One of the best things about living in San Jose is how many completely different weekends are within a few hours' drive. Here are the three I come back to.
1. Big Sur (for the drama)
Roughly two and a half hours south, and worth every minute. The trick is to not rush — pull over at the turnouts, take the photos, let the kiddo nap in the car between stops.
2. Lake Tahoe (for the reset)
About four hours up. In summer it's lake swims and pine air; in winter it's snow. Either way I come home feeling like I actually went somewhere.
3. Wine country back roads (for the slow charm)
Healdsburg has a walkable town square and enough good food to fill a weekend. Even with a toddler, it's surprisingly easy-going.
Doing it with a little one
- Leave during nap time and let the drive do the work.
- Pack the car the night before — mornings are chaos.
- Build in more stops than you think you need.
