Welcome to Portola Valley
A charming, upscale community with easy access to all the best that California has to offer
Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Portola Valley is an exclusive area that offers a host of amenities for residents and visitors alike. Portola Valley is a prime location for the area's upper echelon, doctors, lawyers, and even celebrities who want to enjoy the community's peace and quiet while getting easy access to many restaurants and shops.
Tourists also love Portola Valley, both for the exclusive nature of the area and the many outdoor recreation areas. From parks and nearby wineries to Michelin-star restaurants and fabulous boutiques, Portola Valley has something for everyone.
What to Love
- Several historical monuments and buildings are located in Portola Valley.
- An extensive network of beautiful walking and hiking trails.
- Portola Valley has excellent schools, including both public and private options.
Local Lifestyle
An ideal community for those who want to experience true peace, Portola Valley is both exclusive and community-minded. Residents of the area love the small-town feel but appreciate the way that the area is connected to the surrounding cities and towns. Whether you want to enjoy some delicious cuisine from a top-rated restaurant or explore the great outdoors at one of the many recreation areas, Portola Valley has something to satisfy.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While relatively few restaurants are located within the city limits of Portola Valley, many fabulous eateries are just minutes away. Buck's Restaurant, located in nearby Woodside, is a whimsical restaurant that has a menu full of familiar favorites, such as smash burgers, fettuccine, seafood-stuffed artichokes, and French onion soup. Parkside Grille is another local favorite. This casual restaurant is located in the shadow of majestic redwood trees and serves delicious comfort food.
Rossotti's Alpine Inn has a slightly deceptive name, functioning primarily as a charming beer garden. Stop in at this Portola Valley favorite and enjoy a handcrafted burger and a locally-made beverage. Portola Kitchen offers up homemade pasta and other Italian-inspired favorites in a comfortable, relaxing setting.
Things to Do
Portola Valley is surrounded by many beautiful outdoor spaces, including the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Located in nearby Palo Alto, this space features an interpretive center, lots of hiking and equestrian trails, and dog-friendly areas. Take a walk on a scenic hiking trail and check out the Stanford Dish, an iconic radio telescope that attracts thousands of curious visitors every year.
Golf enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the nearby Stanford University Golf Course which is private to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and course members. With expansive courses, a fabulous on-site restaurant, and all the amenities that golfers want, this course is one of the area's hotspots. However, it is private While you are in the area, check out the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden, a public campus area that features dozens of interesting stone and wood sculptures.
Schools
The Portola Valley area is served by the Portola Valley School District. Schools of note include:
