tSwill Travel Planner: What is there to do in San Jose, Ca?

Trying to plan a family trip over the Xmas break. We were all geared up to head to the bowl game if it was in Florida or NYC. I was really hoping for NYC. Something different, lots of shit to do in NYC. I've never stayed in NYC, only flown in/out/driven through to NJ. I'm not exactly stoked to head to Cali. Was just in San Diego/LA recently and I've been to San Fran, so I did that whole deal already.

What else can we do if we decide to head to the Redbox Bowl? I don't even need to stay in SF or SJ. I'm cool with a staying 4-5 hours out and driving in for the game. But want other shit to do. I see a bunch of National Forests in the area. Are they all burning? Any good hiking destinations? WTF else can we do for 3-4 days? I need tSwill's help on this one.

Other destinations are also on the table if you have any suggestions. We might still do NYC (flights are cheap). I want to go to Reykjavik and rave. Kids think that is horrible idea.

Tl:DR: where should I take the fam over xmas break??

https://www.jlohr.com/visit/san-jose-wine-center

Christmas in NYC vs. the Redbox Bowl?

That doesn't sound like a tough decision.

NigelUno wrote:Christmas in NYC vs. the Redbox Bowl?

That doesn't sound like a tough decision.

I know right? Fucking Delany.

You could drive over the mountain to Santa Cruz and then Monterrey.

NYC is a great place to visit, better in the summer, but still pretty good anytime, especially if you're into eating, drinking and maybe catching a show or museum.

Are the tree people still doing their thing over in Berkley? You could go say hi to them.

There was a six flags there when I was in the navy. That was like 20 years ago. That’s all I got.

Watch Out Pylon! wrote:Are the tree people still doing their thing over in Berkley? You could go say hi to them.

I think they chopped that shit down. Pic from 2008

I'd go north, check out the red woods, coastal highway one, Napa Valley and then head down to the bowl game. Northern California is incredible.

Floyd Robertson wrote:

Thank you Floyd. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Nordic wrote:Trying to plan a family trip over the Xmas break. We were all geared up to head to the bowl game if it was in Florida or NYC. I was really hoping for NYC. Something different, lots of shit to do in NYC. I've never stayed in NYC, only flown in/out/driven through to NJ. I'm not exactly stoked to head to Cali. Was just in San Diego/LA recently and I've been to San Fran, so I did that whole deal already.

What else can we do if we decide to head to the Redbox Bowl? I don't even need to stay in SF or SJ. I'm cool with a staying 4-5 hours out and driving in for the game. But want other shit to do. I see a bunch of National Forests in the area. Are they all burning? Any good hiking destinations? WTF else can we do for 3-4 days? I need tSwill's help on this one.

Other destinations are also on the table if you have any suggestions. We might still do NYC (flights are cheap). I want to go to Reykjavik and rave. Kids think that is horrible idea.

Tl:DR: where should I take the fam over xmas break??

If you going to CA you might consider the gold rush area around Folsom. Some really interesting museums there.   Only about 3 hours out of San Jose.

IF you're into historical stuff the Washington DC area would be ok then since many would be out of town.   The Smithsonian and all the other DC attractions.   Mt Vernon, Monticello, Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg and 15+ civil War Battlefields within an hour's drive.

For a couple years in the 90s we did Christmas at Myrtle Beach.  Too damned cold for ocean swimming but we snuck some golf in and there were indoor waterparks etc.   Very few people were there then so you got VIP treatment everywhere. Rented a house that had like 7-8 bedrooms and slept 18.

Nordic wrote:

Watch Out Pylon! wrote:Are the tree people still doing their thing over in Berkley? You could go say hi to them.

I think they chopped that shit down. Pic from 2008

Ten years later and I’ll bet those damn hippies still haven’t showered.

Or your other option is Big Surr. You ever been? It's unforgettable.

steveschneider wrote:Or your other option is Big Surr. You ever been? It's unforgettable.

Have always wanted to check out the Carmel/Monterey area.

Lake Tahoe is beautiful. I prefer the north end of the lake.

Monterey, Carmel and Santa Cruz are can't go wrong destinations. South facing Santa Cruz claims to have the sunniest weather. Farther south, Santa Barbara is one of the most perfectly beautiful cities in the world and the Santa Ynez wine country is a very short drive if a mini "Sideways" tour is your thing.  Big Sur and Cambria (Hearst Castle) are worthy points of interest on the central coast.

If you see Larry while in your San Jose, can you tell him Bill wants his $20?