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
103
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
81
Under 2 hours
31 total in this range
Byron, CA
1h 12m52.1 mi one way
Amesti, CA
1h 6m46.7 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
29 total in this range
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Avenal, CA
3h 8m162.5 mi one way
Auberry, CA
3h 40m168.6 mi one way
Laton, CA
3h 35m173.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
39 total in this range
Bakersfield, CA
4h 37m242.1 mi one way
Big Pine, CA
7h 6m300.3 mi one way
Oxnard, CA
6h 17m316.5 mi one way
Channel Islands Beach, CA
6h 20m316.4 mi one way
Weedpatch, CA
4h 49m253.7 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Bakersfield, CA
4h 37m242.1 mi one way
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Avenal, CA
3h 8m162.5 mi one way
Bakersfield, CA
4h 37m242.1 mi one way
Yuba City, CA
3h 3m148.6 mi one way
Woodland, CA
2h 15m112.8 mi one way
Nevada City, CA
3h 33m176.9 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.