Beautiful location. Our wedding was picture perfect! We had the wedding of our dreams.read more

Rengstorff House is located on the premises of the Shoreline Parklands. This is a historic…read moreVictorian house / mansion and it is Mountain View's oldest home. There is a shared parking lot. My bf wanted to do docent-led tour, but unfortunately we showed up shortly after they closed on that Saturday afternoon (they closed at noon). We walked along the outer perimeter of the estate - hoping to get some photos, but there were some people taking photos at the front of the house, so we ended up leaving. Overall 3 stars, but rounded up to 4 stars because we did not get the full experience for a fair review.

Hanna House is one of the few northern California buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Located…read morein a residential neighborhood within the boundaries of the sprawling Stanford University campus, the home is currently occupied by a private party and is not open to the public. However, it once served as the official residence for the Provost where the university regularly held alumni and fundraising events and one might reasonably assume the home may someday return to it's previous semi-public stature. Although visitors are discouraged from trespassing on the property, the house has been magnificently maintained and is visible from the street below. A relatively new arrangement with the Stanford Historical Society will enable the public to tour the house twice each year. Interested parties should contact hannahouse@stanford.edu to receive information about future tour dates and booking arrangements.

1 of only 3 Public Frank Lloyd Wright sites in CA and they only allow visitors twice a year so…read morecount yourself an architecture nerd and a lucky-one if you do get a spot on the tour. Older review from before Covid, you can email hannahouse@stanford.edu for next tour dates. You can take as many pictures as you want outside but no pictures of the interior so I added some I found online. This is what makes this design unique compared to other FLW works: -Hexagons/honeycomb, back in 1936 imagine the precision that had to be done by hand to make the huge structure a honeycomb as well as small details like the stone tiles. One cut slightly wrong would have snowballed into huge misalignments. -First FLW work in non-rectangular structures -First FLW work in the Bay Area It's not as epic and grand as Fallingwater or as contemplative as Taliesin West and it is smaller than some of the US public FLW sites but it's only 1 of 3 in Cali you can see the interior of and you get a more complete picture if you can see inside/out and hear the docents anecdotes about the design and house.

The Tower Well received new life in 2000. At one point, it was close to becoming a tall,…read morecylindrical single-family home, a museum, or a day care center. In the end, the historic Tower Well, Palo Alto's first water tower, kept its original identity. The tower, built in 1910 to hold the city's water supply, is surrounded by a little park-like plaza with a garden and pathways. History of The Tower Well: Palo Altans voted 211 to 18 in favor of becoming one of the nation's first cities to purchase and operate its own water utility in 1896, two years after the city incorporated. Deep wells provided water to the gradually increasing population until 1938, when the growing demand was met with wholesale water supplies. Between 1938 and 1962 well water supplemented the SF supply. Palo Alto's first monthly water rate structure: - each House = $1 - each Water Closet = 40c - each Horse = 25c - each Cow = 25c - $2.50 / night for water carelessly allowed to run through a hose or faucet The Tower Well symbolizes what is best about a forward thinking, progressive city government that chose local ownership of essential utility services. Palo Alto began municipal operation of its Water Utility in 1896. In 1910, the Tower Well was built. As a result, citizens of North Palo Alto received a safe and reliable source of water. Equally important, it provided valuable fire protection for the many wooden structures downtown. The Tower Well structure facts: - 30 ft in diameter; 78 ft high - 9"-15" thick reinforced concrete walls - $9,760 cost to build in 1910 (includes $2K to purchase 8,437 sq ft lot) - 155,000 gal water storage tank, elevated 44 ft above ground level inside the tower - 250 gal/ min initial production capacity - in 1987 the well was abandoned The Tower Well Valve: - manufactured by the Crane Company in the early 1900s - was powered by GE 220V motor - unique mechanical function in which electrical controls open and close the valve to regulate capacity level - interesting operating parts include brass contacts and wooden insulators The Tower Well is dedicated in honor of Fred Eyerly, who served on the City Council 1975-1983 and was mayor in 1982, instrumental in acquisition of the Calaveras Hydroelectric Project as a key long-term power resource.

Its basically a small park dedicated to the first municipal water supply the City of Palo Alto…read morebuilt. There is a bench and some native plants. That and the tower itself. This is more of quick stop for those interested in the History of Palo Alto and El Palo Alto the tree is within walking distance. Beyond that it best part of a larger trip than a destination unto itself.

