Welcome to Los Altos
A picturesque town offering charm and a welcoming vibe
Once a successful stop site on the Gold Rush trail, Los Altos still buzzes with a sense of excitement and possibility. The impossible always seems to feel possible in this dynamic town, and residents often look to the fruitful origins for inspiration. The home of startups and entrepreneurs of all ages, Los Altos has the distinction of being one of the only, along with Los Altos Hills, “Age-Friendly” cities in California, as designated by the World Health Organization.
Friendly on all fronts, Los Altos even has a newcomers club, as well as special new resident resources at the
Santa Clara County Library, which acts as a bustling community hub. With the majority of the housing developments built in the 1950s, Los Altos offers plenty of ranch-style homes set on spacious grassy lawns, as well as a warm, family-friendly setting with old-school Americana vibes.
What to Love
- Mediterranean climate
- Friendly and welcoming
- Vintage charm
People & Lifestyle
With its tree-lined streets and gorgeous gardens, life in Los Altos is a breath of fresh air. On weekend mornings, residents can be found cycling or hiking through the surrounding hills or strolling along the trails at nearby Rancho San Antonio Preserve.
People here tend to work in finance, tech, academia, philanthropy, and more, and the locals exude an entrepreneurial spirit. This is a curious, energetic bunch who support learning and encourage new endeavors, no matter your age. Here, you’ll find retirees rocking out on the guitar for the first time or exploring a new business idea.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The diversity of the Bay Area, plus access to the freshest ingredients and produce, means Los Altos and surrounding neighborhoods offer top-notch culinary choices. Manresa Bread, founded by James Beard finalist Avery Ruzicka, specializes in seasonal, gourmet bread and pastries. This town is serious about bakeries, and another local favorite is the artisan shop Satura Cakes, a Japanese-European concept residents call “maddeningly delicious.”
For down-home dishes in an upscale setting, head to Los Altos Grill. This classy bistro serves American fare, like their famous roast chicken and house-smoked salmon, as well as signature margaritas and an extensive list of California wines.
Cetrella Los Altos provides a refined, yet relaxed dining experience and an extensive Californian-Mediterranean menu featuring everything from steak and seafood to seasonal vegetarian and vegan options, as well as housemade pasta, pizza, and dessert. The full bar, with its global wine list, artisan beer, and organic fresh-pressed juices, offers something for everyone from wine connoisseurs to health food junkies.Things to Do
The natural beauty and lush landscaping of Los Altos make this an oasis for cyclists, hikers, and outdoor lovers. The town offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the greenery, with showstopping sights like the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, a six-acre Redwood forest featuring a boardwalk, observation decks, picnic tables, and a rose garden. Get your sweat on at Rosita Park’s athletic fields, tennis courts, and track, or take it easy in the picnic area.
The small-town feel is on full display with events like First Fridays, a fun, social evening that brings the neighborhood together in downtown Los Altos for strolling, shopping, and dining. Residents look forward to the beloved Los Altos Pet Parade every May, where kids get to show off their best pup pal, furry friends, and even bird besties.
Fall brings the highly rated 42nd Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival, which showcases the work of artists and craftspeople, highlights wine from local wineries, and offers a wide variety of foods. This family-friendly event is one of the most popular festivals in the Bay Area.
