The San Francisco Bay Area is an icon of the Golden State. You have massive redwood forests, one of the best Chinatowns in all of America, a major global tech hub, and dozens of Michelin-rated eateries. Needless to say, this region knows how to impress locals and visitors. Out of the nine counties circling the San Francisco Bay, San Mateo County hides a foodie gem where you can eat to your heart’s content and soak in the scenery: East Palo Alto. A top-notch culinary scene, expansive waterfront views, and that quintessential Bay Area vibe — East Palo Alto is all that and more. And if you’ve ever been to the Bay Area before, you already know that the bar is pretty high here.
Once inhabited by the Ohlone and Costanoan Native Americans, East Palo Alto has experienced many changes throughout its existence. Spanish ranchers made their way into town, Japanese and Italian farmers helped grow the agricultural industry, and Black Americans built a community here. East Palo Alto went from a shipping town to manufacturing to farming to a city where people buy homes to be closer to Silicon Valley — all in just two centuries.
A 30-minute drive from San Francisco will bring you to East Palo Alto; it’s almost the same distance from San Jose. From the overlooked beach town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it takes an hour and a half to arrive at East Palo Alto. If you attempt to get here from the City of Angels, prepare to be on the road for over five hours.
Take in East Palo Alto’s breathtaking nature sights
When visiting East Palo Alto, outdoor enthusiasts can find tranquility in the 376-acre Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. Not only is this a wonderful spot in the heart of the bay’s wetlands, but it’s also a birdwatching paradise. Look through your binoculars to observe snowy egrets, song sparrows, mountain bluebirds, and northern mockingbirds. You’ll come across willets and long-billed curlews flitting by the water, too. Keep an eye out for ground squirrels, salt marsh harvest mice, or western fence lizards scurrying across the area. If you came here with your bike, you can admire the California poppies, fennels, fuchsias, and orange bush monkey flowers as you pedal along the trail. The preserve has limited amenities, so carry enough water to last your visit, and watch out for rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak.
Cooley Landing Park boasts panoramas that are just as breathtaking, if not more. This park is situated on a peninsula with spectacular 180-degree views — look to your left to marvel at the Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, while the Baylands Nature Preserve is visible to your right. Before you is none other than the San Francisco Bay in all its glory.
From here, make your way to the Faber-Laumeister Trail for more adventure on foot. Despite being a short route, the trail is essentially a dirt path and can be rough in certain parts. However, bay vistas follow you along the way, making the entire journey rewarding and not just the destination. If you drift from the path and head left, you’ll end up at the Faber Marsh Fishing Area of Don Edwards Wildlife Preserve. This is the perfect place to take in the solitude while being surrounded by marshes.
Food is East Palo Alto’s love language
