Attractions and Places To See around Atherton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Atherton, California, include a mix of historical sites, architectural landmarks, and scenic routes. This residential town in the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to notable cultural points and outdoor activities. The region offers opportunities to explore historical structures and engage in cycling on local roads.
Best attractions and places to see around Atherton
- The most popular attractions is Pulgas Water Temple, a man-made monument that commemorates the engineering feat of bringing water to the Bay Area. This monument features Beaux Arts architecture with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals.
- Another must-see spot is Woodside Store (Historic Site), a historical site that served as a stagecoach stop and general store in the 1850s. Visitors can explore this restored pioneer settlement museum, which depicts life from the 1880s.
- Visitors also love Old La Honda Road, a climb known for its consistent grade and light traffic. This narrow road offers a challenging workout for cyclists, averaging a grade just under 8% for almost 3 miles.
- Atherton is known for its historical landmarks, scenic cycling routes, and local parks. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from architectural marvels to challenging climbs.
- The attractions around Atherton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 79 upvotes and 21 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Junipero Serra Boulevard
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Car traffic is everpresent on this route, and it can get particularly busy during commute hours on weekdays, though this shouldn't concern you much because (other than having to switch to the left-hand side of the right-turn lane at some intersections) you will be mostly independent of the traffic lanes in your own bike lane during this ride. Meanwhile, weekends with good weather will result in heavy bicycle traffic, in which case it would be worthwhile to pay extra attention to fast riders that might be approaching from behind, at least when you're stopping or resuming after a stop.
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight • Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the city’s relief: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchant’s design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchant’s drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Cañada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Woodside Store (Historic Site)
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Cañada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
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Didn’t OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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While this is an expressway, there is good room for safe riding and most of the day it isn't too heavily trafficked which makes for a great, rolling straight run
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Old La Honda Rd downhill video: https://youtu.be/icnBpBZQ8gE?si=xYovaH-Nr8llwLEM
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The Woodside Store, also known as Tripp Store, is located at 3300 Tripp Road at Kings Mountain Road in Woodside, San Mateo County, California. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985 and was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1949. The store's history dates back to October 1849 when Matthias Alfred Parkhurst purchased land in the area and began a shingle-making and lumber business with his partners, including Robert Orville Tripp. The store was established in 1853, originally serving the needs of lumbermen and settlers during the Gold Rush era. Dr. Tripp became the sole operator of the store after Parkhurst's death in 1863, running it until his own death in 1909. He was a well-known figure in Woodside, holding various public offices. The San Mateo County Historical Association acquired the store in the 1940s, and it was restored to its 1880s condition by 1994.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit in Atherton?
You can step back in time at the Woodside Store (Historic Site), which was a stagecoach stop and general store in the 1850s. This restored pioneer settlement museum offers a glimpse into life from the 1880s. Additionally, the Pulgas Water Temple, while an architectural landmark, also commemorates a significant historical engineering feat.
Are there any notable architectural landmarks in Atherton?
Yes, the Pulgas Water Temple is a prominent architectural landmark. It was designed in the Beaux Arts style with fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, commemorating the Hetch Hetchy Project that brought water to the Bay Area. Another notable site is the Allied Arts Guild, a charming hacienda-style complex showcasing local artistic talent.
What cycling routes are available around Atherton?
Atherton offers several popular cycling routes. You can challenge yourself on Old La Honda Road, known for its consistent grade and light traffic. Another option is Kings Mountain Road, a narrow and twisty descent popular with cyclists. For a more relaxed ride with dedicated lanes, consider Junipero Serra Boulevard.
Are there easy hiking trails near Atherton?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options nearby. You can explore routes like the Stanford Campus Walk or the Arroyo Ojo De Agua Loop. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Atherton guide.
What are some challenging cycling climbs in the area?
For a challenging workout, Old La Honda Road offers a consistent climb averaging just under 8% for almost three miles. It's a popular choice for cyclists looking to test their endurance.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Atherton?
Absolutely! Both the Pulgas Water Temple and the Woodside Store (Historic Site) are considered family-friendly. The Pulgas Water Temple offers an interesting historical and architectural experience, while the Woodside Store is an open-air museum that can be engaging for all ages. Additionally, Holbrook-Palmer Park provides a playground and picnic areas.
Where can I experience local art and culture in Atherton?
The Allied Arts Guild is a charming hacienda-style complex that houses galleries, studios, and gardens, providing a wonderful opportunity to explore local artistic talent and cultural expressions.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do besides cycling and hiking?
Beyond road cycling and hiking, you can also find mountain biking opportunities. Guides like MTB Trails around Atherton list routes such as Kings Mountain Road loop or Arastradero Lake loop, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult.
What do visitors appreciate most about the attractions in Atherton?
Visitors frequently praise the unique historical significance and architectural beauty of sites like the Pulgas Water Temple. Cyclists particularly enjoy the challenging yet scenic routes like Old La Honda Road for its consistent grade and light traffic, and the exhilarating descent of Kings Mountain Road. The overall mix of historical landmarks, scenic cycling, and local parks is highly valued.
Can I find parks with trails in Atherton?
Yes, Holbrook-Palmer Park is a large local park in Atherton that features trails suitable for various skill levels, along with other amenities like a playground and picnic areas.
Is there a good time of year to visit Atherton for outdoor activities?
The San Francisco Bay Area generally enjoys mild weather year-round, making it suitable for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures for cycling and hiking, while summers are typically dry and warm. Winter can bring some rain, but many days remain clear and cool enough for outdoor pursuits.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in Atherton?
While Atherton itself is primarily residential, the surrounding areas offer scenic views, particularly along cycling routes like Old La Honda Road, which climbs towards Skyline Boulevard, providing potential vistas of the landscape.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter near Atherton's trails?
When exploring trails in the parks and natural areas around Atherton, you might encounter common local wildlife such as various bird species, squirrels, and rabbits. Depending on the specific trail and time of day, deer and other small mammals could also be spotted.
Most popular attractions around Atherton
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