Redwood City

 

Welcome to Redwood City

Diverse neighborhoods, walkable downtown, and many events

Redwood City is one of the mid-peninsula’s largest cities. This major tech hub has a vibrant downtown hosting many events throughout the year. The city’s slogan proclaims “Climate Best by Government Test” based on a survey which found it ties with locations in the Mediterranean for having the world’s best year-round climate. Redwood City’s numerous green spaces are great places to enjoy the sunshine.

Redwood City’s many distinctive neighborhoods range from the tree-lined streets of the older Mount Carmel neighborhood to Downtown’s multi-story modern condo buildings. The wide-ranging architectural mix includes mid-century and contemporary single-family homes, stylish Mediterranean-style properties, spacious secluded properties in the surrounding wooded hillsides, and waterfront villas in the bayfront community of Redwood Shores.

What to Love

• Dynamic downtown

• Events and festivals

• Unbeatable climate

• Diverse housing options
  
  

People & Lifestyle

This sunny city has much to do and experience, with an excellent downtown area and thriving cultural scene. Redwood City stretches from the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills to the 30,000-acre Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge on the San Francisco Bay, with many places to get out and enjoy the sunshine. A large percentage of local residents are employed in the Silicon Valley tech scene. US Route 101 and California State Routes 82 and 84 pass intersect in Redwood City and there is also a Caltrain station, making it convenient to access other areas.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Downtown Redwood City features a dynamic mix of upscale and casual restaurants, chic fashion boutiques, mom ‘n’ pop stores, and chain retailers. This large area surrounding the intersection of Main Street and Broadway is a walkable commercial district featuring hundreds of businesses.

Michelin Guide-recommended La Viga serves delectable fresh Mexican-style seafood, while its LV Mar offshoot pairs flavorful Latin tapas with craft cocktails composed of boutique spirits. Other Michelin Guide featured restaurants include outstanding Indian cuisine at Broadway Masala and wood-fired pizza pies at Vesta. The Courthouse 2021 is a chic farm-to-table restaurant pairing seasonal dishes with world-class wines and sublime craft cocktails. International dining options include delicious Japanese and Thai dishes at Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi.

Downtown Redwood City is described as ‘the anti-mall’ for its collection of independent business such as cute fashion and home décor retailer Brick Money Squared and pour-over espresso blends at Red Giant Coffee. There are also recognizable brands and retailers such as Whole Foods Market, Five Guys, and The Old Spaghetti Factory. Screenings at The Century 20 multiplex movie theater attract around one million viewers per year.

Things to Do

Redwood City’s historic Fox Theater first opened in 1929 and underwent renovation following a change in ownership in 2010. The lavish interior of this former movie theater hosts around 150 events per year, with theatrical productions and live performances from top touring acts.

Redwood City’s packed seasonal events calendar includes an enormous Fourth of July Parade followed by a breathtaking fireworks display over the Bay. Courthouse Square in the heart of Downtown hosts the ART on the Square and Music on the Square event series on Friday evenings during the summer, showcasing varied art exhibitions and live music performances. September sees a giant tent erected as the Square transforms into a Munich-style Oktoberfest bierhalle. Open-air movie screenings also take place at the Square between June and August and there are classical music performances on Saturday afternoons between July and September. Hometown Holidays are a winter highlight, with a tree lighting ceremony on the Square and a visit from Santa Claus. Other annual events include a Downtown-wide Salsa Festival and performances from the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival on the lawn of the Sequoia High School campus.

San Mateo County History Museum features permanent exhibitions on the region’s development. Every Tuesday evening, a spectacular 3D video mapping light show is projected onto the museum’s exterior.

31-acre Red Morton Park features two children’s playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, lawns, and picnic areas. The smaller Mezes Park’s facilities include basketball and tennis courts. On alternating Saturdays throughout the summer, Americana and Bluegrass musicians play as Red Morton and Meze serve local brews from inflatable pubs for the lively Pub in the Park celebration.

Schools

Public schools within Redwood City are operated by the Redwood City Elementary, Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary, and Sequoia Union High School Districts.