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Even when summer's officially over, a trip to the beach can make any day brighter. Whether you're seeking fun or relaxation, the best beaches near and dear to San Jose, CA will whet your appetite for a sandy getaway. 8 of the Best Beaches Near San Jose, CA 1. Santa Cruz Beach San Jose is nestled in the Silicon Valley, but you won't have to travel far to enjoy some coastal waves. Exhibit A is Santa Cruz's main beach, also dubbed Boardwalk Beach for its plentiful family-friendly entertainment options. The water's not too rough and populated by several lifeguards, so kids in particular should enjoy a great time. more They don't dub Santa Cruz Surf City for nothing. Ride some righteous waves whether you're a beginner or ready for Olympic-style competition. 2. Natural Bridges State Beach Another Santa Cruz hot spot, the star attraction of this postcard-worthy beach is the majestic limestone arch that stands faithful guard over the beautiful blue seas. Aside from the many snapshots, you can take for your memory book, you can also embark on a trip along a stunning trail brimming with monarch butterflies. 3. Ano Nuevo State Park If you love wildlife, and especially sea life, this natural reserve is the spot for you. Guided walks most months of the year will take you along a lively beach where you can observe sea birds, sea lions, and sea otters. The charming and sprawling populations of elephant seals dotting the shoreline keep captivated tourists coming back for more. 4. Gray Whale Cove San Mateo's offering lives up to its name. Another beloved respite for nature lovers, the impeccable beaches at this destination beckon sunbathers who enjoy one of the coast's most spectacular shows when the gray whales come to play. The safe journey down the “Devil's Slide” path will leave you in paradise. 5. Waddell Beach Frequent Highway 1 travelers can attest to the scenic feast for the eyes this beach affords. Watch the talented windsurfers and kite-boarders that call this refuge home. Venture along the beach yourself and take home some of Mother Nature's best souvenirs, like authentic sand dollars, blue stones, and seashells galore. If you'd prefer a sea-scape in miniature, a serene creek awaits in close vicinity. 6. Shark Fin Beach Don't let that large “shark fin” jutting from the ocean scare you away. The namesake rock that welcomes you to Davenport Cove is more unique conversation starter than a menacing threat. If you want to soak in the hidden coves that make this part of California so spectacular, no better destination exists than this quiet haven. 7. Capitola Beach This Monterey Bay hot spot draws faithful crowds on a routine basis for a reason. The magnet for sunset watchers, sailors, swimmers, sandcastle-builders, and every beachy excursion in-between is the quintessential California beaching experience. Add in the many community-inspired beach events, and you have an experience young and old alike can enjoy with ease. 8. Cull Canyon If you don't need the ocean to soak in a great beach experience, consider a day trip to this charming lake beach. At a mere 38 miles from San Jose, the lake adventure is the closest sandy destination in sight.

Sometimes, you need a little help staying cool on the hottest days. If you're feeling the heat and need a cold treat to help you get through it, you can't do better than the ice cream and frozen yogurt served up at the local spots we highlighted below. You'll find all of them in the San Jose, CA area, giving you plenty of local options to pick from next time you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. 5 of the Best Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Places Near San Jose, CA 1. Sweet Fix Creamery All-natural, premium frozen yogurt created from fresh and locally sourced ingredients makes every visit to Sweet Fix an absolute delight. They've got dozens of flavors of frozen yogurt and Italian ice for you to choose from, letting you try something new each time you come in for a visit. They also bake plenty of goodies right on their site, giving you the option of having your favorite scoops sandwiched between two fresh-baked cookies. more 2. Icicles If you've never had your frozen yogurt rolled before, come on down to Icicles to experience this trendy new way to eat your dessert for yourself. They have a wide selection of different flavors for you to get the confection of your dreams, from the zen-inducing Gotcha Matcha to the fruity taste of their It's a Rasp flavor. In addition to their dessert options, they also offer a selection of craft tea drinks that make a refreshing beverage any time. 3. Smitten We can see how this place got its name; after just a few bites, we think we might be in love too. Unique flavors like American Pie or Equator Coffee make for some one-of-a-kind cold treats unlike anything you'll find anywhere else. Get yours by the pint to take home with you or order it on a cone to get a handheld way of enjoying a frozen confection. 4. Sweet Rendezvous Magical scoops and tasty memories are waiting for you at Sweet Rendezvous. Their Heaven flavor is appropriately named because every spoonful of vanilla mixed with brownie pieces and peanut butter took us to paradise. Don't miss out on their fresh-baked goods, because the s'mores bar we tried here was a snack worth coming back for. 5. Willow Glen Creamery Ever since opening in 2002, Willow Glen Creamery has been working tirelessly towards its goal of putting smiles on the faces of their neighbors in their community with the treats they serve up. We were sure smiling ear to ear by the time our visit here was done. Do yourself a favor and order their classic sundaes, giving you all the toppings you could dream of served on top of your favorite scoops. You're sure to walk away smiling when you try the desserts from these local spots.