Day Trippin' › California › From San Jose › Emerald Bay State Park
The drive from San Jose to Emerald Bay State Park takes about 3 hr 42 min (northeast of San Jose), by real roads from ZIP 95112. Along the way we found 95 stops within a short detour: 24 coffee shops, 3 bakeries, 17 ice cream and treats and 28 places to eat.
The list below is the best few of each kind, in driving order, with how far into the drive you reach each one (counted from San Jose) and the detour it adds. Stops marked Our pick are chosen by us; the rest come from OpenStreetMap listings, so confirm hours before you count on them.
Photo: Eric Philbin, CC0
State park
Tahoe's most photographed view: a deep green bay with tiny Fannette Island, seen from the roadside overlooks on Highway 89.
Heads-up: Federal passes are not accepted and the lots fill early on summer days. In winter Highway 89 here often needs chains or 4WD, and storms can close the road.
First third Middle third Last third Emerald Bay State Park
About 3 hr 42 min by road, heading northeast from the middle of ZIP 95112. Traffic and weather change that.
Good ones to start with: Tower Cafe Sacramento (Sacramento). The page lists 29 in all, in driving order.
Bagel Street Cafe in Pleasanton, Boba Bliss in Dublin, Milk Tea Lab in Pleasant Hill and Batter 'N Icing in Pleasant Hill. Check hours first; they come from OpenStreetMap listings.
Plucked Chicken & Beer in Pleasanton, Mexico Lindo in Pleasanton, The Royale in Pleasant Hill and Mikuni in Pacheco.
American Armory Museum in Chadbourne, Pena Adobe Park in Vacaville, Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon and Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area in Swingle.
Drive times are by road on a typical day from ZIP <class 'zip'> (OpenStreetMap data with the OSRM route planner). Stops come from our own picks and OpenStreetMap listings; hours and detours change, so check before you go. We do not store anyone's location.