Los Altos is known for its tree-lined streets, charming downtown, and welcoming neighborhoods, but its parks are truly some of the city’s greatest treasures. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walking trail, a place for kids to play, or a spot to enjoy a weekend picnic, Los Altos offers a wide variety of green spaces for every age and interest.
Here are some of the must-visit parks in Los Altos that residents and visitors alike love to explore.
Shoup Park
Shoup Park is one of Los Altos’ most beloved community spaces. Nestled alongside Adobe Creek, it connects directly to the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, making it a wonderful starting point for a nature walk. The park features two playgrounds, a large grassy field, picnic tables, BBQ areas, and restrooms for convenience. Public art is also part of the experience, with the “Cradle of Liberty” sculpture adding a cultural touch.
Shoup Park is home to several key community facilities, including the Garden House, Patriot Corner Picnic Area, and The Underground. Families often choose this park for gatherings, and its proximity to Redwood Grove gives visitors an easy way to extend their outing into the peaceful oak and redwood habitat.
Marymeade Park
Marymeade Park blends recreation and relaxation in a beautiful setting. The tennis courts and new pickleball courts here are a big draw, especially with the surrounding redwood trees that create a serene backdrop. Evening players appreciate the well-lit courts, while families enjoy the adjacent play structure designed for kids of all ages.
The park also includes a welcoming picnic area, making it ideal for weekend get-togethers. With its dog-friendly policy, shaded spots for relaxing, and clean restrooms, Marymeade Park has something for everyone—whether you’re looking to play, picnic, or simply spend time outdoors.
Rosita Park
Rosita Park has long been a community favorite, and it underwent a significant renovation in 2010 to enhance its amenities. The improvements included new tennis courts, fitness stations, and landscaping upgrades that transformed the park into an even more inviting destination. Today, Rosita is a popular spot for recreation and relaxation, with open green space for sports, walking, and family outings.
The park’s thoughtful design and community-focused improvements make it a great example of how Los Altos continues to invest in spaces that bring neighbors together.
Grant Park
Grant Park is more than just a park—it is a community gathering place. With wide open fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, it is well-suited for everything from youth soccer games to family reunions.
One of its highlights is the popular Los Altos Summer Concert Series, which brings residents together to enjoy live music throughout the season. From jazz to rock to family-friendly performers, the concerts are a favorite tradition for locals. Grant Park’s ability to host both everyday recreation and large-scale community events makes it one of the most dynamic green spaces in Los Altos.
Heritage Oaks Park
Heritage Oaks Park offers 5.3 acres of space designed with families in mind. It includes playgrounds for preschool and elementary-aged children, open grassy areas for play, and shaded picnic spots with BBQ facilities. Its size and versatility make it a wonderful place for casual afternoons, birthday parties, or just some outdoor fun.
With its mix of play areas and open fields, Heritage Oaks balances activity and relaxation perfectly.
Hillview Park
Hillview Park is another hub of community life in Los Altos. Alongside its athletic fields and open play spaces, it is one of the host locations for the city’s Summer Concert Series. Concerts here bring the community together on warm evenings, where families and friends gather on blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy live performances in a relaxed setting. It also has a new community center that is available for events and parties.
The park’s central location and variety of uses make it an accessible and inviting destination for residents of all ages.
Bonus: Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Though technically just outside Los Altos, Rancho San Antonio is a can’t-miss destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Locals head here for hiking, running, and biking trails that wind through scenic foothills. The preserve is also home to Deer Hollow Farm, a working farm where children and families can learn about animals and sustainable practices.
With miles of trails and sweeping views of the valley, Rancho San Antonio is one of the most cherished natural escapes in the area.
Final Thoughts
From neighborhood parks filled with playgrounds and picnic tables to larger spaces that host concerts and festivals, Los Altos offers something for everyone who loves the outdoors. These parks are part of what makes the city such a wonderful place to live, providing opportunities to connect with nature, neighbors, and family.
If you are exploring Los Altos as your future home, these parks offer a glimpse into the vibrant and community-oriented lifestyle that makes this city so special.
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Susan Sims, Broker-Associate
LIC.# 01408349
The Agency Los Altos
