This Urban Hub Is an Entertainment Mecca for All Types of Activities
Silicon Valley, San Jose, is known as a tech hub with a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. That’s cool and all…but did you know it’s also a great place to shop and dine? Tucked in the heart of town, Santana Row is an outdoor destination with dynamic shops, eateries, cafes and fitness studios. It’s the type of luxury you’d expect from the hometown of Google, Apple and Adobe—think trendy yoga studios, designer clothing brands and a Tesla showroom, of course. The layout is perfect for enjoying the California sunshine, with palm-tree-lined streets and plenty of outdoor patios and seating areas. The vibe is always fun and lively, often including live music, art installations and community events drawing in locals and tourists alike. If you’re new to the area and overwhelmed with all the wonderful choices this place offers, keep reading. We’ve put together the perfect full-day itinerary, with everything worth doing at Santana Row, from morning coffee to evening cocktails. This is your perfect Santana Row itinerary.
Here are all of the activities we recommend for the perfect 24 hours in San Jose.
9 a.m. Coffee at Blue Bottle
It’s a good thing you’re here early because this place gets packed. When you arrive, park in the S Winchester Blvd lot between Olin and Olsen. That’ll get you closest to where you want to be for today’s adventures. Head to Blue Bottle Coffee (just east of the lot), which is a cute little white brick building between the rows of shops. You can’t go wrong with a hot sweet latte or the seasonal single origin pour over. Enjoy your coffee with some people-watching in Oak Tree Lounge, the relaxing tree-filled area right outside. Now you are all fueled up for your Santana Row itinerary!
10 a.m. Workout at Hot 8 Yoga
Once your caffeine buzz kicks in, you’ll be ready to get your sweat on at Hot 8 Yoga. Head up toward Olin Ave and take a left—you can’t miss its big, beautiful entryway on the corner. We’re sure you’ve been to plenty of yoga studios, but believe us when we say there’s none quite as luxurious as this one. They’ve got large keyless lockers, cold eucalyptus face towels, showers stocked with eco-friendly products and Manduka mats for rent. And when it comes to getting your sweat on, Hot 8 Yoga at Santana Row offers everything from yoga barre and yoga sculpt to slow-moving yin classes.
11:15 a.m. Quick Refuel at Pressed Juicery
Once you’ve showered off all that sweat and are ready for some rehydration, head next door to Pressed Juicery for a quick refuel. You’re heading to lunch in about an hour, so we don’t recommend filling up on a smoothie bowl or frozen yogurt, but they do have tons of cold-pressed juices to choose from. If you’re in it for the flavor, we recommend something fruity and hydrating like the Citrus 1. If you’re a veggie-lover, brave the Greens 3. Or you can get the best of both worlds with the Greens 2, which is packed with apple, cucumber, celery, lemon, spinach, kale and parsley. We skipped the juice today and headed straight for their vegan acai ice cream with goji berries and it was so refreshing.
11:45 a.m. Spring Shopping at Vuori
Vuori—to know it is to love it. If you don’t know it, run, don’t walk about a block up Santana Row to find your new favorite athleisure store. You can’t miss its gorgeous storefront with big glass windows, wood paneling and the classic Vuori sign. Through the windows, you’ll find all the coziness your heart desires (because who likes wearing jeans these days anyway?). You’ve heard of day-to-night, but have you heard of work-from-home-day-job-to-yoga-class-to-bed? Talk about versatility. Their buttery smooth leggings and comfy hoodies will have you hooked for life. We found some great options for both of us. We should have come here before the yoga TBH.
12:30 p.m. Lunch at Pizza Antica
Worked up an appetite from all that shopping and yoga and the ice acai wasn’t enough? There’s no better place to enjoy some delicious food and a sunny day in San Jose than the outdoor patio under their cute umbrellas at Pizza Antica. Exit Vuori and look just across the row to your left for a gold, rustic sign and the sweet smell of woodfired pizza. Sitting on the patio, you’ll be right in the action, soaking up the vibes of happy shoppers wandering by. Pair that with a glass of chardonay and a fennel sausage pizza with portobello mushrooms and roasted onions? Can’t get much better if you ask us. There are so many activities!
2 p.m. Spring Shopping at PAIGE and Marine Layer
How are you feeling now? Hopefully, lunch gave you just enough energy to hit a few more shops because PAIGE and Marine Layer are nearby and your new spring wardrobe awaits. For those days when you actually need to leave the house and put on jeans, PAIGE is your best friend. Their denim is so comfy you might as well be in your leggings.
“We loved their staff and left with two pairs each. We had no idea jeans could be so comfy.”
And for that effortlessly laid-back-yet-put-together spring style, Marine Layer’s got your back with maxi dresses, jumpsuits, cotton tees and cozy cardigans. There store front is a short walk from Paige (across from the Vintage Wine Bar). My wife fell in love with another pair of jeans, this time creme with cute wide legs. Your Santa Ana itinerary is halfway over!
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3 p.m. Midday Refuel at Vintage Wine Bar
Just down the row past Blue Bottle in the center, you’ll find Vintage Wine Bar—aka your next pick-me-up (can’t let that lunch buzz wear off!). They’ve got a gorgeous outdoor patio that’ll make you feel like you’re on a European vacation as you sit and sip a glass of rosé or a refreshing Aperol Spritz. They have a wide selection of wines from around the world, including red, white, rosé and sparkling. If you’re feeling indecisive, don’t worry. You can try three different kinds with a Vintage Flight!
5 p.m. Dinner at Zazil Cocina
“We highly recommend the table side guacamole!”
Just down the street on the corner, you’ll find Zazil Cocina, a traditional-meets-modern Mexican restaurant with creative dishes and bold flavors. This south-of-the-border staple has a gorgeous atmosphere with hanging plants, pendant lamps, wooden tables and big green cacti. As soon as you sit down, you’ll be greeted with some fresh chips and salsa and a chance to look over the menu. We highly recommend the table side guacamole, it was so fresh, we loved it and the presentation. Their skilled bartenders whip up handcrafted cocktails and custom drinks (which they can also make table side) , or your waiter can provide the perfect wine rec to pair with your meal. For food, we recommend the ceviche camaron or the chile relleno—they’re the real deal.
7 p.m. Dessert at Smitten Ice Cream
Okay, we know you’re probably full from that incredible dinner, but you can’t leave Santana Row without stopping for something sweet! Smitten Ice Cream is a family favorite, with delicious flavors and a unique ice cream-making technique. They use liquid nitrogen to make your frozen treat right in front of you, so you get to watch it appear beneath giant clouds of vapor (it’s quite the show!). You get to choose your base flavor and toppings to create your ideal post-dinner treat. Don’t worry—you can walk it off on the way to the car.
Local Insight: Try the cookie dough with pretzels and chocolate chips in malted brown sugar ice cream for the perfect balance of salty and sweet!
We hope you enjoyed our Santana Row perfect day out!
Santana Row
377 Santana Row
San Jose, CA 95128
408.551.4611
@santanarow
Erik Hale is the visionary and publisher behind LOCALE Magazine. He launched the magazine in 2010, wanting to give the community of OC a premiere lifestyle magazine that knew all the native knowledge behind OC. “Six years ago Ashley and I sat at a table scratching the name LOCALE (among some other names) onto a sheet of paper,” says Erik, “coming up with story ideas and basically dreaming. Everything we imagined has happened and we have been blessed with so much more. I am so grateful as we start another year for my family, my two wonderful children, my health, our amazing writers, designers and photographers, our advertising partners and you.”
