Valentine's Specials

Come by February 9th-18th, for special desserts and treats, where we have some fun with “LUV” in an outdoors and delicious ingredient kind of way.

Perfect for sharing, if you would like to pre-order any items, please give the American Bistro a call (650-965-1745).

Along with Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies and Valentine Cupcakes, you'll also find decadent chocolate and raspberry pairings:

Cioccolata Calda
Our take on raspberry hot chocolate. Add homemade raspberry marshmallows and presto… Shoreline’s divine chocolate beverages take on a whole new dimension, just bursting with lively flavor. Besides juxtaposing the richness of these house-made drinks, the fruit flavor shines on its own and makes for a truly unique taste experience that chases the nip out of the air.

Torta Di Cioccolato with Raspberry Sauce
These dense, incredibly rich and decadent chocolate flourless cakes are meant to be paired with a fruit sauce. In this case, raspberry only enhances the molten goodness and makes every bite of these individually sized delicacies a treat not soon forgotten.

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse
Mousses form the base for many a dessert, whether paired with pastry, or simply served on their own. This one is no exception. Layers of creamy, fluffy chocolate mousse are interspersed with raspberry mousse, topped with fresh raspberries and drizzled with a raspberry coulis. Even if you haven’t overdosed on chocolate yet, you’ll want to try this elegant, very tasty, classic dessert.

Eureka Lemons Harvest

A new member of the only-at-Shoreline fruit harvest just made its debut at the Bistro: Eureka lemons – from trees planted and tended by Christina Ferrari (who runs the Boathouse & American Bistro).

These bright yellow heirloom fruits are grown organically. Perfect for both savory and sweet uses, this variety's tart juice yields a lovely acidic zing, and the flavorful zesty peel adds an aromatic note to all kinds of foods and beverages.

Since only about three milk crates-worth are available at this point (this is the first harvest), the lemons will be sold individually. If you would like to reserve a quantity, please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Respite from Green Beer

If you prefer celebrating St. Patrick's Day away from civilization and by taking in a great view, chances are the Bistro can help.

As part of the regular menu, on March 16th-17th, for anyone in need of a corned beef, mashed potato and cabbage fix, the Bistro will be serving this traditional favorite, as well as decadent Baileys Irish Cream Cake, St. Patrick's Day Sugar Cookies and Chocolate Shamrock Cake, plus other seasonal items.

With the patio open, or having an impromptu picnic on the lawn, it's a great way to enjoy a Spring repast by the water.

If you'd like to pre-order any of these specialty desserts and pastries, please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Easter Sunday

The Easter Bunny will make an appearance at Shoreline Lake on Sunday, March 31st, from 11am-2pm, to wish all visitors (big or little) a very Happy Easter!

Besides handing out treats for the little ones, and being available for hugs and pictures, it will be a unique opportunity to meet a very friendly rabbit lakeside, and partake of a lovely waterfront view with Brunch. (Even if not saying hello to Mr. E. Rabbit, visitors can still enjoy a beautiful view of the Lake from the outdoor patio at the American Bistro, for a much deserved break by the water.)

The American Bistro, in celebration of his visit, will also be showing off its Easter best for Brunch.

Please note that, given the popularity of celebrating Easter at Shoreline Lake, for groups coming by either Saturday or Sunday, we strongly recommend making a reservation (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Hand-Cut Honeycomb

Along with everyone's favorite rabbit, the first of the Shoreline-exclusive honeycomb (a small quantity) will make an appearance Easter weekend. And, anyone with a sweet tooth should drop by the Bistro to get a taste of this unique delicacy.

Wildflower-imbued and hand-cut from hives tended by Christina Ferrari (she has quite a substantial garden), these amazing pieces of natural art make a perfect addition to any charcuterie board: Besides visually gorgeous, the purity and quality means you can just place a piece in your mouth and chew on the wax as the honey oozes out...

Don't wait to get yours. The timeframe for continued availability of the honeycomb varies each year (to ensure the bees' welfare). To check on how much honeycomb is available, and reserve yours, please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745).

Kayak Polo Cup of the West

Shoreline Lake is the site for the 3rd Annual Kayak Polo Cup of the West ("COW") tournament, taking place on Saturday, April 20th, and Sunday, April 21st. As this event is open for public viewing, it's an opportunity to watch a thrilling, fast-paced and internationally competitive sport described as a cross between water polo, basketball, and hockey.

Three teams for each of the four divisions (A, B, Women & Youth) are expected to compete, and the competition will go from 8am-6pm (Sat) and 8am-4pm (Sun).

The competitive heats will be visible to spectators – who will have a great view of the competition and action from anywhere along the shore, including the outdoor patio at Shoreline Lake's American Bistro.

