- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Palo Alto
Palo Alto's story began in 1885 with Leland Stanford and his university. A key part of any Palo Alto travel guide is the campus architecture, a mix of Romanesque and Mission Revival styles built with distinct local buff-colored sandstone.
Beyond the tech hubs, you'll find the 1,940-acre Baylands Nature Preserve, a key stop for bird watchers on the Pacific Flyway. For stunning views, locals hike the 'Dish' loop, a paved trail circling an active 150-foot radio telescope.
Experience California cuisine, where farm-to-table isn't a trend but a standard. University Avenue offers global dining, but for a true local taste, visit the California Avenue Farmers' Market. It runs year-round every Sunday, rain or shine.
- Palo AltoUnited States
- Palo AltoUnited States
- Palo AltoUnited States
- Palo AltoUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, pleasant weather, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, busy, peak tourist season
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 days for additional day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #StanfordUniversity
- #PaloAltoBaylandsNaturePreserve
- #DowntownPaloAlto
- #CantorArtsCenter
- #ElizabethFalkensteinPark
- #HPGarage
- Explore Stanford campus
- Hike in Baylands
- Dine at local restaurants
- Visit tech museums
- Shop at Stanford Shopping Center
Things to do in Palo Alto
Discover
Exploring Palo Alto reveals iconic institutions and natural beauty. Visit the historic Stanford University campus, get panoramic views from Hoover Tower, and see global art at the Cantor Arts Center. The nearby Stanford Dish offers scenic walks.
Experience
Hike or cycle through Arastradero Preserve, discover tech history on a guided tour, or browse local produce at the Downtown Farmers' Market. Enjoy outdoor concerts at Frost Amphitheater or catch a classic film at the Stanford Theatre.
Stanford University
Historic campus with Romanesque Revival architecture.
Hoover Tower
Observation deck with panoramic views of campus and the bay.
Cantor Arts Center
Art museum with a Rodin sculpture garden and global art.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
Public botanical garden with formal and demonstration beds.
Stanford Dish Hike
Paved trail around a radio telescope with scenic hill views.
Baylands Nature Preserve
One of the largest undisturbed marshlands in the Bay Area.
Stanford Theatre
Historic movie palace showing classic Hollywood films.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
The Palo Alto airport to city center connection from SFO or SJC often involves Caltrain. From SFO, take BART to Millbrae to catch a direct train to Palo Alto. From SJC, a bus connects to Caltrain. Ride-shares offer a direct alternative.
Getting Around
Navigate using the free Palo Alto shuttle bus system. Public transport in Palo Alto includes VTA buses, paid with a Clipper Card. Biking is extremely popular on dedicated lanes. Consider car rental in Palo Alto for trips to the foothills.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Palo Alto, know that driving requires watching for many cyclists. Downtown parking is metered and strictly enforced. Caltrain tickets must be bought before boarding. Most establishments prefer card payments.
Where to Stay in Palo Alto
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore local cuisine in Palo Alto. Taste fresh Dungeness crab and artisanal sourdough. The culture embraces sun-drenched patio lunches, a perfect way to eat and network in the heart of Silicon Valley's fast-paced tech scene.
Enjoy
Find the best restaurants in Palo Alto. Eat at Evvia for upscale Greek in a bustling room, book ahead. Drink at The Refuge, a lively pub, order pastrami. Unwind at Cafe Borrone's classic spot, find patio seating.
Evvia
Upscale Hellenic cuisine in a rustic, lively setting.
Terun
Authentic Neapolitan pizza with a bustling, energetic vibe.
Tamarine Restaurant
Contemporary Vietnamese flavors in a chic, art-filled space.
Sundance The Steakhouse
Old-school steakhouse with prime cuts and classic sides.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Palo Alto's heritage through its must-see community traditions. The May Fête Parade, a local event since 1924, showcases community creativity with floats and bands. These events reflect the city's commitment to community and its youth.
Enjoy
Discover Palo Alto's creative pulse at art and music events. Enjoy things to do like the Twilight Concert Series in summer or the diverse musical genres at World Music Day. These performances are central to Palo Alto cultural activities.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Fine art, street painting, and live music on University Ave.
May Fête Parade & Fair
A century-old community parade with floats and bands.
Twilight Concert Series
Free summer evening concerts held in city parks.
Clay and Glass Festival
Annual festival showcasing over 100 juried artists.
UNAFF
International documentary film festival held in October.
Moonlight Run & Walk
Annual October nighttime run and walk at the Baylands.
World Music Day
A June festival with dozens of free musical performances.
A Really Pleasant City
Palo Alto is a really clean and well-kept city. It felt safe walking around, even at night. University Avenue has lots of nice shops and places to eat. It's a very pleasant place to spend a few days exploring and just taking it all in.
Beautiful University Town
The Stanford campus is just gorgeous. The architecture is beautiful and the grounds are expansive, perfect for a long walk. It was great finding a coffee shop nearby to relax.
Great for Shopping and Food
The shopping here is fantastic, especially at the outdoor mall. It's a nice change of pace from the city's tech focus. Found some great restaurants with fresh California cuisine. An easy place to relax and treat yourself for a couple of days.
Center of Innovation
Palo Alto really puts you in the middle of the tech world. You can feel the innovative energy just by being here. The view from Hoover Tower gives a great perspective of the area. It's inspiring to see where so many big ideas started.
Quiet and Relaxing
Such a peaceful and quiet place, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The neighborhoods are lovely for a stroll with all the beautiful homes and trees. A very calm spot to unwind.
Walkable with Good Eats
Downtown is very walkable and packed with so many good food options. We found a great spot for ramen near California Avenue. It's easy to get around on foot and explore different cafes and restaurants. The sunny weather was a huge plus.