Named after Martin Murphy, Jr., the man who planted the first orchard in Santa Clara Valley, Murphy Avenue in Sunnyvale is a trendy destination for an afternoon latte, a late-night drink, and a myriad of possibilities in between. Its historic buildings and eclectic businesses, from small specialty shops to international restaurants to cafes, give the downtown destination a unique sense of character, cementing Sunnyvale’s status as a must-live, Silicon Valley town.
Downtown redevelopment as part of the Central Core Redevelopment Project will further bolster Murphy Avenue as a vibrant area to live, work, and enjoy. Boasting recent renovations that accommodate pedestrian traffic, this retail and dining district has been drawing in a steady stream of locals and Bay Area visitors who appreciate the way the on-again, off-again construction over the past few years is finally paying off.
The area is easy accessible by light rail, bus, commuter rail, and automobile, with various public transportation routes passing through and nearby parking lots available. In addition, those who wish to travel downtown on their two-wheelers can enjoy bike-activated traffic signals, convenient bike accommodations on the VTA and Caltrain lines, and multiple bike lanes.
On Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors enjoy the community feel of the Sunnyvale Farmer’s Market, traditionally held on South Murphy Street, but temporarily relocated to the Caltrain Station on Evelyn Avenue until ongoing renovations level off. After shopping, round off the afternoon with a visit to one of 18 award-winning neighborhood parks, like Baylands Park on Caribbean Drive, DeAnza Park on Lime Drive, or Ponderosa Park on Henderson Avenue.
Sunnyvale is ranked one of the safest towns in the U.S., and this isn’t something you take for granted in friendly and bustling downtown area. It doesn’t feel overly commercial, but more like a neighborhood, with homes, condos, and apartment buildings all within walking distance. Whether you’re a high-tech or aerospace company employee taking a break from the office, a local parent getting some errands done in the middle of the week, or someone out for a night on the town with friends, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Murphy Street, along with a pleasant atmosphere.
On Wednesdays during the summer months, the street blocks off traffic for the evening and you’ll find live bands and street vendors, providing visitors with a free dinner show. Also during the summer months, the dinner and music live on for the weekend, with events like the Jazz & Beyond Series providing a hip, live jazz scene. In the wintertime, the locals enjoy a Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Murphy Ave., complete with a visit from Santa Claus. And every day of the week, there’s always somewhere new to try, whether your goal is to shop, eat, or play.
Notable restaurants in the area include the Firehouse Grill & Brewery, Del Monte Restaurant, Turmeric, Phuong Thao Restaurant, Il Postale, Tsunami Grill, and many, many more. The nightclub scene includes Club Assend, Abyss Restaurant & Nightclub, and Murphy’s Law, and the Sunnyvale Theatre on nearby East Remington Drive shows live theater for kids and adults each weekend. |
