Mountain View
Prominent mountaintops among Silicon Valley’s elite.
Prominent mountaintops among Silicon Valley’s elite.
Named for its premier view of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mountain View was one of the first epicenters of the early Silicon Valley. Today, many of the world’s largest technology companies such as Google, and major headquarter offices for 23andMe, LinkedIn, Samsung, and Microsoft call the community home. Many business parks are located within the northern side of town, while the southern portion is mostly dedicated to residential enclaves consisting of California-style craftsman homes.
Once a rural farming community, traces of the past are rarely visible today. In modern times, technology is the financial core of the region's economy. High-paying jobs, striking natural beauty, and the popular Castro Street downtown district have brought an elevated quality of life to those lucky enough to call this community home.
Cosmopolitan luxuries and natural beauty are embedded in the everyday routines of Mountain View residents. The nearby Santa Cruz Mountains, hiking trails, golf courses, and the 750-acre Shoreline at Mountain View Park offer dozens of activities to be enjoyed in Mountain View’s agreeable year-round climate. Restaurants specializing in a variety of cuisines, from pizza to sushi, to French and American staples are found on bustling Castro Street. If a quick getaway is necessary, Mountain View is just 10 miles north of San Jose, 25 south of San Francisco International Airport, and 35 from the heart of the San Francisco peninsula.
Delectable Mediterranean cuisine is served at Caspian Grill Restaurant, located just blocks from vibrant Castro Street. A relaxed atmosphere serves hummus samplers, fluffy homemade pita bread, exotically seasoned kebabs, and a healthy array of street food staples.
A more familiar favorite is found at Eureka! Eureka! focuses on all-American favorites with modern twists, like the Fresno fig burger, local craft beers, and stylish whiskey concoctions. A stroll down Castro Street leads visitors to an abundance of several other eateries, shopping, salons, and fitness facilities.
Mountain View is home to the Googleplex, Google’s world headquarters. The campus is open to the public and a great place to wander around for a few quiet hours. Vast green spaces, public art displays, and self-driving cars are just a few of the sites to see for those interested in observing the latest cutting-edge technological advancements.
The Shoreline Amphitheater frequently hosts large-scale festivals and concerts in their large open-air venue. With a capacity of 22,500, some notable acts have included Tears for Fears, Chris Stapleton, and the Backstreet Boys, just to name a few.
Mountain View is home to some of Northern California's most striking scenery. The Shoreline at Mountain View Park stretches across 750 acres of waterfront along the shores of the Bay. A golf course, boat rentals, biking trails and a museum are just a few of the outdoorsy pleasures which can be enjoyed here. Nearby, the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve Trailhead is the entry point to 15 miles of extensive views extending out toward the sloughs offering exquisite opportunities for nature-watching.
Mountain View is home to a wonderful abundance of public schools. Their local school districts are: