//
Photo: J.K. Nakato, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The USGS has a large office in Menlo Park where visitors can see various geology-related exhibits. Allow one hour for the self-guided tour. See this page for additional information. You can also obtain detailed maps before setting off on an expedition to a remote location.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS), founded as the Geological Survey, is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior whose work spans the disciplines of biology, geography, geology, and hydrology. The agency was founded on March 3, 1879, to study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The agency also makes maps of planets and moons, based on data from U.S. space probes.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A music and event performance space providing live music and entertainment to the Peninsula region. The venue holds about 500 patrons and hosts a wide range of music, film, and special events programming.
The Menlo Park train station depot was built in 1867 and expanded with Victorian-era decorative features in the 1890s to serve the opening of Stanford University. This is the oldest railroad passenger station in California.
As a biking hub, Menlo Park has excellent rail and bike trail connections with other cities or destinations in the region. Bike rides can be combined with CalTrain or taken from Menlo Park to Stanford (2 miles), Palo Alto (3 miles), Woodside (6 miles), Mountain View (8 miles), Los Altos (8 miles), or the classic and more hilly Portola Valley Loop (16 miles).
Enjoy a walk (between the historic railroad station and the equally historic Camp Fremont Park) along Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park's old-fashioned commercial district. You can shop, have a coffee and a snack, or a meal at an outdoor table, do some thrifting at the second hand stores, admire the boutique furniture shops and art galleries along the way.
On Sunday morning, there's a farmers market with fresh foods from the local area. You'll find fresh produce, nuts, breads, pastries, meats, seafood and flowers. Live music is typically provided.
Nice place to take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, or a bite to eat, or some reading under the tall coastal redwood trees at historic Camp Fremont Park. The history of the park is described by informational displays at the entrance.