Attractions and Places To See around Mountain View - Top 20

Mountain View offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore the extensive Bedwell Bayfront Park, which is ideal for hiking, running, cycling, and birdwatching. The park is part of the San Francisco Bay Trail, offering a 2.3-mile perimeter trail. Another popular option is the San Tomas Aquino Creek, which features a scenic route for cyclists and hikers, crossed by the SF Bay Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, Junipero Serra Boulevard provides a generous, paved bike lane for a smooth ride. You can find more routes in the Cycling around Mountain View guide.

Yes, Mountain View has several family-friendly options. Sleeper Park is a charming small park with trails, gardens, and grassy areas, suitable for easy walks. Shoreline at Mountain View Park is another excellent choice, offering wide-open spaces and a wildlife sanctuary. Within Shoreline Park, Shoreline Lake is perfect for activities like kayaking, biking, and strolling. The Easy hikes around Mountain View guide lists routes like the Rengstorff Park Loop and Sylvan Park Loop, which are great for families.

For birdwatching and wildlife viewing, Bedwell Bayfront Park is highly recommended. It is surrounded by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, increasing your chances of spotting various species. Shoreline at Mountain View Park also features a wildlife sanctuary known for its rare migratory birds. The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, just north of Mountain View, offers peaceful views of salt marshes and wetlands, making it another excellent spot for birdwatching.

Mountain View boasts several significant historical sites. The Rengstorff House, built in 1867, is the city's oldest standing structure and a beautifully restored Victorian Italianate mansion located in Shoreline Park. You can also visit the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum at Moffett Field to learn about its crucial role in aerospace history. The Historic Adobe Building, a Great Depression-era structure, served as Mountain View's first community center and has a rich local history. For more information on local history, you can visit the Mountain View Historical Society website.

The Computer History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of technology. It houses one of the world's most significant collections of computing artifacts, with over 20,000 items and interactive displays that illustrate how computers have transformed our world. While the Googleplex (Google Headquarters) is not fully open to the public, you can explore the surrounding areas, see the famous Android statues, and get a sense of the innovative tech culture.

Yes, Mountain View offers a vibrant cultural scene. The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts hosts a wide array of theatrical, musical, and dance performances throughout the year. The city is also home to one of California's largest farmers' markets, held every Sunday at the Caltrain Station, offering fresh produce and artisanal products. The Mountain View Public Library is a state-of-the-art facility with various classes and events, including a historical room.

Lupe the Mammoth is a striking 12.5-foot tall galvanized steel sculpture located near the Guadalupe River. This man-made monument was inspired by the discovery of a mammoth skeleton in 2005. The artwork is a popular public art installation, blending technology-driven design with hand-crafted sensibilities, and is a unique photo opportunity.

While the Googleplex itself is not fully open for public tours, visitors can explore the surrounding campus areas. You can see the iconic Android statues, admire the quirky Google bikes, and experience the innovative atmosphere of the Google campus from the outside. It's a popular spot for photos and to get a glimpse into the heart of Silicon Valley.

Castro Street is the bustling main downtown strip of Mountain View. It's lined with an eclectic mix of historic structures, diverse restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightlife venues. It's a great place to stroll, dine, and experience the local atmosphere. The city's popular Farmers' Market is also held nearby, making it a lively hub, especially on weekends.

Mountain View generally enjoys mild weather, making it suitable for outdoor activities year-round. However, the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) months often offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring parks, with less chance of extreme heat or heavy rain. Summers can be warm, and winters are mild but may bring some rain.

Many of Mountain View's parks and trails offer accessible sections. For example, the perimeter trail at Bedwell Bayfront Park is relatively flat, and Shoreline at Mountain View Park has wide, paved paths suitable for wheelchairs. The Stevens Creek Trail also features paved sections that are generally accessible. It's always advisable to check specific trail conditions or park websites for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

Mountain View is rich in natural beauty, offering diverse features to explore. You can visit Shoreline Lake for water activities and scenic views, or hike the Crittenden Hill Trail for impressive vistas of Mountain View and the South Bay. The Stevens Creek Trail winds through riparian habitats and tidal marshlands, providing a peaceful natural escape. Additionally, the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve offers beautiful views of salt marshes and wetlands.