Mountain View California - The Perfect Addition to Your Bay Area Vacation

Less than an hour away from the heart of San Francisco sits Mountain View, California. Although a much smaller town, it nevertheless offers some great attractions and can be a great addition to your Bay Area travels. Its unique tourist attractions, laid-back pace and view of the Santa Cruz Mountains are a must-see for anyone looking for a break from a big-city vacation - and with the help of a taxi service, you could be there in no time.

Downtown Mountain View is known for its pedestrian-friendly design. Small shops, gourmet restaurants, sidewalk cafes and the town's performing arts center line the seven-block stretch of Castro Street. Both tourists and locals can take advantage of this beautiful, open space that is unlike any other found in the large cities nearby.

Shoreline Park, located in the middle of Mountain View, is a recreation area of over 660 acres, with a saltwater lake, golf course, bay trails and hills looking over the water. Many visitors come from the city to surf, and its winds draw in many people interested in stunt kite flying.

For technology buffs, Mountain View is within minutes of some popular places of interest. The Intel Campus hosts the company's museum, where visitors can learn about computer history and innovation. Just a short drive away, one can find The Tech Museum. This unique facility houses hundreds of technology-related exhibits, and over 95% of them are original or one-of-a-kind. Their Green by Design exhibit teaches visitors about sustainable energy, while NetPlanet allows you to create your own 3D character or test your strength in a virtual arm wrestling match across the country.

The NASA Exploration Center is also located nearby - with rotating exhibits and opportunities for the public to learn about the history of the NASA program. As the U.S. prepares to end the shuttle program, this attraction (which is free to the public) provides a fascinating look at the history of space exploration, and the direction it may go once alternative space transportation programs begin.

For another blast from the past, many visit the Moffett Field Historical Museum, just a few miles from the exploration center. On the west end of historic "Hangar One," the museum houses artifacts from the Navy and Army as well as NASA. Aviation equipment, uniforms, photographs and exhibits draw in visitors from around the world.

For the ghost hunters in your group, the famous Winchester Mystery House is just a few minutes away. The breathtaking Victorian home was occupied and under perpetual construction for nearly 40 years by Sara Winchester. It is famous for its strange design, with stairs leading nowhere and 47 fireplaces tucked throughout the home. Of course, it is also believed to be haunted by Miss Winchester herself. Whether you're looking for mystery or unique architecture, this historic landmark has it.

After many days walking busy San Francisco streets, a short Mountain View cab ride can take you to this must-see city. Its wide open spaces, friendly locals and incredible attractions are the perfect addition to your Bay Area vacation.