Los Altos

Welcome to Los Altos

With natural beauty, modern convenience, and a quaint downtown fondly known to locals as “The Village”

As with other cities located on the western borders of Silicon Valley, Los Altos works to maintain a rural-suburban community.

A quick stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad, Los Altos remained mostly undeveloped until after World War II. Originally, the community was primarily an agricultural town, with summer cottages and apricot orchards, which can still be seen in downtown today—a tribute to its past. Since then, growth has been moderate, and deliberate planning has ensured that much of the city’s original character has remained.

An abundance of trees frame many of the neighborhoods, creating secluded enclaves. It provides a beautiful contrast to the convenient shopping districts and the more bustling parts of Silicon Valley just blocks away. Unlike the business vibe of other South Bay communities, Los Altos has a more homey, village feel.

Housing is similar to that of other midpeninsula towns and city. The architecture is diverse, and there is a style for everyone. Two popular designs include ranch and craftsman homes.

What to Love

Mature trees throughout the entire community
Commitment to young families and youth
Incredible schools, public art, and easy residential living

Innovative, Beautiful, and Modern

The basic demographics of Los Altos are varied, ranging from young professionals and growing families to retirees. It’s not uncommon to see mothers and fathers pushing strollers downtown, passing by older couples sipping coffee at sidewalk cafes.

But don’t let that image fool you. Los Altos is also a city of innovation. The schools are competitive, the general population highly educated, and everyone is motivated.

Befitting a community in the middle of Silicon Valley, Los Altos played a significant role in the evolution of modern technology. It’s the place where Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak built the first 50 Apple 1 computers.

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Los Altos is unique among the more rural regions between San Francisco and San Jose in that it has seven distinct commercial districts.

Most notable among these is the quaint downtown district (fondly known as “The Village”), which looks as though it came straight out of central casting. There are wide sidewalks filled with tables and chairs for leisurely talks, well-maintained and architecturally appealing storefronts, and the perfect mix of over 150 practical and impractical shops. In addition, you can enjoy many fine restaurants and bars, such as Los Altos Grill, The Post, and Asa. And just a short drive down San Antonio Road is the the world-renowned Peninsula favorite Chinese restaurant, Chef Chu’s.

For groceries, there’s a Whole Foods Market and Andronicos and Draegers are two other popular high-end supermarkets in town. DeMartini Orchard is a fan favorite for fine quality produce and other specialty food products. Long-standing Rancho Shopping Center has a variety of shops and dining. And, Thursdays during late Spring to early Fall features the Village Farmer's market which is well attended by families from Los Altos & Los Altos Hills.

There are an array of popular annual festivals. The Festival of Lights Parade, for instance, is a favorite way to celebrate the holiday season, while the Kiwanis Pet Parade and Arts & Wine Festival are highly anticipated summer occurrences.

Things to Do

Recreation is an integral part of life in Los Altos, particularly for the area’s youth. The city operates several gyms, a community center, and three youth centers. There are also plenty of parks with tennis courts and baseball and soccer fields.

Appealing to both adults and kids is the free Los Altos History Museum. The museum rotates various exhibitions and offers educational opportunities to provide an interactive experience for its visitors.

Los Altos also demonstrates its commitment to the arts through the 25 sculptures and art installations that make up its public art displays throughout the city.

And whether you’re staying overnight, just passing through, or making Los Altos your permanent home, visit Enchanté Boutique Hotel. A French-style chateau, the hotel invites its guests to “find a little bit of Paris in the heart of Silicon Valley.”