Things To Do
in East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto sits on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, blending industrial roots with a vibrant, diverse community. Just across the 101 from Palo Alto and Menlo Park, the city has become a hub for affordable dining, parks, and evolving arts spaces. Visitors can sample multicultural cuisines along the Jackson Street corridor, while easy access to Bay wetlands invites outdoor exploration.
With a friendly, neighborhood vibe and convenient transit to Silicon Valley attractions, East Palo Alto makes a practical base for Bay Area adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Rise early to beat the heat and start your day with a guided hike through the marshy trails of Ravenswood Open Space Preserve. The crisp air and birdsong accompany you as you learn about local ecology. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets and other native wildlife that frequent the wetlands.
Pause at the Bay Trail overlook for a packed picnic lunch sourced from a local deli. After recharging, wander along the levee paths to discover hidden tidal channels and spot crabs by the water’s edge. The flat terrain makes it easy to enjoy at a leisurely pace as the sun climbs higher.
Return in time for a sunset stroll as the sky transforms above the Bay. Bring binoculars for excellent views of migratory birds settling in for the night. End your outing by capturing long-exposure shots of the glimmering water under a pastel sky.
Start at the Baylands Nature Interpretive Center just steps from the marsh. Explore the exhibits to learn about local wetlands, salt marsh restoration and native species. Chat with a naturalist to plan your bird-watching route.
Walk the wooden boardwalk that winds through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for shorebirds and migrating waterfowl. Stop at the observation towers for panoramic views of the Bay and nearby Silicon Valley skyline. Pause for lunch under the shade of eucalyptus trees.
Join a dusk bird count to witness the mass exodus of shorebirds settling in for the night. The fading light paints the marsh in golden hues, perfect for photography. Finish with stargazing on the eastern levee away from city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-6 |
| 🧺Groceries (weekly totals) | $60-120 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.50-4.50 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $12-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse, affordable dining options reflects the community
- Great access to outdoor spaces and nature nearby
- Lower residential property values but higher living costs in nearby Bay Area
- Nightlife options are more limited locally; many amenities are in neighboring cities
Places to Visit in East Palo Alto
Visit one of these nice places.
Waterfront views of the bay, sunrise reflections, and skyline shots of the Bay Area from the East Palo Alto side.
Colorful street art and murals along the corridor that capture community life and local culture.
Flat marshland trails with birds and wide skies; excellent for nature photography and wide landscape shots.
Murals and sculptures highlighting local artists and neighborhood history.
Food in East Palo Alto
East Palo Alto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled steak tacos with cilantro, onions, and salsa; commonly found in taquerias along the Jackson Street corridor.
Must-Try!
Thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese or meats, available at local pupuserias and Salvadoran eateries.
Filipino-style marinated meat served over steamed rice at neighborhood spots.
Quesadilla or torta filled with slow-braised meat; popular at casual taquerias and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts; typically held on weekend mornings.
Casual options along the corridor offering quick bites from a range of cuisines.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in line, wait your turn, and greet staff politely with a simple hello or gracias as appropriate.
Ask before taking close-up photos of people or private property to respect privacy.
Spanish and English are commonly used; a few basic phrases in Spanish or the local community language can go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in East Palo Alto
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, standard tipping is 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For takeout or street food, tipping is not expected but appreciated for excellent service.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and contactless options are common at most venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, mild to warm days with coastal influences; expect plenty of sun but cooler evenings. Bring a light jacket for evenings near the water.
Continued dry days with warm afternoons and cooler nights; fog is less common than on the coast but can appear in the mornings.
Rains are more frequent; temperatures are comfortable but can feel cooler with humidity. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes.
Mild and pleasant with blooming native plants; great time for outdoor activities and photography around wetlands and parks.
East Palo Alto at Night
Hiking in East Palo Alto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle marshland trails with birdwatching opportunities and wide-open skies.
Old-growth redwood trails and scenic viewpoints; a longer day trip from East Palo Alto.
Forest trails with elevation and scenic overlooks; popular for hiking and mountain biking.
Airports
How to reach East Palo Alto by plane.
About 25-30 miles north, accessible by car or BART/Caltrain connections via the Bay Area network.
Approximately 25-30 miles southeast; convenient for shorter cross-bay travel.
Around 20-25 miles south; a common option for Silicon Valley travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large and active community contributing rich cultural traditions, music, and cuisine.
Represented in neighborhoods with diverse cuisines and family-owned businesses.
A mix of families and professionals who contribute to the city's evolving character.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in community centers and youth leagues; accessible facilities throughout the area.
Widely played in parks and school fields; local pickup games are common in evenings.
Public courts and clubs nearby provide opportunities for casual or competitive play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting East Palo Alto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In East Palo Alto, look for Mexican, Filipino, and Asian vegetarian dishes; opt for bean-based mains, veggie bowls, and salads; when in doubt, ask for no meat broth and clarify ingredients; many places can customize dishes on request.