Menlo Park City Guide

Food options range from casual to upscale, with good vegetarian and vegan choices. Late-night options exist but are limited.

Nightlife centers on casual bars and pubs. No major clubs.

Coffee culture is strong with many local cafes and chains offering specialty coffee.

Tipping is expected in most services. Standard amount is 15-20% in restaurants and rideshares.

SIM cards and eSIMs are sold at major carrier stores like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, plus electronics shops like Best Buy. ID is needed for registration.

Clean streets and efficient waste management make the city tidy.

Some pharmacies and convenience stores are open 24/7. Emergency rooms operate day and night, but night-time food options are limited.

Supermarkets offer a wide range of international products and are open most days from early morning to late evening.

Card and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed.

ATMs from Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo are common. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5.00 per withdrawal.

Local public and private schools teach mainly in English. International schools are rare in the city but available in the Bay Area.

Menlo Park is part of Silicon Valley's tech scene but digital nomad meetups are more common in nearby cities. Good work cafes are available.

Many parks and trails provide good green space access for outdoor activities.

Running routes include the Bay Trail and local parks. Safety and infrastructure are good.

Gyms and fitness centers are easily found, including national chains and local gyms.

Tennis courts are available at public parks and private clubs, with coaching options.

Padel courts are not common in the area.

Yoga studios and wellness centers are plentiful with various styles and drop-in classes.

Martial arts schools offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and more, with English-speaking instructors.

Lake Tahoe resorts are 3-4 hours away and offer various terrain and rentals.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are common on San Francisco Bay with rentals nearby.

Surf spots like Linda Mar and Half Moon Bay are reachable within 30-45 minutes. Water is cold, wetsuits needed year-round.

Diving is available on the California coast at places like Monterey Bay about 1.5-2 hours away.

Healthcare is high quality with English-speaking staff. Major providers include Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens have extended hours.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks, family-friendly cafes, and local attractions make this area good for families.

The area is very accepting and safe for LGBTQ+ people with legal protections and community groups.

Pet-friendly city with parks, veterinary services, and many pet supplies available.