Road Trips from San Jose, CA
Where to drive next — curated by how much time you have and what you're in the mood for.
Total Routes
89
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
64
Under 2 hours
28 total in this range
Byron, CA
1h 12m52.1 mi one way
Brentwood, CA
1h 17m56.1 mi one way
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
1h 28m64.1 mi one way
Strawberry, CA
1h 22m59.9 mi one way
Allendale, CA
1h 52m92.5 mi one way
Full-day getaway
27 total in this range
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Live Oak, CA
2h 38m125.2 mi one way
Plymouth, CA
2h 38m121 mi one way
Cedar Ridge, CA
3h 6m135.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
30 total in this range
Vincent, CA
6h 26m334.8 mi one way
Big Pine, CA
7h 6m300.3 mi one way
Channel Islands Beach, CA
6h 20m316.4 mi one way
Weedpatch, CA
4h 49m253.7 mi one way
Green Valley, CA
6h 6m309.8 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Vincent, CA
6h 26m334.8 mi one way
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Big Pine, CA
7h 6m300.3 mi one way
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Plymouth, CA
2h 38m121 mi one way
Sebastopol, CA
2h 4m100.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Long daylight returns and parks begin peak bloom.
Summer
Avoid low-desert routes at midday; pick mountain destinations instead.
Fall
Cooler temps and foliage make it the underrated season here.
Winter
Desert driving is at its best — cool days, clear light.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the San Jose, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.