Things To Do In Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, incorporated on December 1, 1952, is a serene suburban city of 31,625 residents (2020 census) on the western edge of Silicon Valley. Once a patchwork of apricot orchards in the “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” it evolved into a quiet bedroom community—strictly limiting commercial zones to its six‑block downtown triangle along State and Main Streets and small office parks lining Foothill Expressway and El Camino Real. Known for its tree‑lined streets, high household incomes, and commitment to green spaces, Los Altos balances a rich local history—Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first Apple I computers here—with family‑oriented amenities like award‑winning parks, a vibrant farmers’ market, and an intimate community theater.
Los Altos History Museum
51 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Los Altos History Museum (51 S San Antonio Rd) preserves and interprets the city’s transformation from agricultural haven to tech hub. Founded in 2001 on one of the few remaining apricot orchards, the 8,200 ft² facility houses the permanent “Crown of the Peninsula” exhibit—a 1932 diorama complete with a running O‑scale model train—alongside rotating galleries that explore local Native American heritage, railroad history, and agrarian life. Admission is free; open Thursday–Sunday, noon–4 p.m. The museum’s outdoor courtyard and the adjacent J. Gilbert Smith House enhance its pastoral setting, while educational programs—from student tours to history‑inspired workshops—engage all ages.
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve
482 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Redwood Grove Nature Preserve (482 University Ave) is a six‑acre oasis featuring a boardwalk and unpaved Hillside Trail along Adobe Creek. Originally purchased in 1974, the preserve shelters transplanted coast redwoods, oak woodlands, and native meadow ecosystems, all undergoing periodic restoration by Acterra volunteers. The Halsey House, a 1920s Spanish Revival landmark, sits beside the creek and once housed the Florence Fava Ohlone collection before its move to the History Museum. Picnic tables, benches, and interpretive signage throughout the preserve offer quiet spots for reflection amid towering trunks and seasonal wildflowers.
Shoup Park
400 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Shoup Park (400 University Ave) spans 3.7 acres adjacent to Adobe Creek, connected by a trail to Redwood Grove. It features two age‑segmented playgrounds, open lawns for frisbee and kites, picnic shelters (Garden House and Patriot Corner), BBQ pits, and restrooms. Public art includes the “Cradle of Liberty” sculpture, and the Underground Teen Center hosts youth programs. Reservations for picnic areas ensure community gatherings, while overflow parking on University Avenue makes the park easily accessible. Closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., Shoup Park is a hidden residential‑area gem cherished for its blend of active and passive recreation.
Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market
200 State St, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market operates Thursdays, 4–8 p.m. (May–October) along State Street between 2nd and 4th Streets. Organized by the California Farmers’ Market Association and the Los Altos Village Association, it features over 50 certified growers and artisans offering seasonal fruits (stone fruits, berries), vegetables (Asian specialties, heirlooms), flowers, cheeses, and prepared foods. Live music, wine by the glass, and specialty hot‑food vendors enliven the street, while kids and pets (pets not allowed) enjoy communal tables. Proceeds support local agriculture and foster vibrant community interaction.
Los Altos Public Library
13 S San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Los Altos Public Library (13 S San Antonio Rd) sits within a historic apricot orchard on the Civic Center campus. Since 1946, it’s offered an extensive collection—books, e‑media, DVDs—alongside public computers, free Wi‑Fi, meeting and study rooms, and electric‑vehicle charging. The Orchard Room hosts storytimes, author talks, and cultural exhibits; the History Center preserves local archives. In 2025, a community‑driven renovation plan seeks to modernize facilities while maintaining natural‑light–filled reading areas. Outside, a segment of the Berlin Wall symbolizes global freedom.
Heritage Oaks Park
Miramonte Ave &, Portland Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024, United States
Heritage Oaks Park (Miramonte Ave & Portland Ave) covers 5.33 acres, with separate playgrounds for preschoolers and older children, open turf areas for soccer and tag, picnic tables, BBQ pits, and restrooms. Named for its mature oak groves, the park is a neighborhood favorite for birthday parties and casual gatherings. Pedestrian pathways meander under branching limbs, creating shaded retreats. Picnic reservations are available for full or half days, and the park’s proximity to Los Altos High School makes it a hub for youth sports and family picnics.
Los Altos Community Center
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Los Altos Community Center (97 Hillview Ave) is a 24,500 ft² sustainable facility opened in October 2021. It houses multi‑purpose rooms with AV systems, a commercial kitchen, senior and teen spaces, and flexible gathering areas. Outdoors, a playground, bocce courts, and a future café site invite communal use. The center offers classes—from art to fitness—and event rentals for weddings, seminars, and community meetings. LEED‑inspired design and solar power underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Veterans Community Plaza
Main St &, State St, Los Altos, CA 94022, United States
Veterans Community Plaza (Main St & State St) is Downtown Los Altos’s flexible open‑air venue, often used for seasonal festivals, small concerts, and civic gatherings. This reservable plaza accommodates up to 75 people and features a raised stage area, picnic tables, and power outlets for vendor booths or sound systems. Located at the corner of Main and State Streets—just steps from Castro Street’s shops and eateries—it’s the epicenter for events like the annual Valentine’s Choco‑Stroll and Summer Concert Series. Its central location, combined with easy parking and adjacent sidewalk patios, makes Veterans Community Plaza a natural gathering spot for both residents and visitors.
Grant Park Community Center
1575 Holt Ave, Los Altos, CA 94024, United States
Grant Park & Community Center (1575 Holt Ave) serves South Los Altos with both active recreation facilities and reservable community spaces. The indoor Community Center offers four classrooms with sinks and counter space, a large multi‑purpose room complete with stage and commercial kitchen, and accessible restrooms—ideal for meetings, birthday parties, and small seminars. Outside, visitors can enjoy a full‑size natural‑grass soccer field, an outdoor basketball court, and a playground featuring age‑appropriate climbing structures and a toddler water‑play area.
Los Altos Golf & Country Club
1560 Country Club Dr, Los Altos, CA 94024, United States
Los Altos Golf & Country Club (1560 Country Club Dr) is a private, member‑only club established in 1923, featuring an 18‑hole, par‑71 course set against the Santa Cruz Mountains backdrop. Originally designed by Tom Nicoll and renovated in 2004, the course challenges golfers with strategically placed bunkers and undulating greens while offering picturesque fairways lined with mature oaks. The clubhouse anchors a suite of amenities—two Har‑Tru tennis courts, a heated outdoor pool, fitness center with personal trainers, and dining rooms showcasing seasonal California cuisine curated by an award‑winning chef.