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About Country Sun
Country Sun Natural Foods is Palo Alto's independent natural foods store. It sits on California Avenue, the car-free main street of the old town of Mayfield. It describes itself as the area's local natural foods source since 1971. It is a single store, not part of a chain.
The store's own history starts a year earlier. In 1970 a market called New Age opened in a closed Purity Market on California Avenue. Country Sun's history calls it the first natural foods supermarket. In 1971 a group of friends opened Earth Sign Natural Foods, a small shop in Menlo Park with a wood floor and paneled walls. When New Age closed, the Earth Sign owners opened Country Sun at 364 California Avenue, with a juice bar, houseplants and shelves of natural and organic food.
Business grew quickly. When a larger storefront came free nearby, the store moved to its current address at 440 California Avenue. The history also notes the challenges it has weathered since, including a recession and the arrival of the first Whole Foods outside Texas near downtown Palo Alto. The store says it continues to thrive.
What Country Sun sells
Country Sun describes a full selection of natural foods with an emphasis on organics. Its published list of categories is short and clear:
- Organically grown produce
- Natural and organic groceries
- Nutritional supplements
- Natural, cruelty-free body care
- Fair Trade gifts
- Organic wine
The store says it supports local suppliers because local food is fresher, tastes better, burns less fuel in transport and keeps money in the local economy. Stock changes with the seasons and with what suppliers have, so call ahead if you need a specific brand. If the store does not carry an item, it takes special orders with a small refundable deposit.
The website also hosts a library of recipes, wellness articles and ingredient guides. These come from an outside publisher and carry a note that they are not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor before you start a new supplement.
Rewards and discounts
Country Sun runs a few programs that regular shoppers should know about. The Sunny Rewards card is free and earns points on purchases, with optional coupons sent by email. Students with a valid ID get a discount on Saturdays. Seniors with ID get a discount on Wednesdays and Sundays. Buying a full case of a product also earns a discount, which is handy for pantry staples, canned goods or a favorite sparkling water.
The store offers free Wi-Fi at a table in front of the shop. That makes it an easy place to wait for a friend before lunch on California Avenue.
The street and the art
Country Sun has left its mark on California Avenue. Its history lists two public art pieces tied to the store: the "Sun Flowers" installation in 2002 and the "Under the Sun" mural in 2004. Look for them when you visit.
The store also notes that California Avenue is now closed to through traffic and open to pedestrians. That changes how you get there. You cannot pull up to the front door, so park in one of the city lots nearby or arrive on foot or by bike. The California Avenue Caltrain station is a short walk away. Our California Avenue guide covers the street's restaurants, shops and parking.
Tips for shopping at Country Sun
Country Sun keeps shorter hours than the big supermarkets. It opens at 10 a.m. most days and closes at 6 or 7 p.m., with an earlier 9 a.m. start on Sunday. It is closed on New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Check the posted hours on the store's website before a late run.
Sunday is a good day to combine errands. The California Avenue Farmers Market fills the street on Sunday mornings, so you can buy produce from the growers and then fill in the rest of the list at Country Sun. Our farmers markets guide has the details. For a full-size supermarket on the same street, Mollie Stone's is a few blocks away. Vin Vino Wine is across the street at 437 California Avenue if you want a bottle for dinner.
For a wider look at where Palo Alto shops for food, see our groceries and specialty food guide.
Location and getting there
Country Sun is at 440 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, in the California Avenue area of Palo Alto. Our California Avenue guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 6 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Monday and Tuesday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Wednesday to Saturday | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- Backyard Brew, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- Terún Pizzeria, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- Jin Sho, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- California Avenue Optometry, practice, under 0.1 mi
- Leaf & Petal, store, under 0.1 mi
- College Terrace Library, 0.3 mi
- Bowden Park, 0.3 mi
- Peers Park, 0.4 mi
Other groceries and food shops nearby: Vin Vino Wine (under 0.1 mi); Real Produce International Market (0.2 mi); Mollie Stone's (0.2 mi); Driftwood Deli and Market (0.7 mi). Browse the full groceries and food shops list.
Before you go
- California charges for paper bags at checkout, so bring a reusable bag.
- Weekend late mornings are the busiest time at most Palo Alto grocers. Early mornings and weekday evenings are calmer.
- Specialty items and prepared foods change often. Call ahead if you need something specific.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Country Sun official website; About Country Sun; Country Sun history article. How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Country Sun in Palo Alto?
Country Sun is at 440 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA, in the California Avenue area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the California Avenue Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away.
Is Country Sun an organic grocery store?
Country Sun is an independent natural foods store. It describes a full selection of natural foods with an emphasis on organics, including organically grown produce. It also sells nutritional supplements, cruelty-free body care, Fair Trade gifts and wine.
Does Country Sun offer discounts?
Yes. The store lists a free Sunny Rewards card that earns points, a student discount on Saturdays, a senior discount on Wednesdays and Sundays and a case discount when you buy a full case. Bring a valid ID for the student and senior discounts.
Which holidays is Country Sun closed?
The store says it closes five days a year: New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
What are Country Sun's hours?
Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..