Mountain View Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

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Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Mountain View is a vibrant city in California that offers a unique blend of technological innovation and natural beauty. Known as the home of Google and many other tech giants, this bustling city attracts visitors from all over the world.

One of the must-visit attractions in Mountain View is the Computer History Museum, where visitors can explore the fascinating journey of computing technology. From vintage computers to interactive exhibits, this museum provides a comprehensive insight into the evolution of technology that has shaped our modern world.

For nature enthusiasts, the picturesque Shoreline Lake Park is a serene oasis in the midst of the bustling city. With its tranquil lake, scenic trails, and abundant wildlife, it is an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic or a leisurely stroll. Visitors can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the calm waters and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Music lovers will find their paradise in the vibrant downtown area of Mountain View. The Shoreline Amphitheatre attracts world-renowned artists and hosts concerts throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, or classical music, this iconic venue promises unforgettable live performances under the starry Californian sky.

For a taste of local culture, the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is a hub of artistic expression. From theater productions to dance performances and art exhibitions, this cultural landmark offers a diverse range of events that cater to all artistic tastes.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse culinary scene of Mountain View. From trendy cafes serving artisanal coffee to upscale restaurants offering a fusion of international cuisines, this city has something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant Castro Street, where you can indulge in a variety of culinary delights while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Alternative names: Population: 80.4 thous.Area: 12.27 mi²Elevation: 72 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°23'43"N, 122°4'55"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Mountain View Top Attractions

Mountain View Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mountain View offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Computer History Museum, Googleplex, Shoreline Amphitheatre, NASA Gift Shop in Silicon Valley. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Devices dating back to the 1940s
Computer History Museum
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California, stands as a testament to the technological revolutions that have shaped our modern world. This museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the evolution of...
Google’s large global headquarters
Googleplex
Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Googleplex stands as the sprawling headquarters of the tech giant Google in Mountain View, California. This iconic complex is a modern-day mecca for tech enthusiasts, drawing visitors from around the globe who are eager...
Nightlife • Theater • Concerts and shows
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Shoreline Amphitheatre is an outdoor amphitheater located in Mountain View, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The venue has a capacity of 22,500, with 6,500 reserved seats and 16,000 general admission on the lawn.

Museum • Visitor center • Science museum
NASA Gift Shop in Silicon Valley
The NASA Gift Shop in Silicon Valley is a visitor center at the entrance of NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California. The center has the following exhibits: The Mercury-Redstone 1A capsule, launched in 1960 in a suborbital flight, it achieved an altitude of 130.7 miles.
Museum • Historical place
Rengstorff House
The Rengstorff House was one of the first houses to be built in Mountain View, California. It was built c. 1867 by Henry Rengstorff, a prominent local businessman who operated a ferry between San Francisco and Mountain View.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall • Performing arts
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
The Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown Mountain View, California. It is operated by the City of Mountain View and hosts a variety of art events.
37°24'41"N • 122°3'14"W
Moffett Field Historical Society Museum
Museum • Specialty museum • History museum
Church
Saint Joseph Parish
Saint Joseph Parish in Mountain View, California, is a parish in the Roman Catholic Church. The parish and its church are located in Mountain View in the state of California, under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose in California and its bishop.
Area • North Los Altos
Los Altos
Los Altos is a city in Santa Clara County, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The population was 31,625 according to the 2020 census. Most of the city's growth occurred between 1950 and 1980.
Church
Saint Athanasius Parish
Saint Athanasius Parish is a territorial parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Jose in California. The parish was established June 19, 1959, by John J. Mitty, D.D. Archbishop of San Francisco, to serve Catholics of Mountain View and Palo Alto. The parish is named for Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria.
Monuments and statues • Sculpture
Android lawn statues
The Android lawn statues are a series of large foam statues near the Googleplex in Mountain View, California, currently located at 1981 Landings Drive. They are based on the code names for versions of Google's Android mobile operating system, which is named after desserts and sweet treats.
37°23'45"N • 122°4'37"W
Mountain View Adobe
The Historic Adobe Building, also known as the Mountain View Adobe, is a multi-purpose structure in Mountain View, California. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 28, 2002.
Temple
Kannon Do Zen Meditation Center
Kannon Do Zen Meditation Center provides Sōtō Zen practice in the San Francisco Peninsula and the South Bay. Named after Kannon, the Buddhist personification of compassion, the center provides a supportive environment in which Americans can experience traditional Zen teaching.
History museum • Museum
Los Altos History Museum
The Los Altos History Museum is a museum in Los Altos, California. Founded in 2001, the museum showcases the history of Los Altos and surrounding areas, including the transformation of the agricultural paradise once known as the "Valley of Heart's Delight" into the high-tech Silicon Valley.
Playground • Park
Shoup Park
The Paul Shoup House, also known as the Shoup House, is a historic residence in Los Altos, Santa Clara County, California, United States. It was built as an American Craftsman- and Shingle-style home in 1910 for railroad executive Paul Shoup.
37°24'8"N • 122°4'37"W
Mountain View Buddhist Temple
Buddhist temple • Temple
Park • North Los Altos
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Formed in 1972 by voter initiative, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is a non-enterprise special district in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has acquired and preserved a regional green belt of open space land and provides opportunities for ecologically-sensitive public enjoyment and education.
37°24'40"N • 122°3'43"W
NASA Sustainability Base
NASA Sustainability Base is a building at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California that was designed to exhibit and test the latest energy-saving technologies as part of the federal government's drive to eliminate fossil-fuel consumption in all new government buildings by 2030.
37°25'1"N • 122°3'36"W
Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel
The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, located at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Federal Airfield, Mountain View, California, United States, is a research facility used extensively to design and test new generations of aircraft, both commercial and military, as well as NASA space vehicles, including the Space Shuttle.

Day trips

Mountain View – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mountain View, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), de Young Museum (San Francisco), San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco).

36 milesNW
Iconic art deco span opened in 1937
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Spanning the strait that connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge stands as an iconic marvel of modern engineering and a celebrated symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1937, this suspension bridge is renowned for its striking...
34 milesNW
Fine-arts museum with a sculpture garden
de Young Museum, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and dedication to the arts. This premier public art institution, known for its distinctive copper facade that naturally...
32 milesNW
Vast collection of prominent artworks
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's bustling downtown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) stands as a beacon of contemporary creativity and innovation. This temple of modern and contemporary art, reopened in 2016 after a significant expansion, is one...
33 milesNW
Hands-on science museum
Exploratorium, San Francisco
The Exploratorium, nestled in the vibrant city of San Francisco, is a public learning laboratory that invites exploration and discovery at the intersection of science, art, and human perception. This innovative museum, located at Pier 15 along the city's bustling...
33 milesNW
Museum with science exhibits and research
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Nestled within the verdant Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences stands as a beacon of knowledge and an ode to the natural world. This prestigious institution is not just a museum; it is an expansive realm of exploration that includes an...