Here is a suggested 3 day itinerary for trip to San Jose. San Francisco is only two hours drive from San Jose and makes a great day trip.
Day 1:
You do not have to be a millionaire to enjoy your own secluded beach. You just need to head north of San Jose towards half moon bay. Drive south from half moon bay on Hwy 1 and you will come across many Coastal State Parks (California State Beaches). Most of the time you will hardly find one or two visitors on these beaches. During this drive you will also come across some small villages with their unique flavor. Just stop where ever you feel like and enjoy their charm. Secluded Beach: Tulum
Day 2:
On 2nd day you can drive down to Carmel/Monterrey area. It is about hour and half drive from San Jose Airport. Here you can take a round trip of "17 miles drive". There are multiple viewing points on this 17 miles drive. During this drive you will see magnificent vistas of Pacific Coastline, beautiful sun set, Sea Lions, Seagulls etc.
One the other side of the road during this drive, you will see multimillion dollar houses, each one built in its own unique styles and world famous Golf Courses.
Day 3:
On day three you may visit Big Basin Red Wood State Park. Oldest Red Wood forest in US. It is about 2 hours drive from San Jose. There are multiple trails of different difficulty level and each one is very well marked. These trails are from quarter mile long to 6 miles long. There are trails with overlooks providing outstanding Pacific Ocean Views. There are many waterfalls along the trail as well.
Make sure to keep enough food and water with you. There is no food available once you enter the park. There is a beautiful little town called Boulder Creek on the way. Make sure to stop by for a cup of coffee.
Some other ideas for trip to San Jose:
1. Egyptian Museum:
In this museum you can enjoy collection of Egyptian artifacts at the fraction of what will cost you if you visit "Tutankhamun And The Golden Age of The Pharaohs" exhibition from National Geographic. And yet it will much more satisfying and learning experience.
2. Japanese Friendship Garden:
This tranquil garden built in Japanese style has about 6 acres of lush greenery,bridges,bamboos, ponds. You can call in advance to enjoy Japanese style tea ceremony.
1300 Senter RdSan Jose, CA 95122(408) 277-5254
3. Horseback Riding:
You can go for scenic horseback riding in Saratoga Mountain Foothills, only half an hour from San Jose downtown.
Horseback Riding: Lake Tahoe
