Romantic Weekend Getaway: San Jose in 4 Days
Escape to charming San Jose for a romantic getaway.
22 April 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. With its charming downtown areas, world-renowned restaurants, and excellent museums, there is something for every couple to enjoy. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, catch a show at the local theater, or spend an evening strolling along the riverwalk, San Jose has everything you need for a memorable trip.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the stylish Hotel Valencia Santana Row, known for its elegant decor and luxurious amenities.
- Start the day with a visit to the Winchester Mystery House, where Sarah Winchester built a bizarre mansion with secret rooms and staircases.
- Next, head to the Santana Row shopping district for a dose of retail therapy, followed by dinner at The Counter, a cozy burger joint with a quirky menu of topping options.
- Catch a show or concert at the historic California Theatre to cap off the night.
- Fill up on a hearty breakfast at the local favorite Bill's Café, known for their massive omelets.
- Take a hike in the nearby Alum Rock Park, which boasts over 750 acres of lush hills and valleys with scenic views.
- If you're feeling competitive, check out the indoor rock climbing and bouldering walls at Planet Granite.
- Grab a healthy lunch at The Source, a trendy cafe with a menu of fresh juices and organic eats.
- Unwind in the evening with a visit to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, where you can explore ancient artifacts and mummies.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed from the hotel's room service menu.
- Admire the contemporary art at the San Jose Museum of Art, which features exhibits by local and international artists.
- Have a romantic lunch at The Table, a cozy restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine and an impressive wine list.
- Catch a performance at the City Lights Theatre Company, a small but mighty theater that produces cutting-edge plays.
- End the night with cocktails at Haberdasher, a speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails and live music.
- Fuel up with a classic American breakfast at Peggy Sue's, a retro diner with vintage decor.
- Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, an interactive museum that showcases new technology and innovations.
- Learn about the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum, which documents the evolution of computing technology.
- Have a gourmet lunch at Adega, a Portuguese restaurant with an exceptional wine list.
- Wind down with a stroll through the scenic Municipal Rose Garden, a serene park with over 3,000 varieties of roses.
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.