Redwood City is a youthful and energetic city that stretches from the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains to the Bay shoreline. With a population of 85,000 people, mild shoreline climate, outdoor open spaces and a revitalized downtown, it has become one of the most active destinations in the Peninsula. Redwood City itself offers access to both nature, culture, and business opportunities, but is also situated within convenient reach of all the other neighboring Peninsula communities, as well as the big city opportunities of San Francisco and San Jose.

History

Like the entire Peninsula, Redwood City was originally inhabited by Ohlone Native Americans, who were displaced after the Spanish Mexican government granted ownership of large ranches in the area, and the land was later exploited for lumber. Originally it was important as the only deepwater port in the Bay south of San Francisco. Redwood city became the county seat in 1856, and then in 1867 it became the first city in San Mateo County to incorporate.

Things to Do

• Parks: Bair Island is a marsh area covering 3,000 acres with three islands, and is part of a greater National Wildlife Refuge, perfect for hiking and kayaking. Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is a 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands with easy access for hiking and bird-watching.
• Arts: The iconic Fox Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and anchors downtown Redwood City as part of the revitalized historic Courthouse and Square directly across the street. This whole area is filled with shopping, restaurants and a new 20 theatre cinema, which makes it one of the most energetic entertainment centers in the Peninsula.
• Dining: Downtown Redwood City has some of the options for restaurants and bars in the area, which make it a major draw from the surrounding cities. And if you are looking for something more exciting, you have the entire Peninsula community at your doorstep, most notably downtown Palo Alto is nearby and San Francisco is just a short drive away.