Mountain View City Guide

Food is diverse with many international options, plus fresh, farm-to-table styles. Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Some places on Castro Street stay open late.

Nightlife centers on Castro Street with bars, pubs, and live music. It’s more laid-back, no big clubs.

Good mix of national chains and independent specialty cafes serving quality coffee. Popular spots also serve as meeting venues.

Tipping is expected in the U.S. for most services. Restaurants and taxis typically expect 15–20%.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores, or Best Buy. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer good coverage. Both pre-paid and post-paid plans are available.

Mountain View is clean with good waste management and recycling. Streets are well maintained.

Some pharmacies and minimarts are open 24/7. Urgent care clinics have longer hours but full night clinics are rare.

Supermarkets carry international products and open from 7 AM to 10 PM. Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Sprouts are common. Asian and Hispanic markets are available.

Cards are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed for daily shopping and dining.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank's fees.

Public schools include Mountain View High and Los Altos High. International schools are in the broader Bay Area. Instruction is mainly in English.

Mountain View is more corporate, but nearby Bay Area cities have strong nomad scenes. There are good meetups and cafes for remote work.

There are many green spaces like Shoreline Lake Park, Cuesta Park, and Stevens Creek Trail ideal for outdoor activities.

Popular running routes include Stevens Creek Trail and Shoreline Lake. Running groups exist, and the city is generally safe for runners.

Gyms offer varied options from community centers to high-intensity training.

Tennis courts are at public parks and private clubs. Booking and equipment rental policies vary.

Padel is less common but growing. Some private clubs nearby offer it.

Several yoga studios offer a variety of classes and drop-in options.

Martial arts like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, and Taekwondo are available. Many schools have English-speaking instructors.

Skiing is in the Sierra Nevada, about 3.5-4 hours away. Season runs winter to spring with good snow conditions.

Shoreline Lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing with rentals. Conditions are mild and calm.

Surf spots on the Pacific coast about 45-60 minutes away. Water is cold and wetsuits are needed. Both beginner and advanced spots are available.

Diving is around Monterey Bay, 1.5-2 hours away. It offers marine life and varied dive sites with rentals and training available.

El Camino Hospital has English-speaking staff. Care is high quality but expensive without insurance. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens commonly have pharmacists on site.

Tap water is safe and meets all federal and state standards.

Many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and family attractions like the Computer History Museum and Shoreline Lake.

The Bay Area is very accepting and safe for LGBTQ+ people. Local groups are active, with major Pride events nearby.

Many parks and pet services are available. Pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants with outdoor seating are common.