5 days in San Jose & Santa Cruz Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Stanford University and then kick back and relax at Half Moon Bay State Beach. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Winchester Mystery House and then find something for the whole family at California's Great America.

To see ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our San Jose tour itinerary planner.

Santa Cruz to San Jose is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a bus. When traveling from Santa Cruz in July, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in San Jose: temperatures range from 81°F by day to 59°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Santa Cruz.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Chardonnay Sailing Charters as well as Mission State Park. Kids will enjoy Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. Change things up with these side-trips from Santa Cruz: Monterey (San Carlos Cathedral & Monterey Bay) and Point Lobos (in Carmel). It doesn't end there: delve into the mystery of Mystery Spot.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Santa Cruz trip itinerary maker app.

Traveling by car from San Jose to Santa Cruz takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from San Jose, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Santa Cruz, ranging from highs of 73°F to lows of 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) so you can travel back home.