San Jose's 2-Day Adventure Guide

Discover technology's birthplace in sunny San Jose.

22 April 2023

Discover a city that blends its rich history with modern-day innovation. In San Jose, you can delve into the birthplace of silicon valley and explore world-class museums such as the Tech Museum of Innovation. Don't miss out on the authentic Mexican cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

San Jose Shuffle

  • Check in at The Westin San Jose, a beautifully restored hotel with modern amenities.
  • Head to the San Pedro Square Market for lunch and enjoy local food and craft beer.
  • Take a stroll through the historic Japantown neighborhood and visit the Japanese American Museum.
  • Learn about the tech industry at the Tech Museum of Innovation and marvel at the IMAX theater.
  • End the day with dinner at Adega, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Day 2

Nature in the City

  • Start the morning with breakfast at Bill's Cafe, a local favorite for their delicious pancakes.
  • Visit the San Jose Flea Market, the largest open-air market in the U.S. and browse through vintage finds and artisanal goods.
  • Take a relaxing walk through the Municipal Rose Garden and smell the fragrant roses in full bloom.
  • Hike the trails at Alum Rock Park and enjoy scenic views of the city and the Santa Clara Valley.
  • Indulge in a fancy dinner at The Table, a farm-to-table restaurant that uses seasonal ingredients to create memorable dishes.
  • There's never a dull moment in San Jose, and with so much to see and do, two days is just enough to get a taste of the city's charm.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to San Jose is by plane. You can fly into San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is located less than 4 miles from the downtown area. There are numerous airlines that fly into SJC, including American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest.

Car

Driving is a popular way to get to San Jose. Depending on where you are coming from, you can take Interstate 5 or Interstate 580 and then merge onto Interstate 680 to get to San Jose. From Southern California, it may be faster to take Interstate 101 and then head south to San Jose.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to San Jose. However, you can take Amtrak to San Francisco and then transfer to a Caltrain that goes to San Jose. The Amtrak station in San Francisco is located at 700 4th St, while the Caltrain station in San Jose is located at 65 Cahill St.

Boat

Unfortunately, there is no way to get to San Jose by boat as the city is not located on the coast or any major bodies of water.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient way to get to San Jose. Greyhound offers numerous bus routes to San Jose, with the bus station located at 70 S Almaden Ave. Megabus also has service to San Jose, with the stop located at the Diridon Transit Center at 65 Cahill St.

Destination

San Jose

Welcome to the land of techies, tacos, and terrible traffic! Brace yourself for the hustle and bustle of the city that Silicon Valley calls home.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

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More travel plans

Fun-Filled Family Adventure: 3 Days in San Jose!

A family-friendly trip to San Jose, United States offers an abundance of opportunities for fun and exploration. Enjoy interactive and educational experiences at the Children’s Discovery Museum, where kids can engage in hands-on activities and exhibits. Take a ride on the historic carousel in the beautiful Guadalupe River Park and Gardens, or spend a day at the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, enjoying animal encounters and thrilling rides that cater to all ages.

Discover San Jose: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

On a limited budget, a trip to San Jose, United States can be enjoyable with plenty of free things to do. Explore the tech capital's famous landmarks such as the Winchester Mystery House, San Jose Museum of Art, and the Tech Museum of Innovation, all of which offer low-cost admission or free visiting hours. Dine at local food trucks and visit bustling farmers markets to experience a taste of the diverse culinary scene while staying within budget.

3 Days in San Jose: Tech, Art, & Adventure

As a budget traveler visiting San Jose, there are several inexpensive activities to choose from, including hiking Alum Rock Park or admiring the street art in the city. For a cheap meal, check out one of the many food trucks or grab a burrito from a taqueria. To save money on accommodation, consider staying in a hostel or renting a room through Airbnb.

Artistic Delights in San Jose: Get Quirky and Geeky

San Jose, United States offers a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. With its numerous kid-friendly attractions such as the famous Children's Discovery Museum, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, and the Tech Museum of Innovation, there is something for everyone. Additionally, families can explore the beautiful San Jose Municipal Rose Garden and enjoy outdoor activities at Almaden Lake Park, making it a memorable trip for all.