Los Altos
The gem of Silicon Valley where one can enjoy it all.
The gem of Silicon Valley where one can enjoy it all.
Located between the southern San Francisco Bay and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Los Altos mountainous hillsides and mature, green treetops serve as the backdrop to quintessential California-style craftsmen estates, many of which are positioned on spacious, oversized lots. An adjacent location to several convenient freeways makes commuting into San Jose and nearby major tech offices simple. An old-fashioned and very walkable “main street” district, excellent schools, and swanky country clubs make Los Altos one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable gems.
First a small town is known for its apricot orchards, the community truly blossomed in the 1950s. Today, several residents of Los Altos commute to dozens of nearby tech companies and enjoy days off appreciating Northern California’s natural beauty, local luxuries, and an overall elevated standard of living.
A picturesque and quiet suburban lifestyle is lived in the heart of Silicon Valley. During the week, high-powered jobs are a short commute away, while children attend highly rated neighborhood schools. On the weekends, rounds of golf at the country club, classy nights out for California-style cuisine and cocktails, and adventurous hikes within nearby parks are routine parts of life. Many conveniences, a natural intertwining with a beautiful environment, and friendly neighbors give life to a glimpse of old-fashioned charm not often seen in modern times.
The finest in California fare, regularly featured in Gourmet Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, and San Francisco’s Michelin Guide, is served at Cetrella. Named for the vast valleys of Capri, the mid-century modern dining room seats 200 guests who enjoy multicourse platings consisting of diverse, housemade pasta, creamy bisques, truffle polenta, and braised lamb.
A classically warm American atmosphere is enjoyed on an inviting patio with live music at Los Altos Grill. Old-fashioned favorites like rotisserie chicken from their stone oven are paired alongside hearty accompaniments such as grilled artichoke, deviled eggs, and delectable homemade cookies and cream desserts.
More relaxed, and modern takes on traditional dishes such as buffalo cauliflower, Impossible burgers, ahi poke spaghetti, and craft burgers featuring new-fashioned toppers are all favorites of locals and the specialty of The Post. Their menu also includes an extensive beverage list, a popular weekend brunch, and a generously-priced happy hour offering.
The State Street Market is a communal gathering spot for food, events, and cooking lessons. First opened in September of 2021, this very new addition to Los Altos features a plethora of vendors serving everything from healthy salads to sustainable seafood, Asian fusion to handcrafted ice cream. Cooking classes are a unique way to learn new culinary skills to bring home for all guests to enjoy.
To bring these newly acquired cooking skills to life, a stop at Draeger’s Market on the way home is essential. Much more than any other market, Draeger’s first opened as a delicatessen in 1925 and has been a Los Altos staple ever since for their in-house baked goods, artisan grocery items, prepared dinner items, and a wide variety of unique pantry staples.
From spring through autumn, the Los Altos Farmers’ Market brings fresh produce, native apricots, hand-kneaded bread, and brightly colored flowers to downtown Los Altos. Residents enjoy fine homemade goods from dozens of local vendors, all while supporting hard-working small businesses. The Rotary Club of Los Altos has sponsored Art in the Park for over 45 years. Over 100 local artists gather to showcase handcrafted arts from several mediums. Sculptures, paintings, photography, and more are viewable on a scenic stroll through Lincoln Park while benefiting a good cause each year. Another lively communal gathering, looked forward to by residents of all ages, is the Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade. A highly adored annual tradition since 1948, thousands gather to line the streets and parade their pups, cats, rabbits, birds, and even worms down the boulevard to benefit local children. At the end of the year, the holiday season is celebrated with the Festival of Lights. A parade features music, bright costumes, marching bands, and thousands of twinkling lights.
Los Altos is home to excellent public schools within: