Stanford Park Hotel: 101 Things to do Near the Stanford Park Hotel

Shopping
Views
Sports & Recreation
Gardens & Nature
Estates
Fun, Games, Music and Food
Technology & Education
Museums & The Arts
Neighborhoods
Zoos
Day Trips

Shopping

1. Do Some Serious Shopping
www.stanfordshop.com
188 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
(650) 617-8200
Conveniently located just across the street from our hotel, the Stanford Shopping Center is filled with world-class boutiques and flagship stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy's. As the only open-air mall in the area, this shopping haven is a favorite of locals and visitors.

2. Key into IKEA
www.ikea.com
1700 Bayshore Blvd., Palo Alto
(650) 323-4532
This massive Mecca of Scandinavian design is located just a short drive from our hotel in East Palo Alto.

3. Scour the Town & Country
Located at the intersection of El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, just steps from Stanford University, the Town & Country Village offers an abundance of stores and eateries.

4. Buy the Book
www.keplers.com
1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
(650) 324-4321
Located in the center of Menlo Park, Kepler's is a high-end bookstore with an extensive offering of books, magazines and other items. Please check with Guest Services for a current list of Kepler's during your stay.

5. Go to Gourmet Alley
www.draegers.com
1010 University Drive, Menlo Park
(650) 324-7700
As the area's premier upscale grocery store, Draeger's is a Peninsula institution. Knows for its world-influenced variety of foods and extensive wine selection, Draeger's also offers cooking demonstrations daily.

6. Find and Oldie but Goodie
Take the time to visit some of the area's best antique shops. Visit Le Petite Chaise in Mountain View at 285 Castro Street (650-969-5721); Antique Arcade in Redwood City at 1823 El Camino Real (650-368-8267); or Atherton Antique Gallery in Atherton at 402 Middlefield Rd. (650-325-2021).

7. Over Hills and Sales
www.shophillsdale.com
60 31st Avenue, San Mateo
(650) 345-8222
San Mateo's popular Hillsdale Mall offers a host of large department stores as well as boutiques and food.

8. Stroll the Row
www.santanarow.com
355 Santana Row, San Jose
(408) 551-4611
Santana Row is San Jose's newest shopping attraction. This boutique-lined boulevard has a plethora of upscale restaurants and outdoor entertainment.

9. Head to the Valley for a Deal
www.westfield.com/valleyfair
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., Santa Clara
(408) 248-4451
San Jose's popular Valley Fair is a sprawling mall showcasing world-class stores and an extensive food court.

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Views

10. Climb Every Mountain
http://mthamilton.ucolick.org/
Highway 130, East of Central Expressway, Palo Alto
Located on Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range, east of San Jose, California, the Lick Observatory is equipped with the largest research-grade telescopes. Lick is part of a larger UC entity, the University of California Observatories/Lick Observatory, a Multi-Campus Research Unit (MRU) headquartered at UC Santa Cruz.

11. The Stanford Dish
www.dish.stanford.edu
Palo Alto
A popular recreational area, the Stanford Dish offers outdoor enthusiasts an excellent location for hiking or running.

12. Seize a Golden Opportunity
www.goldengate.org
Highway 101 in San Francisco
This famed architectural wonder needs no introduction! A trip to the San Francisco Bay Area would not be complete without a visit to this landmark.

13. Get Airborne
http://www.sfhelicoptertours.com
(650) 635-4500
Get a bird's-eye view of the spectacular Bay Area by taking a helicopter tour.

14. Blow Your Horn
www.hornblower.com
San Francisco/Berkeley
1-888-HORNBLOWER
Cruise the San Francisco Bay on this popular dinner cruise company.

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Sports & Recreation

15. See Cardinal Red
www.gostanford.collegesports.com
Stanford University, Stanford
Check out Stanford University’s football team at one of their home games.

16. See the Ball, Be the Ball
www.playcrystalsprings.com
6650 Golf Course Drive, Burlingame
(650) 342-4188
Crystal Springs is a popular 18-hole golf course in Burlingame, just on the outskirts of San Francisco.

17. Howl at the Green
www.coyotecreekgolf.com
One Coyote Creek Golf Drive, San Jose
(408) 463-1400
This 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed course, showcases a spectacular mountainous backdrop and an upscale clubhouse with a bar, grill and golf shop.

18. Have Half the Fun
www.cinnabarhills.com
23600 McKean Road, San Jose
(408) 323-5200
Built with respect to the surrounding wildlife, Cinnabar Hills offers three different nine-hole courses – the Canyon, the Mountain and the Lake.

19. Spring Into a Round
www.springvalleygolfcourse.com
3441 Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
(408) 262-1722
Located in the picturesque Santa Clara hills, the Spring Valley Golf Course offers a large practice area and well-maintained greens.

20. Head for the Hills
www.ebparks.org/parks/coyote.htm
Menlo Park
Take advantage of the Bay Area’s moderate weather and hilly landscape by taking a hike. Close to the hotel, enjoy Coyote Hills, a favorite hiking spot in the area.

21. Jump Into the Shark Tank
www.hppsj.com
525 W.Santa Clara, San Jose
(408) 287-6655
Home to the NHL’s San Jose Sharks, the HP Pavilion is also San Jose’s premier venue for other sporting events, concerts and stage shows.

22. Go, Giants, Go!
www.sbcpark.com
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
(415) 972-1800
As one of San Francisco’s newest, most popular landmarks, SBC Park is home to the San Francisco Giants, and is located near downtown, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.

23. Be Sports Minded
www.coliseum.com
Hegenberger Exit off Highway 880, Oakland
(510) 569-2121
The Oakland Coliseum is not only home to the Oakland Athletics and Oakland Raiders, but also hosts special events such as concerts and fairs.

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Gardens And Nature

24. Tree for Two
http://grounds.stanford.edu/points/gardens/mausoleum.html
Stanford University, Stanford
Located at The Mausoleum – home to the remains of Stanford’s founding family – the Arboretum is a spectacular location for bird enthusiasts.

25. Gamble the Easy Way
www.gamblegarden.org
1431 Waverly Street, Palo Alto
(650) 329-1356
Once the home to the family of the co-founder of Procter & Gamble Company, the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, donated to the city of Palo Alto in 1971, strives to educate, inspire and create awareness about the intrinsic value of plants and our shared environment.

26. Be a Part of the Arts Scene
www.alliedartsguild.org
75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park
(650) 322-2405
The Allied Arts Guild is a beautiful complex containing lush gardens, shops and a restaurant.

27. Explore the Forest
www.jasper1.stanford.edu/home
4001 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
(650) 723-1589
Associated with Stanford University, the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, made up of evergreen forests and wetlands, is in sharp contrast to the bustling Silicon Valley bordering it. Guided tours are available.

28. Sculpt Yourself a Great Afternoon Excursion
www.stanford.edu/dept/SUMA/
Located at Lomita & Roth Way, Palo Alto
Open on weekends, the Rodin Sculpture Museum is a public exhibit showcasing 20 bronzes by Auguste Rodin. The gardens can be toured independently or with an organized group.

29. Get a Taste of the South Pacific
www.stanford.edu/~mjpeters/png/
Stanford University, Stanford
The Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden showcases an impressive sculpture garden that celebrates the riches of Papua New Guinea and its people. Kwoma and Iatmul artists display a wide array of exotic carvings and sculptures.

30. Park Yourself Under the Shade
www.menlopark.org/projects/eng_burgpark.htm
701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park
Adjacent to the Menlo Park Civic Center, Burgess Park is a perfect spot for swimming, picnics, baseball, soccer, or other recreational activities.

31. Reserve Some Time for This
www.fitzgeraldreserve.org
Moss Beach
San Mateo County’s very own Fitzgerald Marine Reserve has protected marine and plant species native to this area since 1969. The colorful and unusual variety of wildlife makes for a fascinating outing.

32. Get Enthused by the Outdoors
www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/purisima.html
At Skyline Blvd. & Highway 92, Half Moon Bay
Purisima Creek Preserve consists of 2,500 acres of land open to outdoor enthusiasts that winds its way through the redwoods.

33. Stop and Smell the Roses
www.heritageroses.us
Located at Spring & Taylor Streets, San Jose
(408) 298-7657
Located in Guadalupe Park, the Heritage Rose Garden is a surprisingly eclectic mix of roses, displayed in lush orchards.

34. Get Friendly
www.scu.edu/SCU/Programs/Diversity/jfriend.html
1300 Senter Road, San Jose
(408) 277-2757
The Japanese Friendship Garden is dedicated to San Jose’s sister city of Okayama, Japan and is a brilliant display of flowers, trees and ponds that capture the vibrancy of Japan.

35. Go Picnicking and Pumpkin Picking
www.aratapumpkinfarm.com
185 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay
(650) 726-7548
Hay rides, picnics and a petting zoo are just a few options for fun at the Arata Farm in Half Moon Bay. This world-famous farm has been a Bay Area staple since the 1930’s and attracts thousands of visitors a year.

36. Storm the Beach
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=529
Located 10.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1
Enjoy surfing, fishing and whale watching at this beach, located just south of San Mateo County.

37. Be a Beacon of Light
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=533
210 Pigeon Point Road, Pescadero
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of America’s oldest lighthouses and dates back to 1872. It is still actively used by the U.S. Coast Guard for navigation. Whales and seals can regularly be spotted from this point, and the nearby redwoods are great for a hike.

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Estates

38. Do Things the Wright Way
www.stanford.edu/dept/news/neighbors/visiting/hanna.html
Frenchman’s Road off Mayfield Ave.
(650) 725-8352
Built in the 1930’s by famed architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, Hanna House is a National Historic Landmark.
Commissioned by a Stanford University professor. The home is recognized for its unusual use of honeycomb patterns and plentiful glass.

39. Holy Filoli
www.filoli.org
86 Canada Road, Woodside
(650) 364-2880
Dating back to 1915, Filoli encompasses both a grand mansion and sprawling gardens. Located on 654 acres, the Georgian-style home is a former private estate that is now owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The garden is world-famous for its landscaping and detailed layout.

40. Admire an Adobe
www.sanmateocountyhistory.com
777 Hamilton Street, Redwood City
Constructed in 1842, Sanchez Adobe was built by Francisco Sanchez, a leader of Mexican California, and the Battle of Santa Clara.

41. Uncover a Mystery
www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
525 South Winchester Blvd., San Jose
(408) 247-2101
The Winchester Mystery House is one of San Jose’s hottest attractions. Dating back to the mid-1800’s, this sprawling Victorian mansion is famous for its sheer size and the architectural marvels it displays.

42. Viva la Villa!
www.villamontalvo.org
15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga
(408) 961-5800
Villa Montalvo, a Mediterranean-style villa, located on 175 acres of land, is an educational facility celebrating art, artists and the surrounding community. Besides being a haven for art fans, Villa Montalvo also boasts hiking trails and scenic gardens.

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Fun, Games, Music and Food

43. Find a Thrill
www.pgathrills.com
Located off Highway 101 in Santa Clara
(408) 986-5853
Paramount’s Great America is a barrage of thrill rides, stage shows and family activities. Great America is also home to a sprawling water park, and is conveniently located right off Highway 101.

44. Hit the Celluloid Scene
www.stanfordtheatre.org
221 University Avenue, Palo Alto
(650) 324- 3700
The Stanford Theatre is a historic theatre in downtown Palo Alto that showcases classic films and movie festivals. An organist plays before the start of each film.

45. Tune Into the BBC
www.britishbankersclub.com
(650) 327-8769
Known as a popular watering hole, the BBC is a long-standing Menlo Park tradition in a historical location. Before its current incarnation, it was a bank in the 1920’s, a library, a city hall and a police station.

46. Sit Out Under the Stars
www.shorelineamp.com
One Ampitheatre Parkway, Mountain View
(650) 967-3000
Shoreline is a state-of-the-art event facility in Mountain View, showcasing popular musical acts in a concert venue.

47. Get the Music Vibe
www.maddalenasrestaurant.com
544 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
(650) 326-6082
Café Fino in downtown in Palo Alto offers live music seven nights a week.

48. Go Speed Racer, Go!
www.gokartracer.com
1541 Adrian Road, Burlingame
(650) 692-7223
This go-kart facility in the town of Burlingame is more than indoor fun & games. It is also a terrific place to hold corporate or private events.

49. Shuffle Up & Deal
www.bay101.com
1801 Bering Drive, San Jose
(408) 451-8888
Bay 101 Casino is a large gaming facility, home to banquet halls, restaurants and even a salon. Bay 101 is located in San Jose right off Highway 101.

50. Go for the Checker Flag
www.malibugrandprix.com/redwood
320 Blomquist Street, Redwood City
(650) 367-1906
Miniature golf, batting cages and go-kart racing are the main attractions at Malibu Grand Prix in Redwood City.

51. Got Milk?
www.cowpalace.com
600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City
(415) 404-4111
Rodeos, concerts, the circus, exhibits and other events take place at this indoor venue just south of San Francisco. For events happening during your stay, please see the Hotel’s Guest Services department.

52. Indie Up
www.landmarktheatres.com
949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
(650) 32M-OVIE
As part of the ambitious Landmark Theatre chain, the Guild Theatre is the oldest standing theatre on the San Francisco Peninsula. Originally a burlesque house, the Guild showcases an impressive selection of the latest cutting-edge independent films.

53. Be Sly Like a Fox
www.foxdream.com
2215 Broadway, Redwood City
(650) FOX-4119
Restored in 1998, The Fox Theatre showcases big-name performers, as well as opera and ballet performances.

54. Lounge and Let Live
www.stanfordparkhotel.com
100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
(650) 322-1234
Enjoy this local favorite meeting place. Conveniently located at the Stanford Park Hotel, The Lounge at The Park provides an ideal place for business or leisure. Open daily until 11 p.m., guests can enjoy light fare, as well as selections off the menu from our restaurant.

55. Slip & Slide
www.rwsplash.com
2333 South White Road. San Jose
(408) 238-9900
With 23 acres of water slides and other attractions, San Jose’s Raging Waters Theme Park is Northern California’s largest water park.

56. Discover the Past
www.mhcviva.org
1700 Alum Rock Drive, San Jose
(408) 928-5500
Dancing, music, festivals and exhibits celebrate San Jose’s Mexican heritage. This 55,000 square-foot center encourages visitors to learn and celebrate.

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Technology & Education

57. See the Home of the Cardinal
www.stanford.edu
Stanford
(650) 723-2300
Stanford University is not only a world-renowned learning institution that has produced countless scholars….it is also a sprawling campus with stunning scenery.

58. See HP History
www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/histnfacts/garage/
367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto
Known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley”, the Hewlett Packard Garage in Palo Alto is where William Hewlett and David Packard hatched the foundation of their company.

59. Get a Move On
www.slac.slac.stanford.edu
2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park
(650) 926-2551
The Stanford Linear Accelerator is a physics and scientific research laboratory located on the Stanford University campus. Reservations are required for tours.

60. See What’s Shakin’
www.usgs.gov
Menlo Park
This center is geared towards teaching visitors about natural science. Tours and hands-on exhibits, including an earthquake monitoring system, are great for families.

61. Shoot the Moon
www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/home/
Moffett Field, Mountain View
(650) 604-5000
The NASA Ames Research Center is one of the premier research facilities in the country. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, this center provides educational resources for visitors to study space exploration, the environment and other areas that encompass NASA’s expertise.

