How to Make the Most of a Quick Trip to San Jose, California

Traveling with a full-time job and as a grad student isn’t the easiest thing in the world to balance with budgets and time off. So it’s even more important for me personally to take opportunities to explore as they arise. Recently I had some time to visit San Jose, California on my way to and from school sessions nearby. There’s a lot of San Jose sightseeing I didn’t get around to myself (since I was busy catching up on homework part of the time) but rest assured there’s a lot you can do with a little time in San Jose, Ca! 

I’ve broken this guide into three categories and you can pick and choose what sounds most interesting to you as you build your itinerary. Here we go! 

Where to Stay, Eat and Explore in San Jose, California to Maximize a Short Visit 

Where to Stay in San Jose, California 

In total, I slept two nights in San Jose but only spent about one full day in the city. If you search for an Airbnb in San Jose, California you’ll see a lot of options are private rooms in people’s homes. Though normally weary of such setups after a weird experience in NYC, I had a great stay at this Airbnb that’s run by Superhosts. If you’re okay with driving or ride-sharing to get around and don’t need to be close to the hub of San Jose you might consider this option. 

However, if you’re seeking convenience, luxury and liveliness you must stay at Hotel Valencia Santana Row! Having lived in Madrid for a year, I was instantly lured in by the Spanish design of this centrally located, boutique hotel. Hotel Valencia is the only hotel on Santana Row — an upscale dining, shopping and entertainment district. And, it was rated the #1 hotel in San Jose as part of the Condé Nast 2019 Reader’s Choice Awards. In fact, since I first wrote this post I’ve returned to San Jose and chose to stay at charming Hotel Valencia Santana Row for a second time!

It’s no wonder why, really. The rooms I stayed in were spacious, modern yet charming and with a balcony overlooking a lively plaza on my first visit, and beautiful mountain scenery on the second. The blackout balcony doors and windows ensured quiet in the rooms despite the busy location. I also appreciated the small, thoughtful touches like the orange-flavored milk chocolates placed on my pillow and the aroma diffuser on my nightstand. 

The rooftop at Hotel Valencia Santana Row is officially my favorite place to take in the sunset, too! In the morning, I enjoyed a complimentary continental breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant, Oveja Negra. Be sure to try the bread pudding! If you’re wondering where to stay in San Jose, California you cannot go wrong with Hotel Valencia Santana Row. 

Where to Eat in San Jose, California

Ah, yes. My favorite topic — food. There are plenty of choices and the ones I tried and recommend are as follows:

Pizza Bocca Lupo 

If you’re a sucker for Naples-style pizza like I am then don’t miss this gem in San Pedro Square Market. I wandered through the two buildings that make up this market to explore all my options before deciding on this pizza joint. Sitting on the outdoor patio with a whole, wood-fired, Margherita pizza to myself made my hours of homework time much more pleasant. 

Treatbot

On your way out of the market, swing by Treatbot for ice cream. I indulged in the Horchata flavor with an added topping of condensed milk (yum!). There was something extra satisfying, as someone hailing from Chicago, about eating ice cream as I strolled along in a warm city. Wearing a dress. In October. Never gets old. 

87 N San Pedro St, San Jose, CA 95110

Mizu Sushi House

Recommended by a classmate when I mentioned my sushi craving, this place definitely came through. It gets packed quickly so best to make reservations ahead of time. My friend loved her veggie sushi and my order of the Rainbow Roll hit the spot, too. Mizu Sushi House looks quite unassuming from the outside, not helped by its location next to a gas station, but it’s delicious and worth a visit for any sushi lover. 

9664 W 131st St, Orland Park, IL 60462

Roy’s Station Coffee & Tea 

This adorable cafe in Japantown serves coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters and offers a peaceful respite during your travels. While you’re in the area, swing by Shuei-Do Manju shop to try a Japanese delicacy. 

197 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112

Things to do in San Jose, California 

Aside from exploring Japantown I didn’t do much besides eat in San Jose. But, had I been homework-free I definitely would have spent those several hours on some of these activities:

Hakone Gardens 

While the Rose Garden was originally on my list of sights to see, a couple Californians promptly steered me toward Hakone instead. It’s a bit further out, in Saratoga, but not an unreasonable travel time for a beautiful experience.

21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum 

I’m not much of a museum-goer on my travels but I do make exceptions and this museum sounds interesting enough to explore, especially on a rainy day. TripAdvisor reviews back it up as a fun activity for adults as well as for anyone looking for things to do in San Jose with kids.  

1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA 95191

Japantown

This area in San Jose is one of only 3 historic Japanese communities in the U.S. It’s a small area and when I went, early in the day, it was pretty quiet. But it’s certainly worth wandering through and if you’re in the area for lunch or dinner you’re likely to find a great meal here as well. 

Santana Row 

If you’re staying at Hotel Valencia you’re already in the throes of Santana Row, but even if you’re not you should consider spending some time in the area. It’s bustling with energy. You can shop or window shop, enjoy a great meal and people watch to your heart’s content. A friend and I spent a few hours after dinner at Mizu simply walking up and down along Santana Row, popping into shops and grabbing dessert at Smitten Ice Cream. 

377 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128

Winchester Mystery House 

I’m including this attraction because it’s clearly a prominent sightseeing destination in San Jose, but you won’t find it on my own list of must-visits. I’ll let you look up the scary stories behind this one on your own. Check out this tour if you’re interested.

525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to sightseeing with limited time, but don’t let analysis paralysis shut you down. Narrow in on the attractions and foodie spots that most stand out to you and enjoy your micro-exploration of a new city. Next time you’re in San Jose, California, whether briefly for business or with more time, consult this guide for a jumpstart on your own itinerary.

Exploring more of California, beyond San Jose? Check out this three-day itinerary for San Diego!

 

Disclosure: I was a guest of Hotel Valencia Santana Row and was hosted by them for one night. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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