No This Isn’t in Greece, This Hidden Gem is in the Bay Area

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Bay Area folks! Do you need an enormous dose of dopamine, and want to feel like you are in Greece. Then I have the perfect place to go.

We have lived in the Bay Area of California for quite some time and we never knew about the Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City . To describe it in words would be: classic Roman / Greek temple lined with marble column that sits center in a natural verdant setting with expansive lawns, trees and rolling hills, and a reflective pond…. It’s incredible. We have been there multiple times since discovering it and it always brings us back to earth for a bit. Plus we don’t have to drive far to experience it! Here is all you need to know about the Pulgas Water Temple.

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Do you have to pay to go to Pulgas Water Temple?

Unlike many Bay Area attractions, the Pulgas Water Temple offers a refreshing change of pace and fees. Admission is completely free, allowing everyone to experience this historical and architectural marvel.

The temple grounds and parking lot are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on federal holidays. On weekends and holidays, pedestrian access is available, but the parking lot is closed.

What and Where is the Pulgas Water Temple

Corinthian columns at the Pulgas Water Temple

Expansive Lawn surrounding the water temple. Perfect for a mid day picnic

📍Location of the Pulgas Water Temple: 56 Canada Road, Redwood City 94062

Built in 1938, the temple commemorates the completion of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, a monumental feat of engineering that brought water from the pristine Sierra Nevada Mountains to San Francisco and surrounding communities.

It is a beautiful multi acre park like setting that is great for the entire family or just some tranquil alone time for anyone. It is very neat to see firsthand and understand where our supply of pristine water comes from and how much of a huge engineering project this was in the early 1900’s! This would be an ideal location for a picnic lunch with the family.

Why You Should Visit the Pulgas Water Temple

Great place to show off and take visitors (good for short attention span relatives 😁)
Ummm….It is absolutely free!
Confuse your friends with pictures of “ancient Greece” in the Bay Area
Impress your date with your knowledge of…water temples?
Escape the tech bubble and pretend you’re not in Silicon Valley
Channel your inner Poseidon and pose dramatically by the reflecting pool
Because sometimes you just need to see something weird and wonderful
Perfect spot to JUST BE. It’s a lovely spot to take photographs, have lunch, and just chill.
Let me know if you have more reasons to visit the Pulgas Water Temple

Planning Your Visit to the Pulgas Water Temple

Getting to the Pulgas Water Temple is a breeze. Just 30 minutes from either San Jose or San Francisco, you can make it the perfect day trip or half day trip. But be aware:

Planning is key! While the Pulgas Water Temple is open every day from 9am to 5pm, the parking lot is only accessible on weekdays and there is a strict time limit of 30 minutes. No legal parking is available close enough to walk on weekends.

In short, if you want to drive, weekdays during regular work hours are the easiest option but you can only park for 30 minutes.

Here are some other options to get to Pulgas Water Temple without time constraints:

Pretty Views on the Pulgas Water Shed Trail

Option 1: Hike into the temple on the Pulgas Water Shed Exploration Trail. The trail is 4.2 miles out and back. The temple makes a great cool down location.

Option 2: Hike into the temple on the 5.0 mile round trip Crystal Springs Trail, which gives great panoramic views of Crystal Springs Reservoir and leads you to the temple where you’ll get to enjoy your post hike sandwiches. Go early, there is not much shade.

Option 3: Park at the intersection of Edgewood and Canada Road about 1.7 miles down the road, but a fairly easy and safe walk.

Option 4: Have someone drop you off or bike into the temple

How to Make the Most of Your Day at Pulgas Water Temple

Take a hike at the nearby Crystal Spring Reservoir

Picnic on the expansive lawn at Pulga Water Temple

Have a satisfying Mexican Tacos for Lunch at La Fonda Mexican in Redwood City

When we visited the Pulgas Water Temple, we made a half day out of it. We explored the nearby preserves and hiking areas and then enjoyed the foods Redwood City has to offer.

Here are some ways you can make a day out of visiting the temple:

Enjoy a Picnic: The serene atmosphere of the temple grounds makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Pack a delicious spread and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst the beauty of the surroundings. We had a breakfast picnic ( we packed snacks and cream cheese bagel sandwiches in advance)
Take a hike on the Crystal Springs Trail or the Pulgas Water Shed Exploration Trail. Both take you straight to the temple, where you won’t have to worry about parking and time constraints.

Just simply lay out and admire the temple: and reflecting pond for a couple of hours. One could just lay out on the expansive green lawns all day and make a day out of it that way. I am telling you, it’s quite serene in person.

Have lunch & BOBA (I am a self proclaimed boba addict) at a nearby restaurant in Redwood City. We went to La Fonda for delicious Mexican and Brew Coffee for the BOBA. All this eating was done post hike so we were in for a treat.

Take a short hike at Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir: After your visit to the Pulgas Water Temple, consider extending your adventure with a stop at the Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir, just a short 1.7-mile drive away. This scenic reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and fishing.

Visit Edgewood Park: Located right next to the reservoir, this park offers a variety of trails for hiking and biking, as well as picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.

Take Plenty of Photos: The Pulgas Water Temple offers countless opportunities for stunning photographs. From the majestic structure itself to the serene reflection pool and the surrounding hills, there’s something for every photography enthusiast.

Just an FYI: They don’t allow people to enter if there is a private event going on. Also, it’s a popular destination for cyclists on the weekend when they shut down Canada road until about 1 pm, which is the main road you drive on to get to the temple. You would still be able to walk in or cycle though. So do plan accordingly!

Conclusion

Pack your picnic basket, put on your walking shoes and head out to see this gem of a place in the Bay Area. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and gained some useful information. If you did, please don’t forget to share.