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Museums & The Arts

62. Log On & Boot Up!
www.computerhistory.org
1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Palo Alto
(650) 810-1010
The Computer History Museum is the world’s largest display of technology and its impact on the world. Computing is traced from 1945 to the present, and its presence in our lives is explored through exhibits and archives.

63. See the Art Behind the Man
www.stanford.edu/home/stanford/history/marks.html#Museum
Stanford University, Stanford
Built in honor of the founder of Stanford University, this museum displays rare works of art, highlighting European, Egyptian and Middle Eastern pieces and influences.

64. Whet Your Palate
www.city.palo-alto.ca.us/artcenter
1313 Hewell Road, Palo Alto
(650) 329-2366
The Palo Alto Art Center not only showcases various exhibits, but is also an educational facility for children and adults.

65. Inhale a Breath of Fresh Air
http://ccva.stanford.edu/outsculpt.html
Main Quad, Stanford University, Stanford
Stanford University’s Outdoor Art tours showcase a world-renowned sculpture collection, which can be toured independently or with a docent-led group.

66. Be in a League of Your Own
www.pacificartleague.org
668 Ramona Street, Palo Alto
(650) 321-3891
The Pacific Arts League is one of the premier facilities in the Bay Area for art education and promotion. Amateurs are welcome to attend classes, view the exhibits or visit the gallery shop. Since its inception in 1921, the Pacific Arts League has been a haven for art enthusiasts and cultural landmark on the Peninsula.

67. Enter, Stage Left
www.theatreworks.org/venues.htm
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
(650) 424-9999
The Lucie Stern Theatre has been a Palo Alto institution, producing live theatre events since 1933. Lucie Stern is home to the Palo Alto Players, a local reparatory group, and the West Bay Opera, the second oldest opera group in California.

68. Out of the Mouths of Babes
www.cityofpaloalto.org/community-services/theater-index.html
1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
(650) 463-4970
The Palo Alto Children’s Theatre is a world-renown playhouse, showcasing productions by young performers since 1937.

69. Replicate the Past
www.moah.org
351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
The Museum of American Heritage is a visual history of 19th and 20th Century technologies through life-size replicas. See a 1920’s kitchen, early 1900’s general store, a 1940’s radio repair shop, and a 1920’s print shop.

70. Go Back in Time
www.sanmateocountyhistory.com
777 Hamilton Street, Redwood City
(650) 299-0104
Tracing 250 years, the San Mateo County History Museum displays photos of San Mateo’s history. The facility’s archives detail the city’s importance to the development of San Francisco.

71. Take Off For a New Adventure
www.hiller.org
601 Skyway Road, San Carlos
(650) 654-0200
The Hiller Aviation Museum offers extensive exhibits, book signings and flying lessons. One of the most popular exhibits is the cockpit and First Class section of an actual Boeing 747.

72. Howl at the Moon
www.coyoteptmuseum.org
1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo
(650) 342-7753
The Coyote Point Museum is an environmental education center with exhibits ranging from actual wildlife to gardens to learning rooms.

73. Pez Me, Please
www.burlingamepezmuseum.com/
14 California Drive, Burlingame
(650) 347-2301
The Coyote Point Museum is an environmental education center with exhibits ranging from actual wildlife to gardens to learning rooms.

74. Get Technical
www.thetech.org
201 S. Market Street, San Jose
(408) 294-TECH
Visit the Pez Museum to get the history of this Austrian candy first introduced in 1927, and then later in the well-recognized Pez dispenser.

75. Discover the Kid in You
www.cdm.org
180 Woz Way, San Jose
(408) 298-5437
The Children’s Discovery Museum is perfect for families with its extensive array of exhibits, food, gardens and films.

