Dining

Ladera Shopping Center is a quaint village-style shopping area located on the rolling hills lower in the valley close to I-280. Businesses here include Bianchini’s Market, a friendly deli and grocery store with a great selection of fresh produce, imported foodstuffs, artisanal cheese, gourmet prepared meals, and delicious baked goods. This neighborhood favorite offers home delivery and is always ready to stock any items you request.

Ladera Garden & Gifts has a nursery of beautiful plants and flowers as well as a good selection of unique homeware and home décor items. Ladera Shopping Center’s dining options include rustic Italian cooking at Portola Kitchen, East Coast seafood at Old Port Lobster Shack, and tasty Mexican fare at Amigo’s Grill. A short drive south of Ladera Shopping Center on Alpine Road, Rossotti’s Alpine Inn has been a Portola Valley institution since 1852, making it the second-oldest tavern in California. The Alpine Inn reopened following extensive renovation in 2019. Here, you’ll find exceptional cocktails, a wide selection of wine and beer, and a menu of wood-fired pizza and other elevated pub grub. Portola Valley Farmers’ Market is held each Thursday afternoon all year-round on Portola Valley Road with vendors offering organic produce and specialty foodstuffs.

People & Lifestyle

Next to the Alpine Inn, Rossotti Field is a regulation-sized soccer field used for youth and adult league games and practices. Other sports facilities in Portola Valley include Alpine Hills and Ladera Oaks swimming and tennis clubs. Each of these clubs offers members access to lighted tennis courts, heated pools, state-of-the-art fitness centers, and a variety of programs and classes for all ages.

Portola Valley is a popular biking area, and there are miles of equestrian and hiking trails to explore. The 1,335-acre Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is named after its grassy hilltop, which can be seen from across the peninsula. Multiple trails run through this preserve, which is home to a diverse array of animal and plant species. Take in stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Diablo, and the SF Bay from Windy Hill’s summit or take part in popular activities such as kite flying, paragliding, hang gliding, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Schools

Portola Valley has excellent public schools operated by the Portola Valley Elementary School District along with the exceptional private Woodside Priory School (Roman Catholic, 6-12).