Redwood City City Guide

The city has diverse food options featuring fresh Californian ingredients and various international cuisines. Vegan and vegetarian choices are common. Late-night dining is limited mostly to fast food.

Nightlife centers around downtown with bars, pubs, and some live music. It's relaxed compared to larger cities but offers enough for an evening out.

Good coffee scene with local and chain cafes. Specialty coffee shops and quality beans are common.

Tipping is expected in service industries. Restaurants and rideshares usually get 15-20%. Smaller tips or optional at coffee shops.

SIM cards and eSIMs are available from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon at carrier stores and Best Buy. ID or passport may be required for post-paid plans.

City streets and neighborhoods are generally clean with efficient waste services and minimal sanitation issues.

Convenience stores and some pharmacies may be open 24/7. Emergency rooms are always open, but urgent care centers close earlier.

Supermarkets offer international products including Mexican, Asian, and European items. Shops open from early morning to late evening, mostly staying open on Sundays and holidays.

Most businesses accept card payments. Cash is rarely needed for daily purchases.

ATMs are available at banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo, plus many grocery stores. Out-of-network ATM fees usually run between $2.50 and $5.00.

Public schools serve most students under Redwood City and Sequoia Union School Districts. Private schools like Summit Preparatory are also available. Instruction is mainly in English.

The digital nomad community is small but growing, with more general tech networking events. Downtown offers good cafes and community spaces.

Many parks and trails offer green space and shaded walks. Good for running and outdoor activities.

Popular routes include the Bay Trail and mountain trails. Running is safe and scenic, with active local clubs.

Several gyms and fitness centers available, ranging from budget to high-end options.

Public and private courts with mostly hard surfaces, some coaching and club memberships available.

Padel courts exist but are uncommon, mostly at private clubs.

Several yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes. Instruction is in English.

Multiple schools offer disciplines like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Karate. Classes and competitions are available.

No nearby ski resorts. Closest slopes are 3-4 hours away near Lake Tahoe.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing available at Redwood City Marina and San Francisco Bay. Rentals and guided tours offered.

Surf spots are 20-30 minutes away along the coast. Water is cold, requiring wetsuits. Linda Mar Beach suits beginners; Mavericks is for experts.

Limited local diving. Better options require boat trips to sites like Monterey Bay. Water can be cold with variable visibility.

High-quality care available at Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer OTC meds.

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

Several parks with playgrounds and family-friendly cafés. Baby supplies are easy to find. Local museums and events offer kid-friendly outings.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is high, with legal protections and inclusive venues. Pride events are nearby in San Francisco and San Jose.

Pet-friendly city with parks and veterinary services. Many accommodations and restaurants allow pets. Pet supplies are widely available.