20 Amazing Things To Do In Palo Alto, California

There’s a lot more to Palo Alto than tech startups and Teslas. Sure, it’s the beating heart of Silicon Valley, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a city full of surprises—lush gardens, art museums, hiking trails, quirky landmarks, and some seriously good food. Palo Alto blends innovation and nature in a way that feels effortless. One minute you're walking through a sculpture garden on Stanford’s campus, the next you're spotting egrets along a quiet marsh trail or browsing indie shops downtown.

The variety of things to do in Palo Alto, California hits from every angle. Walk through Stanford’s jaw-dropping campus, explore Silicon Valley’s roots at the HP Garage, or hit the Dish Trail for sweeping views of the Bay. You’ll find sculpture gardens open 24/7, historic theaters still screening classics, and marshland preserves buzzing with wildlife. The best part? None of it feels rushed or overly polished. It’s easy to explore, full of character, and just far enough from the chaos to let you breathe a little deeper. This isn’t just another dot on the tech map—it’s a destination with real depth.

1. Explore Stanford University

📍 Location: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

Stanford University is more than a college campus—it’s a cornerstone of Silicon Valley’s identity and one of the most influential institutions in the world. Founded in 1885 by Leland and Jane Stanford in memory of their only son, the university has grown into a sprawling 8,000-acre research powerhouse. It's consistently ranked among the top universities globally, but for visitors, its appeal extends well beyond academics.

Start at the Main Quad, built in the Romanesque Revival style with sandstone archways and red tile roofs. You can visit Memorial Church, completed in 1903 and known for its intricate mosaics and stained glass. The Stanford Bookstore and Visitor Center nearby are good starting points for walking tours—self-guided or led.

The campus also houses several world-class museums, gardens, and libraries. It’s not unusual to see Nobel laureates chatting on shaded benches or students zipping by on bikes. For anyone curious about the roots of innovation in California, Stanford is ground zero. But even without diving into its academic legacy, it's a beautiful, historic, and fascinating place to explore.

2. Stroll Through Stanford Shopping Center

📍 Location: 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304/t

Stanford Shopping Center isn’t your typical mall. Opened in 1955, it was one of the first open-air shopping plazas in the United States and is still owned by Stanford University—meaning part of what you spend goes back into funding research and education. Located just off El Camino Real, it’s within walking distance from the university campus and blends luxury shopping with carefully manicured gardens and public art.

The center features over 140 retailers, ranging from high-end fashion labels like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to tech staples like the Apple Store and Tesla showroom. Dining options are just as diverse, from fine restaurants to laid-back cafés and dessert stops. Outdoor walkways are shaded by mature trees and lined with seasonal flowers, making it as much a place to wander as it is to shop.

It’s not uncommon to see students in hoodies mingling with tourists and executives. The architecture and layout reflect California's indoor-outdoor lifestyle, and the whole place feels polished but relaxed. For visitors who want a break from museums or nature hikes, this is where Silicon Valley goes to spend and unwind.

3. Visit the Cantor Arts Center

📍 Location: 328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

Founded in 1891 as part of Stanford University’s original campus vision, the Cantor Arts Center is a museum that surprises first-time visitors with both its scale and substance. Named after donors Iris and B. Gerald Cantor—whose collection includes one of the largest groups of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris—the museum houses more than 38,000 pieces of art from around the globe.

Admission is free, which is rare for a museum of this quality. Inside, you'll find everything from ancient Greek ceramics and 19th-century American landscapes to rotating contemporary installations. It’s a place that doesn't overwhelm but invites lingering. Each room offers a thoughtful mix of major works and under-the-radar gems.

A major highlight is the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden, which includes "The Gates of Hell" and 20 other bronze masterpieces. Whether you're an art lover or a casual browser, the Cantor Arts Center offers both a cultural depth and historical richness that elevate it beyond the expected campus museum.

4. Hike the Dish Trail

📍 Location: Stanford Ave & Junipero Serra Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306

The Dish Trail offers one of Palo Alto’s most iconic walks—scenic, steep, and full of context. Named after the giant radiotelescope dish perched on Stanford land, the trail loops through the Stanford foothills and offers sweeping views of the Bay Area, from San Francisco to San Jose on a clear day. The dish itself, built in 1966 by the Stanford Research Institute, was originally used for Cold War surveillance and satellite calibration. Today, it’s operated by the university for atmospheric research.

The 3.6-mile paved loop is a favorite for students, professors, and locals alike. Though it’s not shaded, the gentle hills and clean air make it one of the better urban cardio spots in Northern California. Along the way, informational signs explain the area’s ecology, wildlife, and scientific significance.

