They say not to ever judge a book by its cover. This is true, especially with Sunnyvale and Cupertino, California.

Upon first glance, these two cities appear to be standard cookie-cutter Silicon Valley suburban neighborhoods, brimming with adults in the technology industry and adolescents carrying Hydro Flasks and reusable bags from Lululemon Athletica.

But there is more to it.

Murphy Avenue Historic District

Let’s begin our tour with the Murphy Avenue Historic District, which spans the 100 block of Murphy Street. This expanse, emanating a serene ambiance, is a picturesque social and community event center. The Murphy Avenue Historic District epitomizes the melting pot of cultures that constitute the Bay Area. Restaurants representing a plethora of cuisines dot the streets, adding to the exotic aroma surrounding the city — Siam Taste Thai Cuisine, Dishdash and Turmeric Restaurant are a few of the best.

Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum

Opening another portal into the past, Martin Murphy Jr., the founding father of Sunnyvale, constructed the Murphy residence, dubbed “Bay View.” While the original abode was damaged by a fire in the 1960s, a replica was constructed, and it is now home to the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum.

The Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum features unique artifacts and temporary rotating exhibits such as the “History of Schools in Sunnyvale,” showcasing relics from as early as the 1800s. This building is surrounded by 10 acres of Blenheim apricot trees, a testament to the contribution of orchards to the early development of Sunnyvale’s economy.

Gelateria Bella Roma

One of my personal favorite parlors is Gelateria Bella Roma, a family-run business that offers Italian gelato. Savoring this delicacy during the golden hour after sunset is a perfect summertime activity and makes for an aesthetically pleasing Instagram picture.

Apple Park

One town over is the city of Cupertino, the home of Apple Park — the corporate headquarters of Apple Inc. In order to get a glimpse into the inner workings of this billion-dollar company, tourists visit the Apple Park Visitor Center to explore a three-dimensional model of the campus utilizing augmented reality technology, bask on the terrace, visit a cafe immersed in olive trees or purchase Apple’s full range of products and exclusive Apple merchandise.

Main Street Cupertino

Main Street Cupertino, completed in 2017, is Cupertino’s downtown. This location, composed of numerous plazas and open spaces utilized for special activities, showcases Cupertino’s sense of community.

The cities of Sunnyvale and Cupertino also lay at the foot of the Santa Cruz Mountains in the northwest quadrant of Santa Clara County. Rancho San Antonio Open Space Reserve, a public recreational area, provides jogging, hiking, bicycling and equestrian trails. Dear Hollow Farm, which includes farm animals, a large demonstration garden, orchards and homestead exhibits, is one of its unique aspects.

So, with that in mind, next time you are visiting this part of the Bay, be sure to say hello.