"Beautiful Mountain" Yes, indeed!…read more PSA: No dogs allowed - I had to leave mine at home. It's ok, you can enjoy this one alone! Take the drive! Yes, the road is windy and please slow for cyclists on your way up. Come along, sing a song. Dancing feet, magical retreat. Bring a friend or brave alone, it'll be worthwhile - 2, 4, or 7 miles! Our small group hiked the 7 mile loop, and had many photos stops along the way. Our leisure hike took approximately 4.5 hours. We spotted a tarantula early on the trail, other hiking groups, a backpacking group, bikers in groups and a few solo peeps. Shaded Hike & Open Space Sunny Hike: If you're wanting a shaded hike, start on the White Oak Trail located to the right of the Monte Bello parking. If you begin your hike on Bella Vista Trail, it's more of an open space with direct sunlight. Start early and enjoy! =)

Monte Bello is a hidden treasure for the Mid-Peninsula area…read more Funny thing, though. For being hidden, it's sure well known. To get there, you drive seven miles up a narrow, windy road. You're wondering if there's anything here besides big houses on tree-filled hills. Make a sharp left at Foothills Park - oops, never mind, you don't live in PA, you can't drive in here. More driving, more driving . . . and you finally get there, only to find a spacious parking lot crammed with cars. Here's why I gave it five stars: At first, it looks like typical landscape on this part of the Peninsula. But then I went down the narrow Stevens Creek Nature Trail. And ended up in a deep, dark forest with a babbling brook, pretty wildflowers, romantic bridges, and interpretive signs to explain what you're gazing at. If you felt like you got away from it all by driving up Page Mill Road, now you *really* feel like you're away from it all. Monte Bello also has a few peaks to climb up, and a backpacking camp. I'm itching to come back to try these out. I was not here long enough to really appreciate Monte Bello, but I saw enough to appreciate it a LOT. I had written about Russian Ridge that it's part of a conglomerate of Mid-Peninsula Open Space Preserves that gives you a few days of outback hiking. Monte Bello is part of that conglomerate, which combines with Los Trancos (and Foothills Park, but don't tell anyone, shhhh) to give you even more wandering. And bring a lunch, because you'll be so mesmerized that you may forget to leave and get food.

This fountain sits right in front of the Hoover Tower. It's peaceful and beautiful. You can't…read moresunbathe, but you can take tons of pictures.

Beautiful landmark on the campus of Stanford University in Palo Alto…read more.. My friend, Judi, and I have been friends since college time. She went away to Stanford University while I graduated from the University of Hawaii. We kept in touch over the years and when I told her that I was interested in visiting Northern California, she invited me to stay at her house. She was really happy that I wanted a tour of her alma mater and she gladly showed me around. When we passed by this fabulous fountain, I asked her about it and she didn't know anything. I looked it up on Yelp and saw photos from my friends, Ann and Stan! Yay! I believe that the fountain is named after President Herbert Hoover since the Hoover Tower is named after this US president. This fountain is so stunning in the daytime! I want to see it again in the evening!

This review is based on the experience of my boyfriend being sworn in at Moffett Field to join The…read moreNational Air Guard/Air Force branch. Not to be sappy and cheesy but I am humbled to say that I am a very proud Air Force girlfriend :) It's crazy because you may just be passing by Moffett Field casually when you are driving the freeway. However, actually being on the Field itself is just a whole new experience. You will honestly never look at it the same during your casual drive, (in an AMAZING great way) once you experience being out on the Field. So many of the Airmen/women were very nice, respectful, and very informative with the process of joining the branch. They all definitely treat each other like family whether you are a new or old member. It's funny in a great way how many of them try to convince you to join Air Force as well haha! It truly was an honor being able to be out on the field and meet many Airmen/women who are serving our country. It makes me so happy knowing my boyfriend is following his dreams and now a part of such a strong/passionate branch. Shoutout and many thanks to them all for serving our country.

Located in heart of Silicon Valley, Moffett Field is a catchall for a variety of business and…read moregovernment facilities. Its more notable residents are NASA Ames, Moffett Federal Airfield, The Moffett Field Historical Society, and a burgeoning Google presence. The field was founded in 1931 when residents of Santa Clara Country raised just under a half a million dollars to purchase the farmland to then sell it to the U.S. Government for the princely sum of $1 dollar in order to build what was then known as NAS Sunnyvale in 1933. The US navy wanted to use the base for Airship operations. Upon the death of Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, who was a huge proponent of Airship operations, the base was changed to NAS Moffett Field on 1 September 1933. To support airship operations the massive Hanger One was built. The Hanger which at the time was one of the largest freestanding building in the world covered a whopping 8 acres. After the tragic los of the Airship USS Macon, the navy turned control over the base to the US Army. Following WWII the navy regained control of the base and during the Cold War was one of the primary West Coast bases for anti submarine aircraft such as the P-2V and the P-3 Orion. In 1939 NACA the precursor to NASA opened up research facilities on the base including the ARC Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel, and the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex. Following the military drawdown during the post Cold War period the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) identified the base as unneeded and thus was decommissioned and turned over to NASA) The base now is run by NASA and they have actively rented out space to a variety of companies like Google etc. Lockheed martin Space Systems is collocated on the base as well as the 129th Air national Guard Squadron. There is also housing and other projects. In a nod to its Navy roots a Navy Commissary remains on the site and is open. Visitors are allowed on base with government issued ID if they have business there. In addition there is a museum on site that you can visit as well. Its hours are limited so check the website for more information. Also as a note traffic laws are STRICTLY enforced by the NASA police and that goes for bikes and vehicles so behave yourselves.

This fountain goes by different names including White Memorial Fountain and The Claw. The sculpture…read morewas created by Aristides Demetrios in 1964 and commissioned to honor two former Stanford students, a pair of brothers who passed away in separate accidents prior to graduating. The artist's work meant to present a constantly changing form based on the viewer's angle and the stream of water. Just like the lake I had visited prior on campus, this display was flowing with water this past weekend, the sculpture and fountain as well as the surrounding environment full of life on a Sunday afternoon. With plenty of trees, grass, and open seating in the area, it's a lovely site to just relax and appreciate the view.

Its also known as the White Memorial Fountain. Created in 1964 by Aristides Demetrios, this bronze…read moreand copper structure sits across from the entrance to the Stanford Bookstore in the White Memorial Plaza The fountain, also know as 'The Claw" was commissioned to memorialize two brother who died in accident before they were able to graduate from the University. The artist wanted to tell the story of the students unrealized potential "The tragedy of someone dying so young is that you never know what he/she might have become. The fountain is a metaphor for that. It starts in bronze-which is firm, durable and set in place. It terminates in water patterns that are diaphanous and mutable-the very reverse of anything solid. It speaks to what they might have become." The fountain is a popular spot for both visitors and student. You can find jugglers, Tai Chi Classes, and other activities going on. It also can get crowded given that it kind of the center for student life being right by the Bookstore, The Post Office, The Tressider Union, and the Old Union. As with many things on the campus, its more of a stop than a destination and is better grouped as part of a walking tour.

Not much more to say that wasn't already written. This is a great place to hike. Note that no bikes…read moreare allowed which makes for a safe and comfortable hiking environment (coming from someone who enjoys cycling). They do have a lot of bike rack parking at the base of the hill, and there is often a ranger or someone at the booth, which is nice as this means someone can keep an eye on your bicycle. I really like that it's paved in a nice circular path, with ample room for people to pass each other on the path. Also, the hike has a nice mix of undulating hills and incredible views, so there's a variety along your hike. I always spot wildlife when I'm hiding, so just keep your eyes open. There is one large portable bathroom at the base of the hill, but otherwise, no other facilities (I believe no access to drinking water on the path either). As other reviewers have mentioned, parking can be quite difficult to find, even if you're willing to walk. The best thing is to get there early!

A perfect place to stroll! The scenery is absolutely stunning from the top of the hill, and it's…read morealways fun to see the iconic Dish. There's plenty of parking at the bottom of the hill. The hike itself to the Dish is moderate, but there are certain parts that are pretty uphill and left me huffing and puffing. We visited on a summer evening, and there were so many bugs. It was honestly unbearable, and we had to turn back early because we were absolutely covered in bugs, even when we were trying to run away. This has never happened before so maybe the weather was particularly good. Other than the unfortunate bugs, this is a lovely hike with beautiful views.