The trail is open from dawn to dusk, with entry points near Stanford Avenue. It’s closed to bikes and dogs, keeping the path calm and foot-traffic friendly. Whether you’re there to break a sweat or just catch a sunset, the Dish Trail delivers a view worth the climb and a glimpse into Stanford’s scientific legacy.

5. Explore the Computer History Museum

📍 Location: 1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043

Located in nearby Mountain View, just a short drive from downtown Palo Alto, the Computer History Museum is a must for anyone even mildly curious about how the digital world came to be. This is where Silicon Valley's story is not only told, but deeply archived. The museum began in the 1970s with a collection at DEC headquarters in Massachusetts and was relocated to California in 1996 to reflect the tech industry's center of gravity.

Inside, you’ll find over 90,000 items—from rare computing machines and early video game consoles to the first Google server (housed in a handmade cabinet) and the Cray-1 supercomputer. The signature exhibit, “Revolution: The First 2000 Years of Computing,” walks visitors through everything from the abacus to the iPhone with interactive displays and video interviews.

It’s not just about machines. It’s about the people and decisions that shaped how we live today. For adults and teens, it’s a mind-opening stop. For kids, there’s hands-on coding and robotics play. In a region powered by innovation, the Computer History Museum gives you a thoughtful look at where it all started—and where it might go.

6. Relax at the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

📍 Location: 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is a living remnant of Palo Alto’s early 20th-century elegance. Built in 1902 and donated to the city in 1985 by the Gamble family—yes, as in Procter & Gamble—the estate has been lovingly preserved as a public garden and community hub. Located just off Embarcadero Road, it spans 2.5 acres of beautifully maintained grounds.

The garden is free to visit and open daily during daylight hours. Visitors can stroll through themed sections: a rose garden, wisteria walk, formal perennial beds, and even a cutting garden tended by volunteers. The historic house and carriage garden are used for classes, weddings, and local events, adding to the sense of connection between past and present.

It’s not just a place to admire flowers. The Gamble Garden also hosts horticultural workshops, seasonal plant sales, and educational programs for children. Whether you're seeking peace, inspiration, or a quick break from the digital buzz of the Valley, this garden delivers a quiet reminder of nature’s rhythm—still flourishing, still generous.

7. Visit the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

📍 Location: 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Originally opened in 1934 as a Depression-era educational project, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved family attractions. Recently renovated and reopened in 2021, it now boasts a modern design while maintaining its mission: hands-on science and close-up animal encounters that inspire curiosity in children.

The museum portion includes interactive exhibits focused on physics, biology, and engineering—think wind tunnels, magnet stations, and puzzles kids can crawl through. It’s science at kid-height, made to be touched and explored. The adjacent zoo houses over 200 animals, including bobcats, tortoises, bats, and birds of prey, all kept in naturalistic habitats.

What makes the museum especially notable is its commitment to accessibility. The exhibits were designed with inclusive play in mind, ensuring kids of all abilities can participate. Located in Rinconada Park, it’s easy to pair a visit here with time at the playground or the library next door. For families visiting Palo Alto, this is a can't-miss stop—educational, playful, and rooted in nearly a century of community learning.

8. Discover the Hewlett-Packard Garage

📍 Location: 367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

The modest garage at 367 Addison Avenue doesn’t look like much, but it’s often referred to as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley.” In 1938, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard began building audio oscillators in this Palo Alto backyard shed—an unglamorous start to what would become Hewlett-Packard, one of the world’s first major tech companies.

The garage remains privately owned and isn’t open for tours, but a plaque marks the site and visitors are welcome to view it from the sidewalk. What you’ll see is a classic California bungalow with the original garage tucked behind it—simple, understated, and impossibly important.

It’s more than a historical footnote. The HP Garage symbolizes the spirit of innovation, risk, and garage-born hustle that defines Silicon Valley’s mythology. While the region now boasts multi-billion-dollar campuses, it all started here—with two engineers, a few dollars, and a belief that tech could change the world.

9. Walk Along University Avenue

📍 Location: University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

University Avenue is the cultural and commercial heart of Palo Alto. Stretching from El Camino Real to Middlefield Road, this vibrant corridor has been the town’s main artery since the early 1900s. It's lined with everything from historic buildings and upscale boutiques to sidewalk cafés, bookstores, and street performers.

The architecture blends old and new—red-brick façades, preserved 1920s storefronts, and sleek modern additions. Some of the city’s oldest businesses still operate here, including Mills Florist (founded in 1903), while newer tech startups quietly occupy second-floor offices above the shops.

