In terms of incorporated land area, Mountain View is smaller then most cities in the Santa Clara Valley. However, the city offers much more in its borders than most local cities do. Mountain View can be divided into 9 major areas.

Each district of Mountain View has its own unique character and history. From the marshy creeks of Shoreline to the busy streets of Downtown. Each district guide offers pictures, histories, and information on attractions, shopping, and dining.  

Click on the portion of Mountain View you would like to visit, or read the descriptions of each area in the column to the right.

Note: North Mountain View and Sylvan-Dale don't have District Guides

Brief Description of each district:

(going from North to South)

Shoreline Park

Shoreline is beautiful 800 acre regional park and recreation area along the bay side of Mountain View. About 1/3 of the area is devoted to the golf course, while the other is public parkland and wildlife areas.

North  Bayshore

The North Bayshore District is the city's high-tech and entertainment district. It was the last area of the city to be developed, and is home to large high tech campuses, interesting modern art and architecture, and park like atmosphere.

Moffett Field

Moffett Field is owned by NASA. The field was established in the early 1930s and contains many historic landmarks such as the massive Hanger 1. It is home to interesting attractions like US Space Camp, NASA Ames Research Center, and the future California Air and Space Center.

North Mountain View:

North Mountain View is a mostly residential area of the city, with a mix of apartment and single family neighborhoods. It is not yet covered by A Guide to Mountain View

Whisman District

The Whisman is a sort of mini-city surrounded by major roads that set it apart from the rest of Mountain View. It is a rapidly redeveloping area that is now focused around a Lightrail trolley line and the Stevens Creek Recreational trail.

San Antonio District

The San Antonio District is Mountain View's most dense and diverse area.  It's includes Mountain View's major shopping areas, like San Antonio Center, as well as some of the city's oldest and newest neighborhoods.

Old Mountain View

The various neighborhoods of Old Mountain View make up the historical heart of the city.  The City's vibrant Downtown is also located here. Downtown is an interesting combination of what makes Mountain View both a historic and modern city. 

Sylvan Dale:

The Sylvan Dale area is on the outskirts of Mountain View, adjacent to Sunnyvale. It is a mostly residential neighborhood made up of large housing developments. The vacant Emporium building is the area's most notable landmark. The area is not yet covered in The Guide to Mountain View.

South Mountain View

South Mountain View is the city's lowest density area. It is made up of large single family neighborhoods and a few remnant pieces of agricultural land. South Mountain View blurs into nearby Los Altos, but has its own unique character and history.