Discover San Jose: Budget-Friendly Fun in 2 Days
Discover San Jose without breaking the bank - budget-friendly trips await!
21 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
San Jose, located in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, is a city filled with tech startups and cultural attractions. On a limited budget, visitors can explore the city's renowned museums, such as the Tech Museum of Innovation, and enjoy outdoor activities in its beautiful parks. Tasty and affordable food options are plentiful, from food trucks to local taquerias, making a budget-friendly trip to San Jose a worthwhile experience.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Check-in at Hotel Valencia, a stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop bar.
- Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, where you can play with robots and learn about the latest tech advances.
- Stroll through the SoFA District, an artsy neighborhood with galleries, murals, and street performers.
- Have lunch at San Pedro Square Market, a foodie paradise with vendors selling everything from burgers to bao.
- Visit the San Jose Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary and modern art from around the world.
- Enjoy dinner at Original Joe's, a classic Italian-American restaurant that's been a San Jose institution since 1956.
- Start the day with breakfast at Bill's Café, a local chain known for its huge omelets and fluffy pancakes.
- Visit the Winchester Mystery House, a bizarre mansion with staircases that lead to nowhere and secret rooms galore.
- Head to Alum Rock Park, a beautiful nature reserve with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Take a quick detour to the Japanese Friendship Garden, a serene oasis with koi ponds, waterfalls, and a tea house.
- Have lunch at La Victoria Taqueria, a beloved taco spot with a cult following.
- End your day with a visit to Santana Row, an upscale outdoor mall with designer stores, trendy restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.