The Bay Area Kayak Polo Club (organizing group) practices at Shoreline Lake, including their US National Team members. More details can be found via their tournament page.

Sail-A-Dinghy-Day

Also on Sunday, April 21st, Shoreline Lake will be holding a Sail-A-Dinghy-Day, as part of the 2024 rollout of the sailing season and the Sunday Sailing Racing program.

Taking place from 10am to 4pm, this event, designed to promote sailing as an accessible, fun and family-friendly sport, will be hosted in conjunction with the Fremont Sailing Club (FSC) – one of the Bay Area’s foremost small-craft sailing clubs.

Visitors will get access to free skippered sailboat rides, helmed by Shoreline Lake’s experienced instructors. On-the-water racing technique demonstrations will take place also. On land, booths promoting the sailing programs (for kids, teens and adults), and a display of racing dinghies (such as Lido 14, El Toro, Sunfish, Lasers, Holders and others) will be available as well. And, Shoreline Lake sailing staff and FSC members will be on hand to provide additional information.

Besides a great excuse for spending the day outdoors in a peaceful locale, the event also aims to showcase why Shoreline Lake (Silicon Valley's best kept secret) is such an attractive sailing destination for experienced small boaters and those learning to sail.

If you need additional details, please check out the press release.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Lakeside

Special offerings for Cinco de Mayo include: mole chicken enchiladas, fish tacos, agua fresca, flan, Mexican sweet bread (conchas), sake margaritas and a selection of Mexican beers, as well as horchata-inspired Mexican iced coffee.

With the patio open, it's a great way to enjoy your repast, and a cold one, by the water...

A Special Experience for a Special Lady

Shoreline is making sure visitors can take care of their favorite person the way she deserves. Give her a day to experience, in the way she wants..., relaxed and enjoying the people who love her most.

Spending Mom's Day by the Lake tends to pretty popular, and we recommend making reservations, especially for larger parties. For more info, reservations, etc., you can reach us via the Boathouse (650-965-7474), Bistro (650-965-1745) and Events (650-965-3779) lines.

An Al Fresco Repast for Mom!

Enjoying a Mother's Day brunch where you can sit out and take in nature and a lovely view of a lake and trees wouldn’t be too shabby a way to start to the day, or afternoon.

Pastries and other treats available for the day include: Butter Croissants, Chocolate Croissants, Almond Croissants, Variety of Muffins (Blueberry Lime Curd or Carrot, Walnut, & Raisin), Pain aux Raisins.

...and additions to the Brunch Menu: Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur, Waffles with Seasonal Berries, and Specialty Quiches (roasted red bell pepper, mushroom, tomato and Valbreso French Feta Cheese; broccoli cheddar quiche).

And, let's not forget adult beverages, including the ever popular Mimosa, Bloody Mary and Margarita. With Kids’ menus available too, expect a great time. Check out the full menu for additional items, and for reservations, please give the Bistro a call (650-965-1745).

Memorial Day Weekend

For the Military, a little something: To ensure everyone gets a chance to try different ways to enjoy their free time, we’re offering current members of the military and their families a special rate (starting Memorial Day Weekend, 50% off through June 30th) towards the weekend-based teen/adult watersports classes. This offer might be something to consider if you and your family want to try a variety of watersports.

For more details about these activities, check out the Boathouse pages. Give us a call (650-965-7474) or drop on by, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and get you started.

Also, given the three-day weekend, Brunch is extended into Monday. FYI...Larger groups should plan on calling ahead to the American Bistro (650-965-1745) for reservations.

Special Father’s Day Menu

Although the Park doesn’t allow for individual barbecues, on Sunday (June 18th), the Bistro will add a variety of grilled items to the menu, so Dad can get his barbecue fix, and everyone can enjoy being out on the patio taking in the waterfront view.

No smoke to deal with. All items will be available via the Bistro's counter service that day. Besides a variety of grilled meats and sides, veggie burgers, hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available. For dessert, we dare you to try our house-made pastries...

And, to whet the appetite: For $25 per person (kids 2-4 years old free), get an all day access pass for kayak, canoe, pedalboat, and rowboat rentals. They’ll be available by the barbecue station. For more info on the access pass, just call at the Boathouse (650-965-7474).

If Brunch is more your style, please contact the Bistro at 650-965-1745 to make reservations, particularly for large groups. You can check out the Brunch Menu here.

Shoreline Lake Summer Sailstice Celebration

Starting at 10am, on Saturday, June 24th, Silicon Valley's destination for lake sailing takes part in a global celebration of summer and sailing!

