Centennial - Redwood City, CA Area Guide

In 1850, Redwood City was just creeks and marshland with nothing but water for miles to see. A year later, a deep-water channel that ran inland to what is now Redwood City was found and named "Redwood Creek." Because it was easy to transport goods via sea, the area began manufacturing ships, and Redwood Creek was soon filled with businesses and wharves. The first cargo ship entered the Port of Redwood City in 1937, which has operated independently ever since.

Since its early harbor roots, Redwood City has grown tremendously and now serves as a hub for entertainment, dining and shopping. The area also offers cultural and educational opportunities, including a trip to the San Mateo County History museum for historical and modern exhibits and Unleashed Art Gallery, which features work from emerging artists.

With a selection of restaurants and bars that can seem almost overwhelming at times, Broadway Street is a food lover's mecca. From locally owned coffee shops to Italian pizzerias, to authentic German bars, downtown Redwood City gives Centennial residents the option to experience a different part of the world on any given night. Coffee enthusiasts flock to Bliss Coffee, a genuine coffeehouse that's renowned for its Italian-style cappuccinos and lattes, complete with traditional latte art. If you'd rather sip on a morning cup of Joe, Bliss Coffee offers a variety of beans to choose from, including Four Barrel, Verve and Temple. You can also purchase a bag of beans for home brewing. For the best pie in town, head over to Vesta, an Italian restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas. The pizzeria also serves up salads, small plates and hand-made desserts that receive rave reviews from first-timers and regulars alike. Although the sausage and honey pizza sounds like an odd duo, the pie made with spicy Italian sausage, mascarpone and serrano chili is a local favorite. For lighter choices, try the wild arugula salad with apricot vinaigrette or burrata plate with fresh burrata cheese over grilled bread. After catching a flick at the Century 20 movie theater or listening to live music at the Fox Theater, locals get together at City Pub. This cozy pub features ample comfortable seating, 24 beers on tap, and a healthy wine list. Split some crab cakes or stuffed jalapenos with the table while you unwind for the night. 840 Wine Bar & Cocktail Lounge is another favorite, dishing out signature cocktail creations and serving up tasty snacks that are more than just your typical bar food. The baked brie crostini and mozzarella panini are just a few menu items you can expect to find at the lounge.

Centennial residents have a few options for public transportation, including buses, trains and taxis. The SamTrans provides routes around the city, with multiple stops downtown. Locals pay $2 for a one-way ticket or $5 for an all day ticket. Train rides are also available with the Caltrain. Fare for a one-way ride on the Caltrain costs $3.25, if you're passing through just one zone, or $6.50 for an all-day pass. Prices increase with added zones. If you're willing to pay a higher price to get to your destination faster, Redwood City houses a number of taxi companies. Uber also services the area.

Centennial residents have access to multiple bike trails, giving cyclists an easy way to commute to work or travel downtown. Downtown has plentiful parking options, but be prepared to pay by the hour. Depending on your location, prices will vary from 25 cents per hour to $1 per hour.

For work commutes and trips outside the city, Centennial residents will have to drive about 15 minutes to get to Interstate 280.

The Centennial neighborhood has a deep love for all things recreational and offers residents multiple options for parks and things to do. Fitness enthusiasts frequent Oracle Fitness Trail, a park that features a variety of exercise equipment, such as rings, pull-up bars and balance beams.

The Shore Dogs Park lies in upper Redwood City, but pet owners insist it's worth the drive. The spacious park keeps doggie bags on hand and offers pet owners two large, fenced areas for dogs to run and play. The park is free to visit but asks for a $30 member's fee to help with maintenance if you use it regularly.

Parents enjoy the Stafford Park, which features a variety of playgrounds, climbing structures, large grassy areas and an enclosed play area for small children.

Not only does the Centennial neighborhood have access to some of the best parks the area has to offer, but Redwood City puts on a number of events and festivals for its residents to enjoy, as well. Annual events include the Redwood City Salsa Festival, the Silicon Valley Ball and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Annual Beerfest.

Residents of Centennial pay slightly less than those of San Francisco, but the cost of living in Redwood City is still quite high; a one-bedroom apartment will cost you a hefty $2,692. A pint of beer at a local pub runs about $8 and gas is roughly 21 percent higher than the national average. On the other hand, transportation is on the more inexpensive side. A 55-minute train ride on the Caltrain will take you from Redwood City to San Francisco for just $3.

El Camino Real and Broadway Street offer Centennial residents ample options for shopping, including locally owned boutiques and big retailers. Whether you're looking for the perfect bracelet to go with evening wear or outdoor hiking gear, Redwood City has a shop for every hobby imaginable.

Pickled Clothing is a downtown women's boutique that stocks contemporary clothing and accessories and even offers a seven-day return policy on its items. From rustic chic to western wear, the boutique's selection offers something for every taste.

If you're looking for professional floral arrangements and bridal packages, stop by Sassy Diva Designs and Events. The bridal shop creates custom bouquets and arrangements for businesses and residential customers and offers consultation packages for brides to be.

For regular groceries and everyday items, a Costco services Middlefield Road, while El Camino Real houses a Safeway for the bare essentials. If you love fresh fruits, veggies and produce, visit Sigona’s Farmers Market on Middlefield Road for great prices and some of the best organic food in town.