I actually was married in this hidden gem in Menlo Park. It is an old mission-style set of buildings with beautifully manicured gardens. There is a restaurant that serves lunch, but the highlight is really the gardens. They are gorgeous year-round, with different colors and flowers blooming at different times. There are also quite a few artisan shops, selling handmade designer crafts, jewelry, clothing, art, etc. Bring a book or magazine and sit by one of the fountains for a relaxing mini getaway.

PROS: beautiful, peaceful, unique
CONS: closed Sundays

The Allied Arts Guild is filled with shops of locals artists (jewelry, clothes, pottery, etc.) that are spread out between pretty gardens and walkways. If you are looking for unique, handmade gifts, this is the place to go.

Allied Arts Guild is tucked away at the end of a neighborhood adjacent to the Stanford Shopping Center. It is often overlooked due to it's remote location but well worth the visit. It has limited parking, but one can usually find a spot. They have a wonderful garden layout that is great for pictures and quite an assortment of shops catering to the art lover. A great place to shop for that unique gift.