One great thing about living in or visiting Menlo Park is the proximity to many other communities and cities. Enjoy a baseball game in San Francisco after you stop at Fisherman's Wharf or spend the day shopping at the Stanford Shopping Center. There's literally no shortage of places to go on a day trip. How about a weekend getaway? The Menlo Park area is a perfect for a family getaway or a more intimate romantic getaway.
Menlo Park Day Trips - Menlo Park, California Weekend Getaways
San Jose
San Jose has much of the same charm you'll find in Menlo Park, especially when it comes to finding things to do. Families will enjoy a day trip to the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. When done with the zoo, stop at the nearby Japanese gardens and railroad station. Kids will have plenty to do at the interactive Children's Discovery Museum, which includes a life size fire truck and other things to engage a child's imagination. San Jose day trips should include stops at area attractions such as the Municipal Rose Garden, the Tech Museum, Alum Rock Park, and the famed Winchester Mystery House.
Area Hotels: The Sainte Claire Hotel (302 South Market Street, San Jose, (408) 295-2000), Hotel De Anza (233 W Santa Clara St., San Jose, (408) 286-1000), Four Points by Sheraton (211 South 1st Street, San Jose, (408) 282-8800)
San Francisco
With so many things to do here, San Francisco is an ideal place for a weekend getaway or a day trip. San Francisco hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the city and make perfect places to stay for a weekend getaway. While in the Bay Area's crown jewel, stops should include Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, the Mission District, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, North Beach, and Haight-Ashbury. Take in a Giants or 49ers game or stop to have a bite to eat at Epic Roasthouse, Greens Restaurant, or John's Grill while enjoying a weekend getaway or a day trip to San Francisco.
Area Hotels: Argonaut Hotel (495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, (415) 563-0800), Palace Hotel (2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, (800) 325-3589), Hotel Del Sol (3100 Webster Street, San Francisco, (415) 921-5520)
Palo Alto
Meaning "branch tall" in Spanish, Palo Alto is a perfect match for Menlo Park, a city characterized by its trees. Palo Alto presents plenty of day trip and weekend getaway possibilities. A trip to Palo Alto can be as casual as a day of fishing at Matadero Creek or a bike ride through Palo Alto Foothills Park. Local inns and hotels provide comfortable accommodations with plenty of pampering perfect for a weekend getaway. Places to see and visit while in Palo Alto include: Cantor Arts Center, Undiscovered Country Bike Tours, Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, and the city's bustling shopping district on University Avenue.
Area Hotels: Hotel California (2431 Ash Street, Palo Alto, (650) 322-7666), Crowne Plaza (4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (650) 857-0787), The Westin Palo Alto (625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, (650) 321-4422)
Stanford
Other than Stanford University's campus and related facilities, another big draw here is the Stanford Shopping Center, an upscale shopping area featuring such stores as Bloomingdale's, Louis Vuitton, Polo Ralph Lauren, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. Many of the businesses in town are geared towards college students, but you'll still find plenty of appealing shops and restaurants throughout the area. Stanford day trips include everything from enjoying the city's lively nightlife to outdoor adventures including hiking, biking, and camping. You'll even find a few couples retreats if you choose to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway.
Area Hotels: Stanford Park Hotel (100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 322-1234), Stanford Terrace Inn (531 Stanford Avenue, Palo Alto (650) 857-0333), Garden Court Hotel (520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, (650) 322-9000)