Summary
Redwood City is located on the San Francisco peninsula in Northern California’s Bay Area. Although it is not among California’s most visited destinations, the city offers a variety of attractions that merit exploration. With a progressive outlook, Redwood City boasts several modern venues alongside historical landmarks. Situated approximately 27 miles south of San Francisco, it serves as an excellent option for a day trip from the Golden Gate City. If you elect to explore Redwood City, consider the following recommendations:
1. San Mateo County History Museum
The San Mateo County History Museum is an essential stop for any visit to Redwood City, often regarded as the city’s premier attraction. The museum features a variety of exhibits that capture the historical lifestyle of San Mateo County across past decades. Highlights include a general store from the 1880s and a historic home illustrating life in California during its Mexican period. Furthermore, the museum houses an extensive collection of books and archived materials to facilitate in-depth research on the region’s history. Housed in a historic courthouse, the building itself is architecturally remarkable.
2. Redwood Morton Community Park
For those wishing to experience local life, the Redwood Morton Community Park serves as an excellent initiation point. Regularly frequented by residents, this park accommodates various activities including tennis, barbecues, ball games, baseball, skateboarding, and fitness training. Additionally, the park hosts various events throughout the year, encompassing tea parties and art displays. As the largest park in Redwood City, it provides ample opportunities for recreation or relaxation, depending on your inclination.
3. Pulgas Water Temple
The majestic Pulgas Water Temple, constructed in 1934, honors the remarkable achievement of transporting water over 160 miles from California’s Sierra Nevada to the Bay Area. This monumental project, which cost about $102 million and spanned 24 years during the Great Depression, features classical stone columns that reflect Roman and Greek architectural styles utilized in water transportation. The site is accessible to visitors on weekdays and provides excellent opportunities for photography. Occasionally, the landmark serves as a venue for weddings.
4. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre, situated at 2215 Broadway in downtown Redwood City, is a historic venue listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It showcases a diverse array of performances, including live music, comedy, and musicals. Having opened in 1929, the theater has witnessed performances by iconic artists such as BB King and Vanessa Williams. Although it faced financial difficulties and closed in 2009, the theater has reopened and remains a worthwhile destination, even for those who may not be passionate about the performing arts.
5. Century 20 Cinema
Located on Sierra Boulevard, this advanced cinema complex features an extensive arcade, multiple screens, and self-service ticket machines. The cinema showcases the latest blockbusters, in addition to live sporting events and musical concerts.
6. Gourmet Haus Staudt
This charming beer garden and shop offers an authentic taste of Germany in the United States. The establishment provides all the necessary ingredients to create traditional German dishes, including a variety of spices and an extensive selection of German beers. For those who may feel parched after browsing, the adjacent beer garden offers ten premium German beers, alongside authentic snacks and dishes for those seeking a light meal. The atmosphere in the garden strikes a balance between relaxed and inviting, making it an ideal location to unwind in downtown Redwood City.
7. The Record Man
The Record Man, located on El Camino Real, is a haven for vinyl enthusiasts with a collection exceeding one million records. Covering all genres, the inventory ranges from classical to blues, hip hop to country. Even those unfamiliar with record collecting will find the sheer scale of this collection impressive. The Record Man claims that, “if it cannot be found at The Record Man, it likely does not exist.”
8. The Foundry
For fitness enthusiasts visiting Redwood City, a trip to The Foundry is essential. This state-of-the-art sports complex features world-class facilities for basketball and volleyball, along with a contemporary gym. The gym itself will likely redefine your perception of fitness centers, boasting cutting-edge equipment such as Vertaflex jump machines and NAAH shooting machines.
9. Edgewood Park
Edgewood Park is an excellent location for hiking while appreciating the picturesque grasslands and wildflowers adorning the landscape. Conveniently located just off of Interstate 280, the park retains a sense of wilderness. Its wooded areas and grasslands provide an ideal habitat for local wildlife, including deer, snakes, and jackrabbits.
10. Bair Island
Bair Island encompasses a 3,000-acre marshland in Redwood City, comprising inner, outer, and middle islands as part of the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge. In addition to its stunning natural beauty, the islands host the luxurious Villas apartments, which feature elegant Italian architecture and serve as one of the most upscale accommodations in Redwood City.
11. Phleger Estate
The Phleger Estate is named in honor of Mary Elena Phleger, who sought to preserve her family estate and launched initiatives to convert the private property into a public park for communal enjoyment. Although many original redwoods were lost to logging, the park now features young trees and provides a serene environment at the southernmost point of the Golden Gate National Parks.
