Attractions Nearby San Jose, Day Trips and Excursions

(San Jose, California - CA, USA)



San Jose is set within a rich landscape dotted with many major attractions nearby, including lush hills and valleys, as well as the endearing Pacific cost to the west. San Francisco is only a short drive from San Jose and although this amazing city is so close, it doesn't steal all of the limelight.

The intriguing Ano Nuevo State Reserve on the coast is the place to go to view massive elephant seals, while Bargetto Winery is the oldest in the region and Paramount's Great America is ideal for kids, with its collection of rollercoasters and rides.



Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Address: Highway 1, near Pescadero, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 650 879 0227
Located on the coast to the southwest of San Jose, Ano Nuevo is known for its huge elephant seals, which can be observed mating and giving birth between mid-December and March. Some of the beasts at the reserve weigh more than two tons and are truly a sight to behold. Guided tours of the Ano Nuevo State Reserve are available and leave from the reserve's headquarters. You can also tour at other times of the year, although the seals are much less active after spring. The area contains an interesting visitor center and hiking trails abound.
Open hours: daily - tours at 08:45 and 15:00
Admission: charge

Bargetto Winery

Address: 3535 North Main Street, Soquel, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 831 475 2258
Bargetto Winery has produced award-winning wines since the early 1930s. Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, close to San Jose, Bargetto Winery is the oldest in the region and turns out such gems as La Vita, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. You can tour the winery and taste the products. Reservations are essential in the summer months.
Open hours: daily - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Paramount's Great America

Address: Santa Clara, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 408 988 1776
Paramount's Great America provides fun for the entire family at its 100-acre / 40-hectare site located off the great America Parkway on the way to San Francisco. There are white-knuckle rides and thrilling attractions galore here including the much vaunted Top Gun coaster; Drop Zone, the world's tallest free-fall ride; the Seventh Portal motion-simulator; Xtreme Skyflyer; Psycho Mouse rollercoaster and a huge Nickelodeon Center for children.
Open hours: hours vary, call for details
Admission: charge, discount for seniors and children, children under three free

Mission Santa Clara de Asis

Address: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California CA, USA
Tel: +1 408 554 4023
Located at the center of Santa Clara university campus, close to San Jose, Mission Santa Clara de Asis is California's original mission honoring a female saint. Much of the mission was rebuilt in 1926, although parts of it date back to the 18th century. The original chapel was razed by fire, but the roof tiles, early adobe walls, wooden memorial cross and rose garden were saved. The rose garden features over 4,000 roses, many of which are over a hundred years old and it is a delightful place for strolling.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

The Nearby Coast

There are many historic coastal towns situated west and northwest of San Jose that hark back to the days of the Spanish, and a drive along Route 1 is as scenic as it gets. Hugging the beautiful Pacific shoreline, the road passes through Half Moon Bay, the busiest and liveliest coastal community along this stretch of coast from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. This small town is within easy reach of San Jose and is simply loaded with shops, galleries, tourist attractions and terraced cafés, many of which reside in quaint 19th-century buildings. Additionally, the drive to San Mateo from Half Moon Bay goes over a series of hills and also features spectacular scenery.

Pescerado

Lying to the west of San Jose near the coast and route 1, the town of Pescadero boasts some intriguing attractions and a cracking country setting. Located near the Año Nuevo State Reserve, the small town is reminiscent of a western movie, with its boarded buildings and regular tavern, while the nearby beaches are a must-see.