Visitors and residents will find many things to do in Los Altos. Top Los Altos, California activities include shopping, annual events, visiting museums and outdoor recreation.
Los Altos, California Activities
For shopping in Los Altos, visitors and residents have access to a total of seven business districts in the city. A prime spot for shopping is in downtown Los Altos, which is home to more than 150 shops and unique boutiques, where you can shop for such items as antiques, gifts, toys, clothing, jewelry and more. Other shopping areas include the El Camino Real Corridor, Village Court, Woodland Plaza, Foothill Crossing Shopping Center, Rancho Shopping Center and Loyola Corners. Each area has its own distinct personality and offers shopping with a different flair.
Los Altos also has some amazing annual events. A popular event is the Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market, which runs from May to September. The market is held each Thursday during the season from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. The market hosts local farmers who sell their produce, including organic vegetables and fruit. You’ll also find regional food items, from baked goods to many other specialty foods.
There are a number of other annual events that appeal to both residents and visitors. July traditionally brings the Arts & Wine Festival, which spans two days and offers a multitude of great vino, inspiring art and an impressive offering of local foods. Another popular summer event is Friday Movie Nights, which take place outdoors where Main Street and 3rd Street intersect. This family-friendly event consists of pre-movie entertainment that revolves around families, including a bouncy house, face painters, balloons and other treats for children. The holiday season also sees its fair share of events, starting in the autumn with the annual Halloween Spooktacular. That event is followed by the Holiday Stroll, Festival of Lights Parade and Holiday Carriage Rides.
There are also rich cultural activities and educational opportunities in Los Altos. If you enjoy museums, a top local choice is the Los Altos History Museum, which offers a variety of exhibits featuring a timeline of the regional history of Los Altos and a model train diorama. The museum includes the adjacent J. Gilbert Smith History House, which was built in 1905 and is one of the last active apricot orchards in the county. Admission is free.
Outdoor recreation is another popular thing to do in Los Altos, since the city is located in such a picturesque area of California. With such a rich environment and mild weather, there are a number of parks that draw many visitors every year. If you love being out of doors, an enjoyable spot for hiking is the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which encompasses over 60,000 acres of land in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. You’ll find parks, picnic areas, trails and much more within the open space district. Free maps are available by calling (650) 691-1200. While pets do not have parks of their own in Los Altos, the parks within the city do allow your pets to accompany you as long as they stay on leashes.