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Menlo Park is a city of about 33,000 people on the San Francisco Peninsula in San Mateo County, California, about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose and right next to Stanford University. Named by early Irish settlers after their home in Menlough, it became a summer retreat for wealthy San Franciscans after the railroad arrived in the 1860s, and later a military training camp during World War I.
Today Menlo Park sits at the heart of Silicon Valley. Venture capital firms line Sand Hill Road, and Meta's headquarters on the bay draws visitors to the famous Like sign at 1 Hacker Way. Downtown along Santa Cruz Avenue has a relaxed small-town feel, with cafes, boutiques and the long-running Kepler's Books.
The city's historic Caltrain station is one of the oldest in California, the Allied Arts Guild preserves Spanish-style craft studios and gardens, and Bedwell Bayfront Park offers walking trails with wide views over the bay. Stanford University and Palo Alto are just across San Francisquito Creek.
The giant thumbs-up Like sign at the entrance to Meta's headquarters campus on the bay, one of the most photographed spots in Silicon Valley. The campus itself is closed to the public, but visitors can take photos at the sign from the roadside area. Visit on a weekday morning and be careful of traffic.
A charming complex built in 1929 in Spanish Colonial style, with whitewashed buildings, tiled fountains and courtyard gardens. It houses small shops, artist studios and a restaurant, and has long supported a children's hospital charity. Wander the gardens on a sunny day; it is a lovely, quiet spot for photos.
An independent bookstore founded in 1955 that became a gathering place for writers, musicians and activists on the Peninsula. Today it stocks a wide range of new books and hosts frequent author talks and literary events. Browse on a weekend afternoon and pair it with coffee at a cafe in the same plaza.
A small Victorian wooden station built in 1867, one of the oldest surviving railroad passenger stations in California and still in use by Caltrain. The old depot building now houses the local chamber of commerce. Admire its gingerbread trim and arrive by train from San Francisco or San Jose to see it in action.
The walkable downtown centered on Santa Cruz Avenue, lined with cafes, bakeries, restaurants and independent shops under shady trees. A Sunday farmers market brings local produce and food stalls nearby. Park in the free public lots behind the street and stroll for an easy afternoon of browsing and eating.
A large park on the shore of San Francisco Bay built on a former landfill, with grassy hills, loop trails and wide views over the salt marshes and the bay. It is great for walking, jogging and birdwatching, especially in winter when shorebirds gather. It can be windy and has little shade, so bring layers.
A San Mateo County park in Menlo Park with large oak trees, lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds and sports fields. It is a popular place for family gatherings and casual games in a relaxed setting. Group picnic areas can be reserved, and a parking fee may apply, so check current details before you go.
A small neighborhood park in the Sharon Heights area with a pond, a gazebo, walking paths and green lawns shaded by trees. Ducks and other waterbirds often gather on the water. It is a peaceful spot for a short walk or picnic, best visited on a calm sunny morning when the pond reflects the trees.
A national research laboratory operated by Stanford University, home to a two-mile-long linear accelerator, one of the longest straight structures in the world. Its research has led to several Nobel Prizes. Public tours are offered on some dates and must be booked in advance with photo ID, so check the lab's website.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: LPS.1, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: LPS.1, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
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