How to spend the perfect 24 hours in San Jose (Full Itinerary)
San Jose is a town that is often overlooked in Northern California but really is a great spot to spend a few days. It has a lot of fun computer history, a great food scene and of course lots of outdoor adventures. We spent the better part of a week in the city and here is an itinerary we built to help you make the most of your visit to San Jose.
Here is a video we made showing how we spent 24 hours in San Jose with our kids.
San Jose Itinerary
9:00 am – Breakfast at Voyager Coffee in San Pedro Square Market
Start your day with a delicious coffee at Voyager Craft Coffee, a local favorite in San Jose. I prefer the San Pedro Square Market location as it is a beautiful property to explore while drinking your coffee.
10:00 am – Three Different Museum Options
Option 1 – Visit the Intel Museum, where you can learn about the history of one of the world’s leading technology companies. The museum showcases Intel’s innovations and achievements over the years.
Option 2 – Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation, a must-visit for anyone interested in technology. The museum has hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and a wide range of educational programs.
Option 3 – Visit the San Jose Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of contemporary and modern art. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, so check their schedule to see what’s on. The museum is tiny but it is still a nice place to visit if you like art.
11 AM – Experience the Cathedral Basilica of San Jose
Explore the Cathedral Basilica of San Jose, a stunning historic church with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate architecture.
12:00 pm – Lunch at Falafel’s Drive-In
Head to Falafel’s Drive-In for lunch. This popular spot serves up delicious falafels, shawarmas, and other Middle Eastern fare. I almost never go to San Jose without stopping by.
2:00 pm – Enter the tomb at Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is one of my favorite museums in Califronia since it is such a unique spot with some of the best Egyptian artifacts in the United States. There is even a full tomb that you can walk through which is a highlight for kids visiting the museum.
4:00 pm – Winchester Mystery House
Visit the Winchester Mystery House, a Victorian mansion known for its unusual architecture and paranormal activity. Take a guided tour to learn about the bizarre history of this unique attraction.
6:00 pm – Dinner at Santana Row
End your day at Santana Row, a stylish shopping and dining destination. Take a stroll down the European-style street, do some window shopping, and have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
7:30 pm Explore the Sonic Runway Art Installation
Visit the Sonic Runway art installation, a mesmerizing display of lights and sound that transforms the downtown area into a magical wonderland at night.
9:00 pm – Drinks at Haberdasher
End your day with a nightcap at Haberdasher, a cozy speakeasy-style bar with expertly crafted cocktails and a laid-back vibe.
This itinerary will give you a taste of the diverse attractions and experiences that San Jose has to offer. Enjoy your day in Silicon Valley!
