hit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for holiday ice skating through Jan. 6, and grab locally-sourced lunch goodies, including decked-out salads and sandwiches, across the street at The Picnic Basket.
Crave that sea spray? Bundle up and take a walk along Natural Bridges State Beach, or extend your day by heading to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and marvel at the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. Just leave room for a from-scratch scoop back in town at The Penny Ice Creamery. The chocolate sorbet with torched marshmallow is epic.
Monterey
Every year, two million people flock to Monterey to visit the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. If you haven’t done it — and even if you don’t have the kids in tow — it’s worth the 90-minute drive from San Jose to engage with tentacled sea life, sea otters, penguins, stingrays and a giant Pacific octopus. Already done the aquarium? Spend the day in the shops, restaurants and galleries on Cannery Row or along the five-block stretch of Alvarado Street, which extends east from the city’s downtown plaza. You’ll find everything from cafes and bars to historic buildings to explore.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
When it comes to California seaside villages, few have as much European flair as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just five miles south of Monterey, the manicured streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea have much to offer, from storybook cottages and boutique shopping to gallery hopping and upscale cafes. There’s Mission San Carlos Borromeo del río Carmelo, first built in 1797 and one of the most authentically restored Roman Catholic mission churches in California. Or take the Scenic Bluff Path, which runs from popular surf spot Carmel Beach to Carmel River State Beach, a great spot for bird watching. Don’t forget picnic provisions at The Cheese Shop in Carmel Plaza.
San Francisco
Of course you should make time to see San Francisco. But can we make a suggestion? Pick one or two neighborhoods and devote your day to them. Don’t try to drive around seeing everything. You’ll only get frustrated with traffic and parking.
In the Marina District, walk along Marina Boulevard and marvel at the Palace of Fine Arts, explore the shops on Chestnut Street and tuck into gastropub fare at The Tipsy Pig. You can Uber up the hill to Pacific Heights, too. Prefer seeing downtown? Park along the Embarcadero and grab lunch inside the Ferry Building Marketplace.