Introduction to Menlo Park, California
Menlo Park, California, in San Mateo county, is 2 miles W of Palo Alto, California (center to center) and 17 miles NW of San Jose, California. The city benefits from easy access to the nearby cities and towns with which it shares the San Francisco metropolitan area.
Menlo Park History
The area that is currently known as Menlo Park was originally the property of two Irish immigrants, Dennis J. Oliver and his brother-in-law D. C. McGlynn. This was basically a tract of land on what was formerly called Rancho de las Pulgas. It was named 'Menlo' after the owners' former home of Menlough in County Galway, Ireland. In 1863, a nearby station was named "Menlo Park" by the San Francisco and San Jose Rail Road. The town of Menlo Park gradually developed around this station, and went on to become a popular home for many San Francisco businessmen. The town had its first post office in 1870. Menlo Park was incorporated in 1874.
Menlo Park and Nearby Attractions
- Allied Arts Guild.
- Bohannon Industrial Park.
- Menlo Park Central Library.
- McKeon Memorial Library.
- Willow Oaks Park.
- Sharon Shopping Center.
Things To Do In Menlo Park
Menlo Park area has a rich historical heritage that is reflected in numerous museums in the neighboring area. One can begin by taking a tour of the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia, the Cantor Center for Visual Arts or even the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. Among the historic sites are the Ardenwood Historic Farm and the Dunsmuir Historic Estate. Visitors can take full advantage of a number of amusement parks that provide excellent entertainment opportunities for adults and children alike. There are also a number of wineries like the Chouinard Vineyards, the Kathryn Kennedy Winery, the Elliston Vineyards and the Westover Vineyards. Shopping plazas too are sure to attract the attention of visitors.
Menlo Park Transportation
Air transportation is available from San Francisco International Airport.
Menlo Park Higher Education
Stanford University is the local university.