Along with other family-friendly activities, skippered sailboat rides will be available between 10am-2pm. (Please note that space is limited for the sailboat rides, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

In addition to Sailstice activities, this protected salt-water environment, set within the tranquil confines of a beautiful nature preserve, will also have its usual active sailing scene (classes, and more) going on at full blast.

Additional details about our Sailstice celebration will continue to be added as the date approaches, so please check back.

And, to make Brunch reservations (check out the Menu here), please contact the Bistro at 650-965-1745.

Burrowing Owl Cookies & Shoreline Conservation Event

On Sunday, June 25th, the American Bistro will be making available Shoreline Lake's signature Burrowing Owl Cookie, as part of helping commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Shoreline at Mountain View area's transformation into a beautiful nature preserve.

The sale of the cookies aims to highlight the City of Mountain View's June 25th presentation ("Forty Years of History: Birds, Wildlife & Habitat Conservation at Shoreline"), which forms part of a speaker event series scheduled to celebrate the innovative environmental stewardship that led to the development of this gorgeous haven of tranquility, as well as ongoing sustainability efforts.

Besides the cuteness factor, since their initial debut (November 2011), the cookies have acted as a fundraiser to help raise awareness, assist with habitat and conservation programs, and save Mountain View's favorite bird from disappearing. Made in-house, $2 of every cookie sold will be donated to organizations and programs that support burrowing owl conservation and educational activities, such as the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.

Cookies will be sold individually ($6.95) at the Bistro on the day of the presentation. If you would like to pre-order a batch for your own fundraiser, please contact the Bistro (bistro@shorelinelake.com and 650-965-1745) for availability and pricing.

July Fourth Hours

To ensure Park visitors can enjoy the full fireworks display (on- and off-the-water), hours are extended at both the Bistro (8am-10:30pm, limited evening menu after 7pm) and Boathouse (10am-10:30pm). Fireworks vessel rental start and end times, plus reservation info, are noted below.

July Fourth Barbecue!

By the Boathouse. While the Park doesn't allow for individual barbecues, on July 4th, from 11am-3pm, we're making it easy for everyone to have a barbecue picnic here, and enjoy being out on the patio taking in the waterfront view.

You’ll get a whopping great plate – a choice of 1-, 2- or 3-types of meat with 2 sides. In addition, veggie burgers, hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available. For dessert, we dare you to try our house-made pastries...

If Brunch is more your style, please contact the Bistro at 650-965-1745 to make reservations, particularly for large groups. You can check out the Bistro Menu here.

July Fourth Face Painting!

Younger kids need entertaining? Or, want to take the red, white and blue color scheme to the max? Shoreline Lake will have Lynn Bali – our campers' favorite lady, plus Shoreline's Creative Arts Director and face-painter extraordinaire – available to give the kids (and adults too) a magical experience and just the right patriotic flair.

All of Lynn's artwork is not only custom-designed, but also crafted by hand: As part of relying on her artistic experiences, she may also incorporate state-of-the-art, special non-toxic paints, glitter, rhinestones, and more, to produce amazing, sparkling, facial, arm and body showpieces. (Lynn, in addition to an extensive background in entertainment and the fine arts, for many years was Shoreline Lake's go-to artist for all corporate and special events, creating an incredible range of imaginative celebratory face paintings for our visitors.)

Lynn's Designer Patriotic Painting Station will be located at the far side of the Bistro patio, from 4pm to around the end of the Fireworks Show – for simple half-face ($12), and full-face/arms, etc. with rhinestones ($15). She requests cash only please.

On-the-Water Viewing of July Fourth Fireworks

Enjoy the best view of the Fireworks Show, from the waters of Shoreline Lake!

The Boathouse provides to Park visitors the most unique way in the Park (and the rest of Mountain View) to enjoy the fireworks – from a pedalboat, rowboat, canoe or single/double kayak in the middle of the Lake, with friends and family.

Although watercraft are not allowed on the Lake after sunset, Shoreline makes an exception for Independence Day. The Boathouse is now taking online reservations for these special watercraft rentals, so you can escape the crowds and watch the fireworks from the water. To make a reservation by phone, and if you need additional info, please call the Boathouse at (650) 965-7474.

Also, the American Bistro is making available a special deluxe snack pack for the fireworks viewing ($25 per box, for 2 ppl), that comes with:

• • Gourmet Popcorn Cone
• • Wholesome Medley Trail Mix
• • Provolone Cheese & Genoa Salami Rolls
• • Housemade Chocolate Chip Cookie, with Festive Fruit Cup (Blueberries & Strawberries)
• • Choice of Drink (Soft Drink, Mineral Water or Still Water)

This option will be prompted as part of the vessel reservation checkout. However, if you decide to purchase the snack pack after making your reservation, or would like to order it separately, the Bistro is taking advance orders only – must be in by 5pm, Monday, July 3rd. To place an order, please contact the Bistro at (650) 965-1745.

