Explore the Land Between the Sea and the Bay

Just a short jaunt from San Francisco, Silicon Valley is blessed with thirty miles of San Francisco bay-fronting bliss, as well as twice that amount of Pacific Ocean frontage along iconic Highway One. No wonder many CEO’s have opted to locate their headquarters in the valley with incredible scenic beauty. In addition to dazzling water vistas, the area boasts endless hiking and biking trails, the National Historic Landmark-designated Filoli Mansion and Gardens, giant redwoods, restaurants serving locally grown produce and unique museums. (Image courtesy Lumila Hofman)

 

Silicon Valley is a locale where you can kayak or golf along the coast, plan a picnic on the beach and then meander backroads for wine tasting.

Culture and history

National Historic Landmark Filoli Mansion & Gardens: Designed between 1915 – 1917 and set against the dramatic backdrop of the northern Santa Cruz Mountains in Woodside, Filoli is an excellent example of the Golden Age of American garden design and country house architecture. Filoli offers unique restorative experiences for the whole family every season. From the historic home and manicured gardens to a vast estate and natural trails, explore the beauty and tranquility of another time. Guests can visit the café, have a glass of wine or afternoon tea. (Image courtesy Edna Tekeda-Geller)

Unique museums can be found in the valley, such as the Computer History Museum and the Hiller Aviation Museum. Be sure to visit the picturesque, cliff-perched lighthouses, Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Point Montara Lighthouse, both open for tours and rich in history.

Unending outdoor recreation

Whether you are eyeing elephant seals at Ano Nuevo State Park or following miles and miles and hiking trails, the great wide open outdoors make Silicon Valley your main reason for a visit. Pacific Coast beaches and the Bay beckon with surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Plan a golf outing at Half Moon Bay Links and choose between two championship courses that offer something for golfers of all skill levels: The Old Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, as well as the Arthur Hills-designed Ocean Course. (Above image courtesy Edna Takeda-Geller)

Enjoy the local flavors

In 2005 the Silicon Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Farm Bureau and the San Mateo County Harbor District began the “As Fresh as it Gets Program” to promote the region’s fresh, local food—from crops to wines and fish. To reward restaurants and companies that promote locally-produced foods, they even bestow annual awards and give restaurants and chefs a seasonal product calendar to make it easy to stay fresh and local. The result has been a win-win for visitors and local alike, making Silicon Valley a culinary tourism destination. Enjoy cutting-edge bistros and follow the urban wine trail for vintage specialties, as well as some craft breweries.

Photos courtesy TravMedia/Silicon Valley-San Mateo CVB