Nestled in the heart of Santa Clara County, Calif., Los Altos is a community that beautifully merges the tranquility of small-town life with the vibrancy of Silicon Valley. An outdoors person’s paradise, Los Altos offers many things to do, see, and explore. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a fan of arts and culture, or simply looking to relax in nature, Los Altos won't disappoint. Read on to learn more about ways to enjoy yourself in Los Altos.
Things to Do
Visit the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
A veritable oasis of calm, the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is a six-acre park with stunning redwood trees. You can stroll on the scenic boardwalk that winds through the redwoods, listen to the gentle rustling of leaves, or sit and enjoy the tranquil ambiance by the waterside.
Wander through The Magic Forest
As its enchanting name suggests, The Magic Forest is a singular destination. Located at Hidden Villa, it's an engaging, imaginative outdoor playground that encourages kids to connect with nature and unleash their creativity. This grove of redwoods fascinates children of all ages.
Visit the Magical Bridge Playground
The Magical Bridge Playground is no ordinary playground. It's a universally accessible romp designed to be inclusive for all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun. The playground is the product of Magical Bridge, a foundation that contributes to playgrounds, parks, schools, and museum projects throughout the Bay Area and worldwide.
Stargaze at the Fujitsu Planetarium
At the Fujitsu Planetarium in De Anza College, you can immerse yourself in fascinating celestial shows. This high-tech wonder has a 50-foot domed screen enhanced with a digital surround sound system. The Planetarium accurately models the sky and universe with the latest projection system. It's an excellent outing for families, delivering entertainment and provoking curiosity in all visitors.
Explore the Mountain View Farmers' Market
Experience the vibrant local culture and fresh produce at the Mountain View Farmers' Market. It's a fantastic spot to buy locally grown fruits, vegetables, and artisanal foods while supporting the community's farmers. The market operates each Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Immerse yourself in virtual reality at HyperSpace
Dive into a virtual reality adventure at HyperSpace. With a range of games and experiences, HyperSpace offers uniquely futuristic entertainment. You can book the video arcade and order catering for special celebrations.
Shoot arrows at Palomo Archery
Whether you're a seasoned archer or a beginner, Palomo Archery provides an excellent opportunity to hone your skills. The friendly staff are happy to help newcomers, making it an ideal place for a fun, unique outing. The indoor range is open year-round.
Swing away at Sunnyvale Golfland
If you're looking for some fun-filled activity, visit Sunnyvale Golfland. Its mini-golf courses, arcade games, and fun atmosphere makes it an excellent place for kids and adults.
Relax at the Arizona Garden
Lastly, the Arizona Garden, with its stunning cacti and succulents, offers a unique and serene spot for reflection and relaxation. It's a peaceful retreat that allows you to soak in the beauty of nature.
Parks
Los Altos and surrounding areas offer an array of parks and nature preserves for everyone's taste. From serene nature retreats to family-friendly parks with playgrounds, you will find a place to enjoy the Californian sun and beautiful outdoors.
Bring your dog to Cuesta Park in neighboring Mountain View. Cuesta Park also has tennis courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the kids. Just a few miles away, McKenzie Park and Shoup Park are low-profile parks with picnic areas and playgrounds.
Many Los Altos residents love to escape to the wild at parks like Rancho San Antonio Preserve, which has 25 miles of hiking trails in the foothills of Black Mountain. The aforementioned Redwood Grove Nature Preserve is a low-stress way to visit redwood trees. Foothills Nature Preserve has peaceful hiking trails through varied terrain, including streams and lakes.
Restaurants
The Bay Area has some of the world’s best culinary scenes, and Los Altos lives up to the billing with an eclectic collection of restaurants, new and old. Situated on 3rd St., Los Altos Grill is a well-loved local spot known for its diverse menu and relaxed atmosphere. Its friendly crosstown rival, Redwood Grill Los Altos, offers a welcoming atmosphere with various American dishes to pair with craft beer. Asa is another popular local choice for its elegant setting and contemporary American dishes.
Urfa Bistro on State St. serves the best Mediterranean cuisine in town in a warm, cozy setting. For those wanting to try Georgian cuisine, Bevri and its stellar patio are well worth a visit. If you’re in the mood for Persian, Caspian Restaurant is an excellent choice. You can order Japanese fusion tapas at Gochi in Mountain View, while Hiroshi serves Japanese cuisine closer to home. Whimsical Son & Garden rounds out our favorites with delightful dishes perfect for brunch or dinner.
Work with the best local agents
Whether you’re just browsing or seriously searching Los Altos real estate, there’s one surefire way to succeed — work with the area’s best real estate agent. Investors, sellers, and buyers trust Dustin Owen with their Bay Area real estate endeavors. Dustin works with Campi Group, the product of a merger between Campi Properties and Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty. People love working with Dustin for his well-rounded skill set; each client also benefits from the Sotheby’s brand.
If you want to buy or sell a home or have questions about the Los Altos real estate market, don't hesitate to contact Dustin Owen today.
*Header photo courtesy of the City of Los Altos
