Sunday, August 10, 2025

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🗓️ Proposed Day Itinerary (Combining All 3)

✅ Combo Trip: Monterey Bay Aquarium + 17-Mile Drive + Taste of Big Sur

https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/

Redwood city to Monterey Bay Aquarium  ( 90 mikes 1.35 h) 

Day Trip Itinerary – Redwood City → Monterey → Santa Clara

8:30 AM – Depart Redwood City

  • Take US-101 South toward Monterey.

  • Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min without stops.

10:15 AM – Arrive in Monterey Bay Aquarium

  • Spend ~2 hours exploring exhibits like the Open Sea, Kelp Forest, and Sea Otters.

  • Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the line.

12:15 PM – Lunch at Cannery Row

  • Restaurants nearby:

    • The Fish Hopper (ocean views, seafood)

    • Lalla Oceanside Grill (modern, scenic)

    • Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop for dessert.

  • Time: ~1 hour.

1:30 PM – Scenic Pacific Grove Coastal Drive

  • Take Ocean View Blvd through Pacific Grove → Lovers Point Park for photo stop.

  • Continue along the rocky shoreline before starting 17-Mile Drive.

2:00 PM – Start 17-Mile Drive

  • Entrance fee: ~$12 per vehicle.

  • Key stops (spend 5–15 min at each):

    1. Spanish Bay – sweeping beach.

    2. The Restless Sea at Point Joe.

    3. China Rock.

    4. Bird Rock – seals & cormorants.

    5. Fanshell Overlook – possible harbor seals.

    6. Lone Cypress – iconic photo spot.

    7. Pescadero Point – dramatic views.

  • Total time: ~1.5–2 hrs including stops.

4:00 PM – Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • Stroll quaint streets, peek at art galleries, or walk down to Carmel Beach.

  • Coffee or pastry stop at Carmel Bakery.

  • Time: ~1 hr.

5:15 PM – Early Dinner in Carmel

  • Options:

    • La Bicyclette (rustic European)

    • Casanova (romantic, cozy)

    • Forge in the Forest (casual, outdoor patio)

6:30 PM – Optional Sunset Stop

  • If skies are clear, head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (closes at sunset) or back to Pacific Grove for the Lover’s Point sunset.

  • Great time for photography.

8:00 PM – Depart for Santa Clara

  • Drive time: ~1 hr 45 min.

9:45–10:00 PM – Arrive at Quality Inn, Santa Clara

  • Check in and unwind.

Tips

  • Gas up before leaving Redwood City.

  • Dress in layers — Monterey and Carmel can be windy and chilly, even in summer.

  • Bring binoculars for spotting sea otters and seals.

  • Keep snacks and water in the car to save time between scenic stops.


🕒 3:00 PM – Continue Down to Big Sur (Optional)
Drive ~30–45 min further south. Stop at Bixby Bridge or McWay Falls (if time allows).

🕔 5:00 PM – Start Return to Santa Clara
You’ll catch golden hour driving back up the coast!

🕖 7:00–7:30 PM – Arrive Back in Santa Clara


Santa CLara

Day 1 – Tech & History Focus

9:00 AM – Intel Museum (~1.5 hrs)

  • Free admission, interactive exhibits on microchip technology, Intel history, and how semiconductors work.

  • Great for both tech enthusiasts and casual visitors.

10:45 AM – Mission Santa Clara de Asís (~1 hr)

  • On the Santa Clara University campus.

  • Beautiful historic mission church and gardens, founded in 1777.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Santana Row (San Jose) (~1.5 hrs)

  • 10 min drive.

  • Upscale outdoor shopping/dining area with cafes, patios, and boutique shops.

  • Options: Left Bank Brasserie (French), Yard House (American), EMC Seafood.

1:45 PM – Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (San Jose) (~1.5 hrs)

  • Largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Western North America.

  • Highlights: mummies, replica tomb, ancient tools and jewelry.

3:30 PM – Quick Coffee & Stroll at Rose Garden (15 min drive from museum)

  • San Jose Municipal Rose Garden — peaceful spot to wrap up the day.

Day 2 – Parks & Culture Focus

9:00 AM – Central Park & Triton Museum of Art (~1.5 hrs)

  • Central Park: lakeside paths, ducks, shady trees.

  • Triton Museum: free admission, California artists and contemporary works.

10:45 AM – Levi’s Stadium Tour (~1.5 hrs)

  • Home of the SF 49ers. Tours include field access, locker rooms, and 49ers Museum.

12:15 PM – Lunch at Rivermark Village (~1 hr)

  • Options: Piatti (Italian), Inchin’s Bamboo Garden (Indo-Chinese), Habit Burger.

1:15 PM – California’s Great America Grounds / Red Morton Park (flex depending on interest)

  • If theme parks appeal: check if Great America is open for rides.

  • If not, Red Morton Park offers walking trails and sports fields.

2:30 PM – Visit Sunnyvale Farmers Market or Japanese Garden in San Jose

  • Farmers Market (Sat only) for local produce & snacks.

  • Japanese Friendship Garden (inside Kelley Park) for koi ponds and landscaped gardens.

Extra Things to Mix In If Time Allows

  • Winchester Mystery House (San Jose) – quirky, maze-like mansion.

  • South Bay Historical Railroad Society Museum – small but fun for train fans.

  • Hiking at Alviso Marina County Park – flat wetlands with bird watching.


🚗 Day Trip Itinerary: Santa Clara → San Jose → Sunnyvale

🗓️ Total Distance Covered: ~20–25 miles round trip

🕘 Ideal Duration: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

🎯 Main Attractions: History, tech, quirky architecture, nature, and a bit of shopping

🕘 9:30 AM – Depart Santa Clara

Start your day with a quick breakfast at a local café (e.g., Voyager Craft Coffee in Santa Clara or Philz Coffee nearby).

🕥 10:00 AM – Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)

  • Duration: ~1.5–2 hours

  • Details: Explore the bizarre and legendary mansion with staircases that go nowhere, secret doors, and a fascinating backstory.

  • Tip: Book the Explore More Tour if you’re into the spookier side!

📍 525 S Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA

🕛 12:00 PM – Lunch at Santana Row (5 min walk from Winchester)

  • Options: Left Bank Brasserie (French), Mendocino Farms (gourmet sandwiches), or Pizza Antica

  • Vibe: Upscale shopping and dining district with European-style streets

🕐 1:30 PM – Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

  • Duration: 1 hour

  • Details: An unexpectedly fascinating museum dedicated to ancient Egypt—mummies, artifacts, and more

  • Kid-friendly and great for history buffs!

📍 1660 Park Ave, San Jose, CA

🕝 2:45 PM – Central Park, Santa Clara OR Heritage Orchard Park (Sunnyvale)

  • Option A: Relax at Santa Clara Central Park – picnic, short walk, or paddle boat

  • Option B: Head toward Sunnyvale’s Heritage Orchard & Civic Center Park – peaceful and unique with a slice of local history

🕓 4:00 PM – Murphy Avenue (Downtown Sunnyvale)

  • Explore: A charming street lined with local shops, cafés, and dessert spots

  • Grab: Ice cream at Scoop Microcreamery or a drink at Rabbit's Foot Meadery

🕔 5:00 PM – Head back to Santa Clara

A short 15-minute drive back rounds out a satisfying, low-stress day exploring the best of the South Bay.

📝 Bonus Stops (Optional If You Have Time)

  • The Tech Interactive (San Jose): Hands-on tech and science exhibits

  • Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park: Serene walking paths and koi ponds

  • Apple Park Visitor Center (Cupertino): Sleek gift shop and AR experience of Apple HQ

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