I visited the exhibition galleries on Monday afternoon. Staff was friendy, and offered to answer…read moreany questions, but guests are able to explore at their own pace. On one side was the Herbert Hoover exhibit, which contained a range of displays demonstrating Herbert Hoover's dedication to freedom, peace, and economic opportunity, his accomplishments, and his impact on the First World War, as well as his history as a Stanford student. Quite informative. On the other side was the temporary exhibit, The Battalion Artist: A Sailor's Journey through the South Seas, about Natale Bellantoni of the US Navy Seabees. This was pretty interesting because unlike many sailors and military soldiers trained in combat and technical skills, Nat specialized in art and design. He was assigned to build military bases during WW2, and this exhibit showcases his life before and during the war, including displays of letters written to his family as well as impressive artworks he created and photographs he took detailing the war and his experiences. He also worked on a stained glass window for a chapel and contributed to the batallion's newspaper. There's a large interactive screen inside the room that allows for digital viewing of the exhibit (to view Nat's photographs and sketchbook) where visitors can even do puzzles of his art pieces. Guests are also invited to share their own stories and artwork about the journeys that have impacted their lives, using pencil and paper. With changing exhibits at the Hoover Tower, there is always something interesting to learn about here. Entry is free, and parking at the nearby Stanford Visitor's Center lot, less than a 10 minute walk to the tower, can be paid via parkmobile app online (note, parking on campus is free on weekends and after 4pm M-F).

TOWER: 5 stars! The…read moretower is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. Truly a special place to visit. STAFF: 1 Star! The staff working on Saturday are older and should probably reconsider if this is where they want to be. When we walked in the lady checking bags yanked a young man from the back and and scolded him to wait his turn. The young man was polite and was thrown off by her reaction. We were thrown off too because it was a little excessive. She noticed our group saw what she did and she looked embarrassed. Then came the older man by the elevators. We had a group of 8. Only 4 could go up at a time. We were waiting for our group to come down, but we didn't have to wait for long as he kicked us out. Told us it was a private space despite us having our tickets and standing quietly. If staff can be a little more kind and show a little joy this place would be amazing!

The Landmark Aquarius is a fun place to see independent, foreign, and less widely distributed…read moremovies. They always have a good selection of interesting, intelligent, entertaining, and unique movies. I have not been here in a long time, but I'm glad that we dropped by here recently to see a Korean movie called Possibly Love. Getting here is easy via public transportation, but if you must drive, there is plenty of parking at the nearby garages, lots, or even street parking if you're lucky. Lots of food, drink, and retail venues nearby too, downtown Palo Alto is a fun place to spend an evening having dinner, some cocktails, or just strolling around University Avenue. The Aquarius has received some pretty impressive & much needed updates. The lobby, theater, and concession areas have been very re-vamped & beautified. They installed very nice recliner chairs, got rid of that awful old, sticky, and uncomfortable stadium chair setting, and made the entire setting very comfortable & clean. The floors, walls, and lobby, bathroom, and concessions are very modern & luxurious. The people that work here are nice, knowledgeable cinephiles, and genuinely interested in the independent movie theater experience. Prices are a bit high for concessions, especially alcohol & snacks, but that's always been a part of the movie theater experience to cover their overhead. They have a good selection of candy, sodas, beer, and the popcorn is even made with real butter! Seating is extremely comfortable, sound is great, the screens are still tiny but with good clarity, visual quality, and digital imagery/pixelation. I enjoyed watching a movie here that I could not see anywhere else except maybe the Roxie or some other small movie house in SF or Oakland/Berkeley, but those are less convenient for me to get to. Overall, I had a fabulous experience watching an independent/foreign movie here. Everything was clean & comfortable & intimate. The staff here is very nice & personable. The environment is very cozy & modern (now). The concessions offerings were very good, a bit overpriced, but with a lot of selection & variety. And the ticket prices were not extreme or over-inflated. Plus, it's nice to be able to get here with a 15-minute train ride & a 5-minute walk from my house. And afterwards, you have so many options for dinner, drinks, or just a nice walk around downtown. Save the small movie houses, support your local independent theater and see something you won't at the big chains. Always fun to try things not overly commercial, chain, and mainstream. Go see a movie here!

We really wanted to like this theater since it's right next to where we live, and we'd much rather…read moresupport a small independent theater than a big chain. Unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing. The seats were comfortable, but the theater had a musty smell. We were also assigned wheelchair-accessible seats even though we didn't request or need them. The food selection was decent, but once the movie started, concessions were no longer available. The biggest issue was the movie presentation. We watched The Invite starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, but the experience was ruined by repeated buffering and playback glitches. At one point, the movie stopped completely. Since there wasn't anyone actively monitoring the auditorium, staff had to go find someone, which took about 10 minutes, and then bring them back to restart the film. With only two small auditoriums, we expected a smoother operation. Previous reviews gave us hope, but our visit fell well short of expectations. It's especially disappointing because this theater is so convenient for us. As much as we'd like to support independent theaters, we'll likely drive to Mountain View or Redwood City for a more reliable movie-going experience in the future.