Silicon Valley

Beyond the Tech Hubs: Charming Towns, Historic Estates, and Natural Beauty

Silicon Valley may be synonymous with technology, but there’s much more to discover beyond its famous corporate campuses. Historic estates and beautiful gardens reveal the peninsula’s quieter side. Lively downtowns offer excellent dining, while sprawling open-space preserves that climb into the Santa Cruz Mountains invite outdoor exploration.

Los Altos

Nestled between major tech hubs, Los Altos’ tree-lined village is a charming retreat from the surrounding sprawl of Silicon Valley. Its walkable downtown is lined with upscale shops and inviting neighborhood restaurants. At the nearby Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, hikers can wander through oak woodlands and shaded canyons before climbing into the foothills for sweeping views of the valley.

Palo Alto

Home to Stanford University, Palo Alto combines intellectual vibrancy with an appealing downtown filled with independent shops and acclaimed restaurants. Explore Stanford’s beautiful campus and the impressive collections of the Cantor Arts Center. Nearby, the historic Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden offers a peaceful retreat among heritage gardens surrounding a turn-of-the-century home.

Redwood City, Atherton, and Woodside

Farther north, Redwood City has developed a lively arts and entertainment scene centered around historic Courthouse Square. Catch a performance at the beautifully restored Fox Theatre, then enjoy dinner at one of downtown’s many restaurants. From there, a scenic drive cuts through the ultra-exclusive residential enclave of Atherton—famous for its sprawling billionaire estates and its status as the most expensive ZIP code in the country—before giving way to the rustic charm of Woodside. Here, the grand country estate of Filoli invites visitors to explore an elegant Georgian Revival mansion and 16 acres of formal gardens. Farther into the foothills, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers scenic hikes through grasslands and redwood forests.

Millbrae

Closest to San Francisco and the San Francisco International Airport, Millbrae is a major transit hub, but it’s more than just a waystation. Explore the lively Broadway district for its world-class Asian dining and authentic dim sum. At Bayfront Park, stroll the shoreline paths and watch the planes take off over the water at SFO. 

For more inspiration and local travel information, visit The San Francisco Peninsula.