Happy TravellerWelcome to Menlo Park, a charming city located at the eastern edge of San Mateo County within the San Francisco Bay Area of California in the United States. This hidden gem is bordered by San Francisco Bay on the north and east; East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Stanford to the south; and Atherton, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City to the west. Menlo Park is one of the most educated cities in California and the United States; nearly 70% of residents over 25 have earned a bachelors degree or higher. With a population of 33,780 residents at the 2020 United States census, Menlo Park is a vibrant and thriving community that offers something for everyone.
History:
The area of Menlo Park was inhabited by the Ohlone people when the Portolá expedition arrived in 1769. In 1795, the Rancho de las Pulgas Spanish land grant was made that included the area of the current city. In 1851, two Irish immigrants, Dennis J. Oliver and his brother-in-law, D.C. McGlynn, purchased a 1,700-acre (690 ha) tract of land on the former Rancho de las Pulgas. In 1854, they erected a gate with a wooden arch bearing the inscription Menlo Park and the date August 1854 at the entrance to their property (now the intersection of Middle Ave and El Camino Real). The word Menlo derived from the owners former home of Menlo (or Menlough) in County Galway, Ireland, and is an anglicized version of the original Irish name of the place, Mionloch, meaning middle lake.
In 1863, the San Francisco and San Jose Rail Road had built the railroad from San Francisco to as far as Mayfield (now California Avenue station in Palo Alto) and started running trains to the area. They named a nearby station Menlo Park after the sign. The 1867 station building still stands on the platform of the current Caltrain station, used by the local Chamber of Commerce. It holds the record as the oldest, continually operating train station in California. The town of Menlo Park grew up around this station, becoming a popular home for San Francisco businessmen. A post office was established in 1870, and the city was incorporated in 1874 (it dissolved after two years, but later was permanently incorporated in 1927).
Things to Do:
Menlo Park is home to a variety of attractions and activities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Here are just a few of the top things to do in Menlo Park:
1. Bedwell Bayfront Park: This 160-acre park is the city’s largest and offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
2. Allied Arts Guild: This historic complex features beautiful gardens, artist studios, and a gift shop. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens or attend one of the many events held throughout the year.
3. Menlo Park Farmers Market: Held every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm, this popular farmers market features fresh produce, artisanal foods, and live music.
4. Facebook Campus: Take a tour of the Facebook campus and see where the social media giant got its start. Visitors can also enjoy the many restaurants and shops located on the campus.
5. Stanford Theatre: This historic movie theater shows classic films from the 1920s to the 1960s. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Art Deco architecture and the theater’s famous Wurlitzer organ.
Places
