Downtown

Downtown Menlo Park offers a vibrant mix of eateries and shops, serving as a destination for locals and visitors alike. In a walkable environment on quaint, tree-lined streets, visitors enjoy a wide range of shopping and dining options including outdoor dining through the Streetary Program, convenience stores for everyday needs, and interior design services for specialty purchases.

Downtown is easily accessible via El Camino Real, serving as the main vehicular corridor adjacent to the downtown area.

The City is committed to supporting businesses across Menlo Park and fostering an environment where they can grow and thrive. Downtown remains a key destination in the City – drawing from throughout the community. Menlo Park’s City Council has established Downtown Vibrancy as a priority initiative, with a focus on programs to support the downtown business community.

Streetary Program

The Streetary Program allows for al fresco dining throughout the City and has become especially popular downtown. Learn about this program that expands outdoor dining on the program webpage.

Public Plaza       

The City is adding to downtown vibrancy with the installation of a public plaza in the 600 Block of Santa Cruz Avenue. The Plaza will serve as a community gathering space - for enjoying coffee or a meal from a nearby cafe or restaurant, or for small events. Learn more about the 600 Block Public Plaza on the project webpage.

Events

The City proudly hosts a wide range of events year-round in downtown Menlo Park. From farmers markets to lively festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Farmers Market

Downtown Menlo Park features a farmers market hosted by LocalHarvest, every Sunday, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Santa Cruz and Menlo avenues. Enjoy time with your neighbors in the downtown!

Summer Concerts

Along with tree-lined streets, Downtown Menlo Park is also home to Fremont Park where summer concerts are held. Come and enjoy free concerts from July through August. Learn more about the series and performer line-up.

Halloweek!

Pumpkins, parades and of course trunk-or-treat make this a memorable event for families to enjoy. Visit the city’s website to learn more.

Light Up the Season!

During the holiday season, everyone is invited downtown to enjoy the festivities, including family-friendly entertainment and lighting of the oak tree in Fremont Park. Information, including dates are updated on the city’s website.

Housing

Based on the 2023-2031 Housing Element, the City is considering certain City-owned downtown parking lots for housing development. Learn more about development updates on the project page.

Parking

City staff are currently studying use of public parking spaces in the downtown, with consideration to residents, businesses, and visitors. This is an extensive study designed to optimize parking usage and provide an inviting experience to the downtown area. Learn more about the Downtown Parking Management Study.

Land Use

The Downtown Specific Plan was adopted in 2012. It outlines architectural standards, design guidelines, and land uses. Currently, exploration of expanded land uses is underway, initiated through a proposal from Windy Hill Property Ventures. This would bring an amendment to the Specific Plan for uses along Santa Cruz Ave in the downtown area. These amendments would consider uses like personal improvement services on the ground floor, business services, and animal services. Learn more about potential Specific Plan amendments the project webpage. 

Downtown maintenance

The City is committed to maintaining a clean and attractive downtown area – creating a favorable experience for shopping and dining. You can help notify the City of maintenance needs downtown by using ACT Menlo Park. You can easily report non-emergency issues from a phone or computer, like broken items in need of repair or replacement or cleanliness issues.

Power washing

The City contracts with Dinsmore to conduct power washing of downtown sidewalks nine (9) times throughout the year: April, May, June, July, August and September, with additional power washing after major seasonal events.

Waste Collection

Trash Receptacles

The City is working with its contractor, Recology, on a revamp of downtown trash receptacles. This new project is intended to ensure ease-of-use for downtown visitors, while also adding to the downtown aesthetic. New options are being explored and reviewed by City staff that would help to better contain waste, prevent spillage and open receptacles, allow for ease in sorting to adhere to environmental sustainability standards, and to provide aesthetic value.

Broken latches on existing trash and recycling receptacles have been repaired. Staff will continue to monitor the condition of the receptacles throughout the process of selecting new models and will adopt a schedule for ongoing tracking of receptacle conditions. You can help report waste-related issues by using ACT Menlo Park.

Collection schedule

Recology provides garbage and recycling collection on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

Drinking Fountains

City staff is currently reviewing the use and condition of newspaper racks throughout the downtown, including deteriorated quality and movement to various locations. Permits are being tracked to ensure each operator is compliant to permit rules, guidelines and the required maintenance.