Discover Holiday Magic Among Woodside’s Redwoods
Good For
- Family Time
- Gourmet
- Nature
- Photo Ops
- Romantic Connections
- Sightseeing
- Something Different
Why Go
Nestled among the majestic redwoods south of San Francisco, Woodside is a quiet town with hidden treasures for travelers seeking a unique, relaxing getaway.
Woodside’s top attraction is Filoli, a historic 654-acre estate with 16 acres of gardens. Built in 1917, the formerly private estate is now a non-profit open to the public to enjoy its gardens and seasonal events. One of its most popular events is Holiday Lights, when the mansion and gardens glow with hundreds of thousands of lights, including a stunning light tunnel. Add some hot cocoa and get into the spirit of the season! Besides the evening light show, there’s the Thistlewyck Christmas village, a farm with animals to pet, and shopping, dining, and bars.
Beyond Filoli, you can’t help but notice the redwood trees all around Woodside. You can hike among the redwoods at Huddart Park and Wunderlich Park for some quiet exercise or forest bathing. Or take a scenic drive on Highway 84 (La Honda Road) and Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd), whose winding roads and forested scenery attract motorcyclists and sports car owners. Right off the highway, you can find the towering, 2,000-year-old Methuselah Tree, which is worth a hug.
For such a small town, Woodside still has a foodie scene. The best and most famous restaurant is The Village Pub, whose American cuisine has earned a coveted Michelin star. Or try Alice’s Restaurant, known as much for its lively, friendly atmosphere as for its food.
Whether you’re craving a festive retreat or a peaceful escape close to home, let Woodside spark your sense of wonder this holiday season.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive on Friday so that you can enjoy the entire day on Saturday.
Families with kids can spend the entire day at Filoli Gardens, visiting Thistlewyck Village during the day and Holiday Lights in the evening. Follow it up with a redwood forest hike on Sunday morning.
Couples can work up an appetite hiking among the redwoods during the day, and refuel with brunch or an early dinner at The Village Pub. In the evening, head to Filoli Gardens for drinks and a stroll among the Holiday Lights. Finish the weekend with a scenic drive on Sunday morning and lunch at Alice’s Restaurant before heading home.
Things to Do
- Visit Filoli Gardens to see Thistlewyck Village during the day and/or Holiday Lights in the evening.
- Hike among the redwoods at Huddart Park or Wunderlich Park.
- Enjoy a fabulous meal at the Michelin-starred Village Pub (reservations are always a good idea).
- Drive scenic Highway 84 (La Honda Road) and Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd) and stop at Alice’s Restaurant for lunch.