Please Note: Boat rentals for the Fireworks viewing are available by reservation only. Given previous years' high demand, and to ensure that everyone can take part in this experience, the last rental time is specially extended, so you can reserve your preferred watercraft for the viewing.

On July Fourth, regular rentals must be returned by 8:30 pm, to ensure patrons with reserved vessels can board first – starting at 9:00 pm. This makes sure you can get out on the water before the show begins and can enjoy the entire show from your vessel. Also, after the show, watercraft will need to be returned by 10:15 pm.

Celebrate Bastille Day Outdoors

Need another excuse to drop by in July? Starting Friday (July 14th) through Sunday (the 16th), Shoreline Lake will be helping Francophiles commemorate the French National Day.

The American Bistro will be featuring new additions to the "usual" lineup of house-made, real French pastries, confections and savory treats: These classics include hand-made croissants, brioche, tarts, galettes, and other real French pastries, in a display of gastronomic artistry, and savories like Croque Monsieur (the world's best toasted cheese sandwich) and Croque Madame (the world's best toasted cheese sandwich, with a fried egg on top) will be added to the menu.

With boats on the water, a view of nature, a glass of wine with friends and family on the Bistro patio, this laid back fete is a tranquil way to mark the middle of summer.

If you need to pre-order pastries for your own special occasion (or just need a larger order), please contact the Bistro at (650) 965-1745 or bistro@shorelinelake.com.

Labor Day at Shoreline Lake

If you're looking for a mini vacation (close to home), Shoreline Lake will be the South Bay's antidote for the hectic pace of life in Silicon Valley, with three laid-back days of fun, and tasty, outdoor activities during Labor Day weekend.

No laborious Labor Day in sight. Relax and enjoy a waterfront respite, where everyone can take advantage of the American Bistro patio's lovely view, and where weekend brunch is extended into Labor Day itself.

Shoreline's Yearly Sale of Cool Stuff

To ensure a fresh, new, and up-to-date fleet, Shoreline hosts a Gear Sale about once a year (for 2023, Saturday & Sunday, September 16-17 and 23-24, 11am-4pm).

This year's main featured items are kayaks, windsurfing gear, single bikes, tandem bikes, sailboats, and canoes, as well as miscellaneous kitchen equipment/supplies. It's a great way to purchase well-maintained used equipment for just a fraction of the retail price.

If you already have your eye on something though, and want to reserve it, or, if you can't make it to the Gear Sale, just give the Boathouse Manager a call (650-965-7474).

To get an idea of the current gear, check out the watersports pictures in the Boathouse section.

Shoreline-Exclusive Fruit Harvest

Whether you need an excuse, or not, to get out and enjoy a beautiful lakeside setting, being one of the few to partake of these "limited edition" fruits makes a great one. In other words, you need to get yours before they run out...

The American Bistro will be showcasing, for a limited time, the harvest of some unique organic fruit: Since the Boathouse & Bistro owner advocates using locally grown, seasonal products, she and her family are making available – exclusively to Shoreline Lake – this quality fruit, grown at their ranch in Pescadero.

If in the mood for fruit of premium flavor and sweetness, visitors can purchase from the first batch – starting in late September – freshly picked, pesticide-free, sweet and juicy Jonastar, Gala and Golden Delicious apples (with additional varieties making their appearance in October). Small and large bags, as well as boxes (approximately 25-27lbs) will be available.

As the sixth harvest from a private, non-commercial ranch, only fruit from a select few trees will be harvested this year (hand-picked over just a few weeks, maybe into early December, to ensure peak ripeness). And, in keeping with Shoreline's emphasis on seasonality, when this quality fruit runs out, that's it until next Fall.

If you have questions about the varieties or would like to reserve a selection, please contact the Bistro (650-965-1745 and bistro@shorelinelake.com).

Shoreline-Exclusive Fruit Harvest

Whether you need an excuse, or not, to get out and enjoy a beautiful lakeside setting, being one of the few to partake of these "limited edition" fruits makes a great one. In other words, you need to get yours before they run out...

The American Bistro will continue showcasing, for a limited time, the harvest of some unique organic fruit: Since the Boathouse & Bistro owner advocates using locally grown, seasonal products, she and her family are making available – exclusively to Shoreline Lake – this quality fruit, grown at their ranch in Pescadero.

