Juana Briones Park

Imagine a quiet, shaded oasis tucked away in a cozy residential neighborhood near Mountain View. Juana Briones Park is more than just a green space for strolls; it is a site with deep historical significance, dedicated to one of the most extraordinary women in the history of the USA and the state of California.

The park is named after Juana Briones de Miranda, a legendary healer, entrepreneur, and one of the region's first female landowners. This small but well-maintained area is an important part of the Palo Alto city park system and is much loved by locals for its peaceful, almost home-like atmosphere. You won't find noisy attractions here, but there is plenty of fresh air and scenic walking paths.

For tourists, this place is primarily interesting for its connection to the past: the park is located on lands that were once part of Juana Briones' vast ranch. It is the perfect location for those looking to slow down for a moment, escape the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley, and touch the history of 19th-century land development.

For up-to-date information on events or park rules, you can contact the city services.

Main contact details are listed below:

In this park, nature and history intertwine, creating the perfect setting for quiet contemplation and relaxation. The main activity here is walking along the winding paths that lead under the canopies of ancient trees. The park feels as if it were designed for a picnic on the soft grass, enjoying the silence of the residential area and the birdsong.

History buffs will enjoy walking through grounds that were once part of the massive La Purísima Concepción ranch. While here, it’s easy to imagine Juana Briones farming and healing people using her knowledge of herbs nearly two hundred years ago. The park is often chosen for yoga or morning meditation, as it is rarely crowded.

For families with children, it offers a great space for safe outdoor play. Thanks to 24-hour access, you can come at sunrise to greet the new day in harmony with nature, or stop by for an evening walk when the soft California sun paints the trees in golden hues.

Getting to Juana Briones Park is easy, as it is conveniently located in a residential neighborhood on the border with Mountain View. If you are traveling by car, free street parking is readily available on Maybell Ave. The drive from downtown Mountain View takes only a few minutes.

For those who prefer public transportation, the VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) buses are a good option. The nearest stops are located on major thoroughfares such as El Camino Real or Oregon Expressway, from which the park is a 10–15 minute walk. You can also take a taxi or rideshare from the Caltrain station (Palo Alto), which is about 3 kilometers away.

Thanks to the well-developed infrastructure, the park is also easily accessible by bicycle or on foot from neighboring areas. During the summer, we recommend planning your visit for the morning or evening hours to avoid the midday heat, and don't forget your sunscreen.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the remarkable Juana Briones de Miranda (1802–1889). Born into a family of mixed heritage, she was one of the region's first female entrepreneurs. Juana became famous as a skilled healer and farmer who sold fresh produce and milk to sailors in Yerba Buena (the original name for San Francisco).

In 1844, Juana made a bold move for the time: she purchased the massive La Purísima Concepción ranch, spanning over 4,000 acres (1,700 hectares). This land covered the areas where modern-day Palo Alto and Los Altos Hills are now located. Despite the legal challenges that followed the Gold Rush, she managed to successfully defend her land titles—an exceptional feat for a woman of that era.

Today, the park serves as a living reminder of her legacy. Although her historic adobe home was demolished in 2011, fragments of the walls were preserved for museum displays. Juana Briones is often called the "Founding Mother of San Francisco," and this cozy green corner is just a small part of the tribute to her incredible resilience and contribution to California's development.

For a simple stroll through the park and along its paths, 30–60 minutes is usually sufficient. This is enough time to enjoy the tranquility and take a few photos of the natural scenery.

If you plan to have a picnic, read a book in the shade of the trees, or take your time studying the information boards about Juana Briones’ life, you should set aside about 1.5–2 hours. The park is ideal for a short, refreshing break between visiting more bustling tourist locations.

Juana Briones Park is welcoming to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can plan your visit at any time—whether for an early morning jog or a late evening stroll under the stars.

Despite the 24/7 access, it is recommended to check the city's official website before your trip to ensure there are no temporary restrictions due to scheduled maintenance or special events.

A visit to Juana Briones Park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites around Mountain View and Palo Alto. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of Silicon Valley technology or see unique historical buildings in the region.

Below is a list of nearby attractions: