Menlo Park CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Menlo Park, California.
1. Allied Arts Guild
HISTORIC ART HAVEN
Allied Arts Guild is a charming complex featuring art galleries, studios, and beautiful gardens in Menlo Park. Visitors can explore the Spanish Colonial-style buildings, browse handcrafted items from local artisans, and enjoy the peaceful courtyards and landscaped grounds. The Guild also houses a restaurant and serves as a venue for special events and community gatherings.
2. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a world-renowned research facility operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy. The laboratory houses a 2-mile-long particle accelerator and conducts groundbreaking research in physics, chemistry, materials science, and biology. Visitors can take educational tours to learn about cutting-edge scientific discoveries and the history of this impressive facility.
3. Bedwell Bayfront Park
BAY AREA NATURE ESCAPE
Bedwell Bayfront Park offers 160 acres of open space with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and panoramic vistas from the park's hilltop location. The park, built on a former landfill, now serves as an important recreational area and wildlife habitat.
4. Kepler's Books
LITERARY LANDMARK SINCE 1955
Kepler's Books is an iconic independent bookstore that has been a cultural institution in Menlo Park since 1955. The store offers an extensive collection of books across genres, hosts regular author events, and has been a gathering place for intellectuals and book lovers for decades. Kepler's commitment to community and literary culture makes it more than just a bookstore, but a beloved local landmark.
5. Fremont Park
DOWNTOWN GREEN SPACE
Fremont Park is a centrally located green space in the heart of downtown Menlo Park. The park features a playground, picnic areas, and open lawns perfect for relaxation or community events. It regularly hosts summer concerts, festivals, and other public gatherings that bring the community together.
6. Flood Park
RECREATION AND RELAXATION
Flood Park is a 21-acre county park offering diverse recreational facilities for visitors of all ages. The park includes baseball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a playground nestled among heritage oak trees. Its shaded grounds provide a perfect setting for family gatherings, sports activities, and peaceful nature walks.
7. Woodside Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Woodside Vineyards offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in the heart of Silicon Valley. The vineyard specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines made from locally grown grapes with a focus on quality over quantity. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings while learning about the vineyard's history and winemaking processes.
8. Peabody Gallery Fine Art And Framing
CURATED ART EXPERIENCE
Peabody Gallery Fine Art And Framing has been a destination for art lovers in Menlo Park since 1989. The gallery showcases collections from distinguished artists alongside offering expert custom framing services. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions and find unique pieces that range from contemporary to classical styles.
9. The Main Gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
The Main Gallery is an artist-run cooperative gallery featuring contemporary works by local Bay Area artists. The gallery hosts regularly changing exhibitions spanning various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Art enthusiasts can meet the artists during opening receptions and special events throughout the year.
10. Menlo Park Train Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY LANDMARK
The Menlo Park Train Station is a charming historical landmark that has served the community since 1867. This Victorian-style building represents one of the oldest continuously operating train stations in California. Beyond its practical function as a Caltrain stop, the station stands as an architectural gem that connects the city to its transportation heritage.
11. Church of the Nativity
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
The Church of the Nativity is a beautiful historic church that has been serving the Menlo Park community for generations. Its distinctive architecture features stained glass windows and traditional design elements that showcase religious artistry. The church continues to function as both a place of worship and a significant historical landmark in the city.
12. Stanford Shopping Center
UPSCALE OUTDOOR MALL
Stanford Shopping Center is an upscale open-air shopping mall located near Menlo Park in neighboring Palo Alto. The center features over 140 world-class stores, restaurants, and services set among beautiful gardens and outdoor art installations. Shoppers can enjoy luxury brands, dining options, and seasonal events in this elegant retail destination.
13. Facebook (Meta) Campus
TECH GIANT HEADQUARTERS
Facebook's (now Meta) headquarters is a sprawling campus that serves as the nerve center for one of the world's largest tech companies. The campus features innovative architecture, employee amenities, and occasionally offers limited public tours or events. While primarily a workplace, the campus represents Menlo Park's significant role in the technology industry.
14. Stanford University
PRESTIGIOUS ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Stanford University is a world-renowned academic institution located just minutes from Menlo Park. Visitors can explore the beautiful campus with its distinctive sandstone buildings, Rodin sculpture garden, and the impressive Hoover Tower offering panoramic views of the area. The university also houses several museums including the Cantor Arts Center and Anderson Collection that are open to the public.
15. The Dish Hiking Trail
SCENIC HILLSIDE WALK
The Dish Hiking Trail is a popular 3.5-mile paved loop located in the Stanford foothills near Menlo Park. Named after the prominent radio telescope visible along the route, the trail offers spectacular views of the entire Bay Area. Hikers enjoy the moderately challenging terrain while experiencing beautiful California landscapes and occasional wildlife sightings.