If in the mood for fruit of premium flavor and sweetness, visitors can purchase freshly picked, pesticide-free, sweet and juicy Golden Delicious, Gala and Jonastar apples, with some Pink Lady also available. More Pink Lady and additional varieties (Scarlet Spur, Ruby Mac and Fuji apples, along with Bosc pears) will be making their appearance during October. Small, medium or large bags, as well as small or large boxes (ranging from 19-30lbs) will be available.

As the sixth harvest from a private, non-commercial ranch, only fruit from a select few trees will be harvested this year (hand-picked over just a few weeks, maybe into early December, to ensure peak ripeness). And, in keeping with Shoreline's emphasis on seasonality, when this quality fruit runs out, that's it until next Fall.

Shoreline 40th Anniversary Celebration

To mark the 40th Anniversary of the Shoreline at Mountain View area's transformation into a beautiful nature preserve, the City of Mountain View will be holding a family-friendly Community Celebration on Sunday, October 15th, from 11am-3pm.

This community event will feature live music, food, carnival games and many other activities, and will have booths from the different providers within the Park, representing the past, present and future.

Shoreline Lake's parking lot will be the location for the main stage. As such, cars will not be allowed into the Park that day. However, parking will be provided at the main entrance, with shuttles available for event-goers to access the facilities. Check out the event area map (PDF) for information on booth locations, and this Shuttle route map (PDF) provides a zoomed out view of the parking, pick-up and drop-off locations.

Please Note: There will be no room to bring equipment in the shuttles. Anyone wanting to launch their own equipment will need to walk or bike in their equipment. The Boathouse, however, will be able to rent out equipment during the event.

Representing the future, Shoreline Lake's booths will focus on promoting watersports, in particular Wing Foiling (launching as a new class offering, likely in the Spring), as well as sweet and savory treats from the American Bistro. On the waterfront, visitors can partake of skippered sailboat rides, plus a special barbecue for the event (and enjoy it lakeside, at the Bistro's outdoor patio).

And, in keeping with the "Future" theme, our Signature Burrowing Owl Cookies will be also be making an appearance. A fundraiser for Mountain View's favorite bird, they're just one example of the ongoing community-based sustainability efforts and of the environmental stewardship that remain the legacy of this amazing locale (On the other end of the scale is the City's Shoreline Lake Improvements Project – completed this year – which involved erosion control and upgrades to the structural elements in, and around, the lake.).

Additional updates and details are also available on the City's Celebration page. And, if you want to see why the outdoor and recreational activities available in this area are such a draw, check out the City's official "Celebrating 40 Years of Shoreline" video.

A Shoreline Lake Advent Calendar

It's the countdown to Christmas! For a little something to while away the time, we've put together an interactive calendar that showcases some of the wonderful goodies, as well as fun activities available at Shoreline: And, by checking it out, you'll not only see the lovely sight of some extraordinary pastries and other treats the Bistro's in-house pastry fairies whip up during the year and through the Holidays, but you may end up winning a prize...

Every day from December 1-24 a new "door" opens, and each is a chance at winning four different prizes – a $50 gift certificate (towards Weekend Brunch for 4) at the American Bistro, a Camp Shoreline Scholarship, a Pedalboat + Picnic Basket Combo, and an introductory wingfoiling class. All you have to do is submit an entry. And, if you see something you would like the Bistro to prepare, please let us know at 650-965-1745 (Don't worry, any opened door in the calendar will stay open during the entire 24 days.). Enjoy!

Holiday Themed Menu

If you would like to pre-order any items, please give the American Bistro a call (650-965-1745).

Celery Root & Apple Soup
Another classic pairing. In this case, sweet-tart apples give celery root a different kind of boost: One that's a bit more herbaceous, but just as rich, and just as much a Holiday tradition.

Peppermint Mocha
For a little mint jolt along with that of your caffeine, try a classic mocha laced with peppermint. As a dessert or a nice break away from shopping, the office, etc., it's hard to go wrong with this seasonal treat.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
For the little ones, or if you'd rather just skip the caffeine, we've got you covered there too. Shoreline's minty hot chocolate will do the trick.

Cotton Candy Hot Chocolate

Spiced Apple Cider Spritzer
A perfect fall cocktail. Light, refreshing, and full of delicious apple flavor.

Mulled Cider
The non-alcoholic, but just as tasty, version that uses sweet-tart apple cider as its base. Warm yourself and the kiddos with this comforting, spicy concoction that chases the chill away.

Cranberry Orange Muffins
Pairing the tartness of cranberries with the lively flavor of citrus gives these beautiful little muffins their wonderful flavor and festive spots of garnet red color. Cranberry Orange Mini-Loaf (slices) also available.