City Limits

Portola Valley is a peaceful community that sits on top of the San Andreas Fault, one of the world’s most active earthquake zones. Incorporated in 1964 and named for Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolá, who led the first party of Europeans to explore the San Francisco Peninsula in 1769, the town has maintained a rural ambiance and a good balance between modern development and pastoral quiet.

Portola Valley can generally be divided into seven subdivisions: Central Portola Valley, The Ranch, Corte Madera, Los Trancos/Vista Verde, Woodside Highlands, Westridge, and Blue Oaks. Through the efforts of dedicated residents, the town has also acquired seven significant open spaces within its borders. Learn more

Portola Valley By the Numbers

WHERE TO GO: Chic’s Picks

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve – Windy Hill is named for its distinctive, breezy, grass-covered hilltop, which can be seen from across the peninsula. The 1,335-acre preserve features open grassland ridges and forests of redwood, fir, and oak. This is an ideal spot for kite flyers, but you’ll need a permit for hang gliding, paragliding, and remote control gliding. Learn more

Our Lady of the Wayside Church – This country church in the Spanish Mission style was built in 1912. It is the first fully executed design of architect Timothy Pflueger and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a California Registered Historical Landmark. Ironically, construction of this church was initiated by a non-denominational club called The Family. Learn more

Portola Valley School – This one-room schoolhouse sits at 775 Portola Road and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Designed in 1909 by LeBaron R. Olive, it is a rare, surviving example of a school in Mission Revival style and currently used for Portola Valley town hall meetings. Learn more

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & HANG

Parkside Grille – This family owned restaurant is tucked among towering redwoods with stunning views of the town. In addition to its unique setting, their dishes are bold, uncomplicated, and made with fresh local ingredients. The owners are dedicated to providing great service and exquisite food with bold innovation. Learn more

Old Port Lobster Shack – The concept of owner Russell Deutsch, a native of Boston and Portland, Maine, this is a legitimate old-fashioned lobster shack. They even fly in fresh lobsters several times a week, so be prepared for the freshest lobster on the West Coast! Learn more

Rossotti’s Alpine Inn – In 2018, Deke & Lori Hunter, Fred & Stephanie Harman, and Jim Kohlberg bought the iconic and historic Alpine Inn to update, restore, and finally reopen the local treasure. Learn more

LOCAL SCHOOLS

FOSTER CITY Library

#GoldCountry

According to the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, Portola Valley is the wealthiest town in America based on per-capita income for communities larger than 4,000, and home prices here are also among the highest in the nation. Learn more

#TavernTown

Founded in 1852, Casa De Tableta — now the Alpine Inn — is the second-oldest continually operating tavern in California. While the name may have changed numerous times during its rich history, 167 years later the watering hole continues to attract customers to  the banks of Los Trancos Creek, some of whom still arrive on horseback. Learn more