Holbrook Palmer Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Holbrook Palmer Park is a popular recreational area in the state of California.


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Summary

It is located in Atherton, a town in San Mateo County. The park boasts a variety of features that make it an excellent destination for visitors.

One of the main attractions of Holbrook Palmer Park is its beautiful natural surroundings. The park is home to a wide variety of trees and plants, including redwoods, magnolias, and oaks. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the park's gardens or relax in one of its many shaded areas.

Another highlight of the park is its historical significance. The park's main building, the Holbrook-Palmer Mansion, was built in 1869 and is now a designated historic landmark. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion to learn more about its rich history and architecture.

There are also plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. The park features a playground for children, as well as tennis courts, a basketball court, and a volleyball court. Visitors can also enjoy a game of bocce ball on the park's bocce court.

When it comes to the best time of year to visit, Holbrook Palmer Park is open year-round. However, the park is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer months when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm.

In conclusion, Holbrook Palmer Park is an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature, history, and outdoor activities. With its stunning gardens, historic mansion, and numerous recreational facilities, it is a must-visit for anyone in the San Mateo County area.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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