Mountain View vacation rentals

Bytes meet brilliant vistas in Mountain View

Mountain View does exactly what it says on the tin – the verdant peaks and troughs of the Santa Cruz Mountains bubble up on the horizon here. But there's more. On the north side of town, it's the deep blue waters of the San Francisco Bay that spread out, while the town itself is a medley of hi-tech industries, pedestrian-friendly paths, cutting-edge research centers, and enticing family attractions like the Shoreline Aquatic Center. What's more, Mountain View vacation rentals are primed for all sorts, ranging from cozy cottages to stylish condos in wholesome Sunnyvale.

Mountain View offers digital attractions

Mountain View sits at the gateway to Silicon Valley, a part of the San Francisco Bay Area that's known for its innovative tech industries. Google is up there with the biggest who have their headquarters in the town, and it's worth spying out the sprawling Googleplex buildings before heading off to NASA Ames Research Center for self-guided tours about America's next projects in the cosmos. The Shoreline Aquatic Center, meanwhile, is the perfect place to visit for families who've rented Mountain View vacation rentals, what with its boating lake, duck ponds, and kayaking facilities.

Mountain View is for market lovers and techies

Start by taking in the laid-back vibes of Castro Street, where San Francisco hipsters mingle with tech heads in the cool cafés, gaming halls, and Mexican eateries. From there, it's possible to hop into performing arts centers, or make a beeline out to the sprawling headquarters of Google. Sunday mornings herald in the local farmers' markets here, where the stalls are packed with intriguing Asian veg and juicy Californian fruits alike. And then there are the green spaces of the bayside parks, which have golfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking aplenty.

Get ready for summer in the Bay Area

There's really no better time of year to settle in Mountain View vacation rentals close to the San Francisco Bay Area waters than the height of summer. It's then that parks like the Shoreline Aquatic Center will be buzzing with life and bobbing with boaters, while days are relatively cool and breezy all the way from June to early September. That said, spring in Mountain View also promises warm temperatures for breaking out into the Santa Cruz Mountains, along with some more wallet-friendly prices when it comes to places to stay.

Exploring the mountains and other natural features in Mountain View

Whether you're looking for fun outdoor activities or just want to appreciate the scenery, Mountain View is a great spot to appreciate mother nature. Here are some of the area’s most enchanting features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:

• San Francisco Bay (24.9 mi / 40.1 km)
• Shoreline Park (3.2 mi / 5.1 km)
• San Jose Municipal Rose Garden (9.3 mi / 15 km)
• Hakone Gardens (9.5 mi / 15.3 km)
• Lake Elizabeth (13.1 mi / 21.1 km)
• Alum Rock Park (15.6 mi / 25.2 km)

Traveling to and around Mountain View

Fly into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), the closest airport, located 8.6 mi (13.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), which is 23 mi (37.1 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, make your way to Mountain View Station or San Antonio Station and explore the city from there. You can get around Mountain View by jumping on the metro at Whisman Station, Middlefield Station or Bayshore NASA Station.