What makes University Avenue stand out isn’t just the shopping or dining. It’s the energy. Stanford students, Google engineers, and longtime locals all cross paths here. It’s a place to browse, people-watch, or enjoy a late-night espresso. With wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets, it’s also one of the most walkable stretches in the city. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a lingering afternoon, University Avenue never feels like a detour—it feels like the center of something.

10. Enjoy a Performance at the Stanford Theatre

📍 Location: 221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Opened in 1925, the Stanford Theatre is a time capsule of Hollywood’s golden age. Located on University Avenue, the theater has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur, complete with a Wurlitzer organ, art deco chandeliers, and a neon-lit marquee that draws the eye like a beacon from another era.

The cinema specializes in classic films—Hitchcock thrillers, Hepburn comedies, noir dramas—all projected on 35mm prints whenever possible. It’s run by the non-profit Stanford Theatre Foundation, which has helped preserve not only the building but also the spirit of traditional filmgoing.

What makes the experience special is how immersive it feels. Tickets are affordable, popcorn comes in paper boxes, and the pre-show organ performance adds a touch of ceremony. For locals, it’s a nostalgic gem. For visitors, it’s a reminder that entertainment doesn’t always require digital surround sound or reclining seats. Sometimes, a black-and-white film and a red velvet curtain are all you need.

11. Visit the Rodin Sculpture Garden

📍 Location: 328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305 (right next to the Cantor Arts Center)

Tucked beside the Cantor Arts Center, the Rodin Sculpture Garden is an open-air exhibit featuring one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s work outside France. With 20 bronzes, including “The Thinker,” “The Three Shades,” and the monumental “Gates of Hell,” the garden offers a powerful blend of artistic brilliance and quiet reflection.

The pieces were cast from the artist’s original molds and donated largely through the generosity of Iris and B. Gerald Cantor, whose foundation has supported Rodin collections across the country. Completed in the 1980s, the garden is open 24/7 and free to the public, making it an unusually accessible place to engage with world-class sculpture.

Surrounded by native California landscaping and Stanford’s sandstone buildings, the sculptures feel both grounded and transcendent. Whether you linger with an audio guide or simply walk through on your way to the museum, the garden offers a moment of stillness—and a direct connection to the timeless questions Rodin explored through bronze.

12. Bike the Baylands Nature Preserve

📍 Location: 2775 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Baylands Nature Preserve is Palo Alto’s largest and most ecologically rich park—stretching over 1,900 acres of tidal marshland, estuaries, and trails that run along the San Francisco Bay. The preserve was set aside in the 1950s, decades before “sustainability” was a buzzword, thanks to community efforts to protect the region’s fragile wetland ecosystem.

Today, it’s one of the best places in the Bay Area for biking. The flat, well-maintained trails stretch for miles, offering sweeping views of open water, marsh grasses, and distant city skylines. Cyclists share the path with joggers, birdwatchers, and the occasional coyote spotted from a distance. The air smells briny and fresh. You’ll see egrets, herons, and even the occasional pelican if you’re lucky.

Starting from the Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center or Byxbee Park, you can ride toward Mountain View or loop back through the Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter—a former boat-shaped sewage pumping station turned learning hub. If you want exercise, nature, and a glimpse of Silicon Valley’s wild side, this is the place to pedal.

13. Tour the Palo Alto Art Center

📍 Location: 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Founded in 1971 and operated by the city of Palo Alto, the Palo Alto Art Center has long been a community anchor for creative exploration. Originally known as the Cultural Center, it was built on the site of a former school and has evolved into a vibrant space for exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies.

The Art Center’s exhibitions range from contemporary installations to traditional painting and sculpture, often with a local or regional focus. Rotating exhibits give both emerging and established artists a platform. One of the most unique features is its public studio spaces, where you might catch a ceramics class in progress or children covered in paint during summer art camps.

Outside, the sculpture garden invites quiet reflection, while inside, the galleries offer free admission and a refreshing mix of media and voices. It’s not a stuffy museum—it’s a lived-in space full of energy, conversation, and hands-on creativity. For those looking to see Palo Alto beyond its tech identity, this is an excellent place to start.

14. Experience the Palo Alto Farmers' Market

📍 Location: Gilman St & Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Held every Saturday morning from May through December, the Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is a true community tradition—run by volunteers since 1981 and deeply embedded in the city’s rhythm. Located on Gilman Street near downtown, the market brings together regional farmers, small-batch producers, bakers, florists, and more in a relaxed, friendly setting.

What sets this market apart is the quality. Vendors are hand-selected for freshness and authenticity. You’ll find heirloom tomatoes, just-baked sourdough, local honey, fresh-cut flowers, and specialty items like goat cheese and handmade pasta. Many of the farmers come from family-owned plots in the Central Valley, bringing the literal fruits of their labor straight to Palo Alto tables.

Live music often adds a cheerful backdrop, and kids dart between stalls with apple slices in hand. Locals come to shop, chat, and catch up on neighborhood news. For visitors, it’s a glimpse into the everyday heart of the city: thoughtful, connected, and flavor-forward.

15. Visit the Museum of American Heritage

📍 Location: 351 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH), housed in the historic Williams House on Homer Avenue, is one of Palo Alto’s hidden gems. Dedicated to preserving the evolution of American innovation between 1750 and 1950, the museum offers a hands-on look at the technologies that shaped daily life long before smartphones and smart homes.

Founded in 1990, MOAH curates rotating exhibits on everything from antique radios and typewriters to Victorian-era washing machines and vintage toys. The permanent collection includes more than 5,000 artifacts, with interactive displays that let visitors touch and explore rather than just observe.

The Williams House itself, built in 1907, is a preserved Craftsman bungalow and a fascinating artifact in its own right. The adjacent gardens, maintained by volunteers, showcase heritage plants and old-fashioned irrigation tools.

With free admission and guided tours available on weekends, it’s a thoughtful, low-key stop for anyone curious about how America went from hand-crank to microchip—and what we’ve gained (or lost) along the way.

16. Take a Trip to the Arastradero Preserve

📍 Location: 1530 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

The Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is one of Palo Alto’s most serene natural escapes—622 acres of rolling hills, oak woodlands, and seasonal creeks tucked just west of the city. Originally cattle-grazing land, the preserve was saved from development in the late 20th century through community action and is now protected open space managed by the city.

With over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, Arastradero offers a landscape that shifts with the seasons: green and vibrant in spring, golden and dry in summer, dotted with wildflowers or cradled in mist depending on when you visit. Wildlife sightings are common—deer, coyotes, and hawks, even the occasional bobcat.

The gateway is a visitor-friendly center on Arastradero Road, where maps, field guides, and educational exhibits introduce the area’s ecology. The preserve also participates in restoration projects, such as native plant reforestation and creek cleanups. For a peaceful retreat just minutes from tech campuses and traffic, Arastradero feels worlds away—quiet, raw, and entirely real.

17. Discover the Rinconada Library and Art Collection

📍 Location: 1213 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

More than a place to borrow books, the Rinconada Library is a modern civic space that blends reading, art, and architecture with an inviting community feel. Originally built in 1958 and redesigned in 2014 by renowned architectural firm Group 4, the library now features natural light, open reading areas, and seamless integration with the nearby Palo Alto Art Center and Junior Museum.

But what truly makes Rinconada stand out is its curated public art collection. Throughout the library, you’ll find works by California artists woven into the design—sculptures, mixed-media pieces, and murals that reflect the themes of knowledge, nature, and imagination. Outside, landscaped gardens and quiet nooks make it an ideal spot for reading or just taking a break from the city’s fast pace.

It’s also a hub for events: author talks, children’s story hours, art workshops, and community discussions. For visitors, Rinconada offers more than just a quiet space—it’s a window into Palo Alto’s belief that learning and creativity belong together.

18. Relax at Mitchell Park 

📍 Location: 600 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Mitchell Park is one of Palo Alto’s largest and most popular public parks, and for good reason. Spanning over 21 acres, it’s a multi-purpose space with something for just about everyone: tennis and basketball courts, large green lawns, shaded picnic areas, and an imaginative, inclusive playground known as the Magical Bridge.

The park’s history dates back to the mid-20th century, but its evolution has kept pace with the community. The Magical Bridge Playground, opened in 2015, is a nationally recognized model for inclusive design—created to ensure children of all physical and cognitive abilities can play side-by-side. The park also features a community center and library nearby, making it a cultural hub as well as a recreational one.

Families picnic under sycamores, teens shoot hoops, and locals gather for tai chi at sunrise or outdoor concerts in the evening. In a high-tech town, Mitchell Park is refreshingly grounded—proof that nature, laughter, and play still matter.

19. Explore the Stanford Research Park

📍 Location: 1451 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

It doesn’t look like a typical tourist stop, but Stanford Research Park is one of the most significant sites in Silicon Valley’s origin story. Established in 1951, it was the first university-affiliated research park in the country—created through a partnership between Stanford University and the city of Palo Alto to attract high-tech industry and bolster the university’s financial health.

