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Planning a solo trip to Silicon Valley? Mountain View may not be the first city that comes to mind, but trust me, this little hub of tech and trails has plenty to offer if you’re traveling on your own. Between global dining on Castro Street, peaceful walks around Shoreline Park, and a boutique hotel that feels like a spa retreat, Mountain View makes solo travel feel effortless.
Mountain View at a Glance for Solo Travelers
Stay: Shashi Hotel boutique spa vibe Eat: Castro Street global picks Do: Shoreline Park, Google Visitor Center, Computer History Museum Best for: 1 to 2 nights, concert + nature + food
Let’s start with the good stuff: where you’ll sleep. The Shashi Hotel is one of those places that makes you feel like you’re on a proper getaway, even if you’re in town for a quick stopover. Think urban oasis: sleek design, techie, and amenities that say “treat yourself” without the side-eye.
(click to enlarge)
Hotel Highlights:
A heated outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, and yoga classes (yes, you can namaste your jet lag away).
Complimentary bikes for an easy ride to Shoreline Park.
On-site restaurants and bars, so you don’t have to wander far for a cozy glass of wine or a good meal.
Walking distance to Shoreline Amphitheatre and the Google Visitor Center, if you’re curious about snapping a selfie with an Android robot.
Hotel Lowlights:
Only 4 chaise lounges by the pool, plus 2 “Cabanas” ($200 per 2 hours), and about 10 chairs. When I first came down I was soooo bummed to not be able to get a chaise lounge. (“Life of Leisure while covered up pool or ocean-side” is my cup of tea, big time) Happily I checked again in about 10 minutes and 3 of the chaise lounges had freed up!
Me, probably happier than the occasion warranted, after snagging a chaise lounge
In my despair over the lack of chaise lounges, I thought I could get an outdoor table in another fenced off section near the pool. So I went in to get a glass of wine and sit at one of those tables, but was told I could only sit at the bar if I was on my own! Why I oughta!! I’d never encountered this before, but I’d read about solo travelers having that happen to them in Europe. (Hardly anyone else was in the restaurant!) So I got my wine to go, and happily.. see above.
No bathtubs.
The Shashi Hotel has its own app and if you download and use it you save a few bucks. The app lets you check in yourself and choose your room once you’re here and on its wifi. I took the bait and upgraded my self to a corner room with floor to ceiling windows for an extra $50. I was glad I did! My room was very cool!
Look at this view! Like floating up above it all… or being in a conference room at a Silicon Valley company
Safe, robes, slippers, ice bucket, iron, coffee and tea and kettle, extra pillow and luggage rack. What more could you want?
Be sure to book early especially if you’re coming during summer concert season, the hotel fills fast when big names are playing at Shoreline.
Castro Street: Foodie Heaven
When you’re ready to eat (and you will be), make your way downtown (2 miles) to Castro Street. This lively strip is packed with restaurants from every corner of the world. You could eat Indian one night, Japanese ramen the next, and Mediterranean mezze after that.
My favorites:
Eureka! – Burgers and beer in a historic building.
Nick the Greek – This is part of a chain, but it’s good, inexpensive Greek street food!
Yes, Mountain View is home to Google, but it’s also home to Shoreline Park, a peaceful spot where you can stroll, bike, or just sit by the lake with a journal. They also have a bistro where you can grab a shoreside lunch, coffee and/or wine!
If you’re staying at the Shashi Hotel you can use one of their complimentary bikes to take the 2 mile/ 10 minute ride to the Shoreline Park!
The Google Visitor Center is about a 10 minute walk from the Shashi Hotel. Had I looked this up before I would have parked at the hotel and then walked over because the walk from the Google visitor parking garage to the Visitor Center is longer!
Anyway, it’s a pleasant walk, lined with redwood trees, which smell wonderful! The cafe was my first stop, and I got a very good BLT and cold brew.
I admit I was surprised there was a Google store selling products. Google has products to buy? Turns out they are phones and watches. As a former multi-decade Apple employee it seemed like they were being big fat copycats, but I’m not really up to date on these tech-y things any more.
Other things to see at Google are the fun public art on display:
The Computer History Museum is the #1 Mountain View tourist attraction and it’s right next door to the Shashi Hotel!
Full disclosure: I’d planned to go here, but once I arrived it was such a nice day out that I decided to skip it till another time… maybe a rainy day! That said, if you’re in the mood it’s supposed to be a really good museum. I read one online review where a woman said she’d agreed to go to appease her husband on a Mountain View visit and she was shocked at how cool and interesting it was!
So next rainy day, I will be there! Let me know if you’ve been and I’ll update this post!
If you’re staying at Shashi, you’re walking distance from Shoreline Amphitheatre. Grab a lawn ticket, bring a blanket, and enjoy live music without worrying about being the odd one out, there are always groups, couples, and plenty of solo folks spread across the grass.
FAQs for Solo Travelers
Is Mountain View good for solo travelers? Yes. Downtown and Shoreline areas feel comfortable for solo visitors, with walkable dining, safe evening rideshares, and plenty of daytime activities.
Can I walk or bike from Shashi Hotel to Shoreline Park? Yes. It’s about 2 miles. The hotel offers complimentary bikes and the path is flat.
What’s the best time to visit Mountain View? Spring and fall for mild weather. Summer adds concert season at Shoreline Amphitheatre.
Do I need a car? Driving is easiest, but Uber and Lyft are reliable. Caltrain serves downtown for day trips up and down the Peninsula.
Final Thoughts
Mountain View proves that solo travel doesn’t have to mean choosing between peaceful nature and busy city life. Here, you can have both, a quiet lakeside walk in the morning, a foodie feast on Castro Street in the afternoon, and maybe even a live concert to end the day. And with the Shashi Hotel as your home base, you’ll feel both “Lost In Space” cutting edge and perfectly comfortable traveling on your own.
So yes, Mountain View is more than Google headquarters. It’s a surprisingly charming, solo-friendly city where you can eat, wander, and recharge with confidence.
Curious about more info on Silicon Valley? Look no further than here:
Save Me for Later
Sue
Sojourns With Sue is a travel blog focused on solo, female, over 50 travel in the USA and Europe. Sue gives her personal take on the most unique and cool sights and places to stay.
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