76. Walk Like an Egyptian
www.egyptianmuseum.org
1342 Naglee Avenue, San Jose
Modeled after an intricate Egyptian temple, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum has the largest collection of artifacts from Egypt in the United States. This extensive display includes a library and history of Egypt.

77. Do You Know Monet to San Jose?
www.sjmusart.org
110 South Market Street, San Jose
(408) 271-6840
As the largest museum in San Jose, the Museum of Art is dedicated to displaying contemporary pieces. Thanks to community funding, this museum is free of charge to tour.

78. See What’s Inside
www.intel.com/intel/intelis/museum
2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara
The Intel Museum has 3,500 square feet of exhibits designed to showcase the designing of computer micro-chips. Tours available.

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Neighborhoods

79. So, Go Downtown
www.city.palo-alto.ca.us
University Avenue, Palo Alto
Downtown Palo Alto’s main thoroughfare, University Avenue, consists of several blocks of upscale restaurants, popular watering holes and high-end shops.

80. Palm Drive
www.stanford.edu/home/welcome/campus/palmdrive.html
Palo Alto
This palm-tree lines boulevard, which leads into the heart of Stanford University campus, is a perfect place for rollerblading, running or just a brisk walk.

81. Take a Walk on the Mural Side
www.anigami.com/jimwich/jimwich_archives/jwpicts_9_2001/GB_Murals/GB_Murals.html 526 Waverly Street, Palo Alto
Located throughout Palo Alto, Greg Brown’s Trompe-l’Oeil Murals date back to the early 1970’s. Painted on the sides of buildings, these murals are a well-loved aspect of Palo Alto.

82. Stroll through Menlo Park
www.menlopark.org/homepage/history.html
Menlo Park
Touring independently, you can see local sights such as the oldest railroad station in California, historic homes and churches, as well upscale shops along Santa Cruz Avenue, the main downtown thoroughfare.

83. Get That Small Town Charm
www.woodsidetown.org
Woodside
Historically notable, the small town of Woodside is nestled in a scenic valley between the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay. Woodside is home to cozy restaurants and shops.

84. Go Where Half is Better than Whole
www.half-moon-bay.ca.us
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a popular ocean side town in San Mateo County. Its historic downtown area boasts a wide array of shops, art galleries and restaurants. Half Moon Bay is also famous for its annual pumpkin festival and charming, small town atmosphere.

85. Have a High Time
www.ci.los-altos.ca.us/
Los Altos
Shop, eat and meander through the quaint area of Los Altos

86. Be the Cat’s Meow
www.losgatosweb.com
Los Gatos
Trendy downtown Los Gatos is home to fine dining and shopping. This is a great place to wander or just people watch.

87. Won’t You Take Me to Japantown
www.japantownsanjose.org
San Jose
In response to San Jose’s growing Asian population, Japantown is a thriving neighborhood with traditional Japanese restaurants, shops and businesses.

88. Form a Lasting Union
www.unionsquareshop.com
San Francisco
Union Square is the world-famous “center” of San Francisco. Historically significant, Union Square has some of the finest stores and restaurants in the area.

89. Smell Something ‘Fishy’
www.fishermanswharf.org
San Francisco
San Francisco’s most popular destination is famous for its seemingly endless restaurants (the seafood eateries are a must!), shops and amazing views of the bay.

90. Uncover Your Fortune
www.sftravel.com/china.html
San Francisco
Home to the second largest Chinese population in North America, this San Francisco neighborhood is world famous for its chaotic streets and wide selections of authentic restaurants, shops and way of life.

91. Choose a Day to Be Square
www.jacklondonsquare.com
Located at Broadway and Embarcadero Streets, Oakland
Along the banks of San Francisco Bay in Oakland, Jack London Square is a popular spot for dining and entertainment. Besides having a wide selection of eateries, shops and a large multiplex theatre, Jack London Square has a variety of museums, as well as a Farmer’s Market each Sunday.

100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Online Directions Click here for reservations or call our toll-free number at (888) 322-7788
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