The Silicon Valley Tech History Trail is here!

There is no better way to experience the rich history of Silicon Valley than by embarking on the Tech History Trail, a self-guided tour that takes visitors to some of the most important sites in the region. From the birthplace of Hewlett-Packard to the original Byte Shop, the Tech History Trail offers a fascinating look into the people and places that have helped make Silicon Valley the center of the tech world.

The Tech History Trail begins in Los Altos, California, a town that has played an important role in the development of Silicon Valley. Visitors can start at the Los Altos History Museum, which offers a range of exhibits on the history of the region, including displays on early computing and the role of Stanford University in the development of Silicon Valley. From there, visitors can explore the town itself, which has a number of historic sites, including the site of the Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, where the first silicon transistor was invented.

The trail then takes visitors to Palo Alto, where they can visit the garage where Hewlett-Packard was founded, and see the original workshop where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard built their first audio oscillator. From there, visitors can head to Mountain View to visit Googleplex, the sprawling headquarters of Google, which offers tours of the campus and the chance to see the company's cutting-edge technology in action.

Other sites on the Tech History Trail include the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, which features exhibits on the history of computing and displays on the development of the internet. Visitors can also explore the Apple Visitors Center in Cupertino, which offers exhibits on the history of Apple and the chance to see some of the company's newest products in action.

One of the highlights of the Tech History Trail is a visit to Buck's Restaurant in Woodside, which has become a popular meeting place for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and tech industry insiders. Visitors can soak in the atmosphere of Silicon Valley while enjoying a delicious meal surrounded by artifacts from the region's past.

A visit to Silicon Valley and the Tech History Trail offers an incredible opportunity to learn about the people and places that have made the region the center of the tech world. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply interested in the history of innovation and entrepreneurship, a trip to Silicon Valley is an unforgettable experience that will inspire and inform. From the humble beginnings of Hewlett-Packard to the cutting-edge technology of Google, the Tech History Trail is a journey through time that is not to be missed.

Earn prizes and badges for visiting the places on the Tech History Trail. Complete the challenge by Dec 31, 2023 to be eligible.