What started with Varian Associates (a maker of X-ray equipment) soon grew to include companies like Hewlett-Packard, Tesla, and VMware. The park now covers over 700 acres and houses more than 150 companies, spanning life sciences, AI, clean energy, and beyond.

While most buildings are private and low-key in appearance, the scale and legacy of the park are extraordinary. It represents the shift from academia to enterprise, from research to revolution. You won’t find plaques or guided tours, but a drive through its leafy, corporate-lined roads is a drive through the very cradle of innovation.

20. Enjoy Dining at Local Restaurants

📍 Location: Various locations throughout Palo Alto

Palo Alto’s dining scene is a culinary adventure, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and innovative flair. For those seeking refined experiences, Baumé, a Michelin-starred gem, offers modern French tasting menus that delight the senses. If authentic Italian cuisine is your craving, Terún delivers with Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pasta. Health-conscious diners flock to True Food Kitchen, where the menu combines nutrition science with bold, delicious flavors.

For a Mediterranean escape, Evvia Estiatorio serves rustic Greek dishes in a warm, inviting setting. Adventurous food lovers can’t miss Bird Dog, a hotspot blending Californian ingredients with Asian influences. End your culinary journey on a sweet note with a stop at Tin Pot Creamery, where small-batch artisanal ice cream takes center stage.

Another culinary gem is Evvia Estiatorio, which transports diners to the heart of Greece with its rustic Mediterranean dishes. For those looking for a casual yet trendy spot, Bird Dog serves a fusion of Californian and Asian cuisine, making it a perfect place for adventurous foodies. Lastly, don't miss Tin Pot Creamery for some artisanal ice cream—a delightful way to end your culinary journey in Palo Alto.

21. Hoover Tower

One of Stanford University’s most recognizable landmarks, Hoover Tower rises 285 feet over the campus and holds deep historical and political significance. Completed in 1941 to mark Stanford’s 50th anniversary, the tower houses part of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace—a think tank and archive founded by President Herbert Hoover, a Stanford alum.

The observation deck at the top (open to the public when operational) offers panoramic views of the entire Bay Area—from the foothills to San Francisco Bay. Inside, visitors will find exhibits on President Hoover’s humanitarian work and the vast archival collection of global documents related to political history, totalitarian regimes, and democratic movements.

The tower’s design, inspired by the cathedral tower in Salamanca, Spain, reflects Stanford’s architectural ties to European traditions. It stands not only as a visual anchor on campus but as a reminder of the university’s role in global affairs and its unique connection to one of America’s lesser-understood presidents.

Conclusion

Palo Alto knows how to keep things interesting. One moment you’re exploring tech history in a humble garage, the next you're walking past world-class art or getting lost in a eucalyptus-scented preserve. It’s a place that doesn’t shout for attention, but if you slow down and look around, it delivers something unexpected every time—an impromptu jazz set on University Avenue, a perfect taco from a food truck, or a pop-up art show tucked behind a library.

If you’re making a list of things to do in Palo Alto today, you're not going to run out of options. Hike, shop, museum-hop, or just post up in a park with a good book and people-watch—there’s no wrong move. This isn’t a city that demands a checklist; it rewards curiosity, and the more you explore, the more it gives back. Whatever pace you're moving at, Palo Alto fits right in.

Planning to visit? Karta has some amazing deals on Palo Alto vacation rentals for you.

FAQ

1. Where is Palo Alto located?

Palo Alto is located in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, about 35 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose. It sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it a central hub for technology and innovation, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and natural preserves.

2. What is Palo Alto known for?

Palo Alto is renowned for being home to Stanford University and as a major hub for technology companies and startups, including the headquarters of many notable tech giants. The city is also known for its tree-lined streets, upscale neighborhoods, and vibrant downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural venues.

3. Which county is Palo Alto, CA in?

Palo Alto is located in Santa Clara County, although part of the city extends into San Mateo County. It is part of the larger San Francisco Bay Area and plays a significant role in the economic and cultural landscape of Silicon Valley.

4. How would you describe Palo Alto's culture and history?

Palo Alto's culture is deeply influenced by its association with Stanford University and its role as a cradle of innovation in Silicon Valley. The city has a rich history dating back to its founding in the late 19th century, featuring historic neighborhoods, landmark buildings, and a strong commitment to education, arts, and environmental sustainability.

5. What is the weather like in Palo Alto, CA throughout the year?

Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winter temperatures typically range from the 40s to 60s, while summer temperatures range from the 60s to 80s. The city experiences plenty of sunshine year-round, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring its numerous parks and trails.

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