Downtown Mountain View - Restaurants, Bars and Events
Downtown Mountain View is the vibrant heart of the city, where Northern California charm meets Silicon Valley innovation. Centered around the bustling Castro Street corridor, this walkable downtown district is known for its diverse restaurants, sidewalk cafés, craft beer gardens, boutique shopping, live entertainment, and year-round community events. Enjoy performances at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, browse the popular Sunday Farmers' Market, or attend signature events like the Mountain View Art & Wine Festival and Thursday Night Live.
Hours
- Per individual stores, restaurants and events.
Prices
- Vary by venue.
Downtown Mountain View Events
- Sunday Farmers' Market
- May: A la Carte & Art
- July & August: Thursday Night Live
- September: Mountain View Art & Wine Festival
- December: Tree Lighting Ceremony
Activities
Dining
- In-N-Out Burger - A California favorite serving made-to-order burgers, fresh-cut fries, and classic shakes. Located just steps from Hotel Strata, it's ideal for a quick and casual meal.
- Satsuma Sushi - Enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi, and specialty rolls at this popular local Japanese restaurant. A great option for lunch, dinner, or a business meal near the hotel.
- Chaat Paradise - Known for authentic Indian street food and vegetarian specialties, this local favorite serves flavorful chaats, dosas, curries, and traditional Indian snacks.
Shopping
- Downtown Mountain View & Castro Street - Browse a variety of locally owned boutiques, specialty retailers, bookstores, and gift shops in the heart of Mountain View's vibrant downtown district.
- San Antonio Center - This open-air shopping destination features popular retailers, dining options, and everyday conveniences just minutes from Hotel Strata.
- Stanford Shopping Center - One of Northern California's premier outdoor shopping destinations, featuring luxury brands, designer boutiques, and upscale dining.
Nightlife
- Steins Beer Garden - A lively gathering spot known for craft beer, outdoor seating, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for evening socializing.
- Eureka! Mountain View - Popular for craft cocktails, local beers, and an energetic atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors.
Sightseeing
- Downtown Mountain View & Castro Street - Explore the city's dining, shopping, entertainment, and cultural hub, all within walking distance of local attractions and events.
- Shoreline Lake Park - A scenic outdoor destination offering walking trails, boating, wildlife viewing, and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.
- NASA Ames Research Center - Learn about space exploration and scientific research at one of NASA's most significant research facilities.
Spas & Fitness
- 24 Hour Fitness Mountain View - A full-service fitness center offering cardio equipment, strength training, group fitness classes, and personal training.
- Shoreline Park Trails - Enjoy outdoor fitness with miles of scenic walking, jogging, and cycling paths surrounded by nature.
Theater & Art
- Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts - A premier venue for theater productions, live music, dance performances, and community events throughout the year.
- Palo Alto Art Center - Features rotating exhibitions, educational programs, and artwork from local and regional artists.
- Cantor Arts Center - Located on the Stanford University campus, this renowned museum houses an extensive collection of American, European, Asian, and contemporary art.
Downtown Mountain View offers plenty to do, including shopping, dining, theater, live music, day spas, yoga, and billiards. The heart of"old downtown Mountain View, Castro Street is a 7-block stretch with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, a beer garden, and the Center for the Performing Arts.
Downtown Mountain View offers exciting year-round events, including the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival every September and the Tree Lighting Ceremony in December. The Farmers' Market offers fresh produce every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caltrain parking lot at 600 W. Evelyn Ave. Check out the Thursday Night Live, held every other Thursday during July and August on Castro Street with food, live music and classic cars on display.
Downtown Mountain View offers a vibrant food and dining scene, with the best restaurants and bars in the city. Our favorite restaurants on Castro Street are Flights, Scratch, QBB, La Fontaine, and Rumble Fish. Stop by Blue Line Pizza for the city's best pie or Agave for Mexican food. On Villa Street, you'll find Chez TZ for French cuisine, Steins Beer Garden, and Tied House, one of the oldest brewpubs in the Bay Area, just steps from Hotel Strata. The best place to have lunch in Mountain View is Cascal or Vive Sol.
