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Palo Alto Attractions
Your guide to the best things to do in Palo Alto, United States, from campuses to trails.
Things to do in Palo Alto – top Palo Alto must-see attractions
Palo Alto sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, where world-class academic institutions and tech history collide with gorgeous open spaces and stunning architecture. You'll find everything from ornate Romanesque Revival churches to rolling foothills with sweeping Bay Area views. Tour the iconic Stanford Memorial Church, climb up Hoover Tower for panoramic sights, or geek out on the history of computing at the Computer History Museum. Ready to explore? Here are the best places to visit in Palo Alto, United States.
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Stanford University
Why visit?
- Historic sandstone campus
- Iconic Main Quad
- Free public walking tours
Cantor Arts Center
Why visit?
- Sculpture garden
- 20,000+ artworks
- Free museum admission
Hoover Tower
Why visit?
- 360° Bay Area views
- Art Deco architecture
- Observation deck access
Stanford Memorial Church
Why visit?
- Byzantine-style mosaics
- Free guided Friday tours
- Ornate stained glass
Computer History Museum
Why visit?
- Rare computing artifacts
- Interactive exhibits
- Timeline from 1940s-now
HP Garage
Why visit?
- California Historical Landmark
- Birthplace of Silicon Valley
- Exterior viewing spot
The Stanford Dish
Why visit?
- Paved 3.7-mile loop trail
- Views of SF Bay and campus
- Giant radio telescope dish
Shoreline Amphitheatre
Why visit?
- Iconic open-air stage
- Top national touring acts
- Lollapalooza history since 1991
NASA Ames Research Center
Why visit?
- NASA Exploration Center
- Massive wind tunnel complex
- Space and tech exhibits
Shoppers
Stanford Shopping Center
Why visit?
- Open-air shopping layout
- 150+ stores and dining
- Adjacent to Stanford campus