Palo Alto Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Palo Alto with our comprehensive guide, featuring top attractions, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Palo Alto

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area, Palo Alto is a vibrant city that balances the hustle and bustle of technology with the charm of a college town. Home to Stanford University, this city boasts a rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and world-class innovation.

List of Places to Visit in Palo Alto

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Cantor Arts Center: This museum features a vast collection of artwork from around the world, including pieces from ancient Greece and Rome, modern art, and contemporary sculptures.
  • Palo Alto Art Center: Open to the public, this center features rotating exhibits and events showcasing the works of local artists.
  • The Hoover Tower: This iconic structure on the Stanford University campus offers breathtaking views of the Bay Area, as well as an exhibit on Herbert Hoover’s life and career.
  • Palo Alto History Museum: Celebrating the history of Palo Alto, the museum features interactive exhibits and displays on the city’s past.

Natural Attractions of Palo Alto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Stanford Dish Trail: A popular spot with locals, this trail takes hikers and runners through the hills surrounding Stanford, offering stunning views of the Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
  • Gamble Garden: For those seeking a peaceful retreat, this historic garden spans over 2 acres and offers visitors a chance to unwind amidst the beauty of nature.
  • Foothills Park: Another favorite of Palo Alto locals, this park offers over 15 miles of hiking trails, picnicking areas, and a fishing pier.
  • Arastradero Preserve: This beautiful nature preserve offers more than 700 acres of open space, complete with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palo Alto

For those seeking an active adventure, Palo Alto boasts world-class hiking and biking trails. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The Stanford Loop Trail: This trail is a six-mile loop around the Stanford campus and includes both paved and dirt paths.
  • San Francisquito Creek Trail: This trail runs along a creek and is perfect for biking and hiking alike.
  • Pearson-Arastradero Preserve Trail: This trail offers a variety of loops, ranging from 1.5 to 10 miles, and is open to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
  • El Palo Alto Trail: This is a relatively easy one-mile hike that follows a creek and leads to a historic redwood tree known as El Palo Alto.

Best Things to Do in Palo Alto: Activities and Tours

  • Stanford University Campus Tour: The beautiful campus of Stanford University is open to the public and offers guided tours.
  • Palo Alto Farmers’ Market: On Saturdays, visitors can enjoy sampling fresh produce and artisanal goods at this farmers’ market that has been around since 1981.
  • Silicon Valley Tech Tour: This tour takes visitors through some of the most innovative technology companies in Silicon Valley.
  • Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve: This nature preserve provides a peaceful retreat for visitors and features trails and boardwalks that wind through marshes and ponds.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palo Alto

Day 1: Visit the Cantor Arts Center and Palo Alto Art Center before taking a tour of the Stanford University Campus.

Day 2: Hike the Stanford Loop Trail in the morning and visit the Hoover Tower in the afternoon.

Day 3: Head to Foothills Park for a full day of hiking and picnicking.

Day 4: Take a day trip to San Francisco, just 35 miles away.

Day 5: Explore the Arastradero Preserve in the morning and then head to the Palo Alto Farmers’ Market in the afternoon.

Day 6: Rent a bike and explore the San Francisquito Creek Trail before visiting the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve.

Day 7: Spend the day at the Palo Alto History Museum before enjoying a sunset hike on the El Palo Alto Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Palo Alto

Must-Try Dishes

  • Palo Alto Farmer’s Omelet: This omelet is made with local produce and is a staple of many breakfast places in Palo Alto.
  • Pizza from Terún: This famous pizza place has homemade dough and wood-fired pizza.
  • Garlic Fries from The Counter: The garlic fries are cooked to perfection and a wonderful side dish to any meal.
  • Noodles from Taro San: This restaurant is known for its noodles that are made fresh on- site every day.

Local Beverages

  • Verve Coffee Roasters: Verve Coffee Roasters serves organic coffee and freshly baked pastries.
  • The Wine Room: This wine bar is perfect for those looking to sample some of the best wines in the area.
  • Tap Room: Tap Room features a rotating list of local brews.

Where to Stay in Palo Alto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Clement Hotel: Luxurious hotel with an outdoor lap pool and 24-hour butler service.
  • The Zen Hotel: Budget-friendly, eco-conscious hotel with a fitness room and complimentary breakfast.
  • Palo Alto Inn: An affordable and comfortable place to stay with free parking and a continental breakfast.

What to Buy in Palo Alto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Stanford University Apparel: Show off your Cardinal pride with a t-shirt or sweatshirt from the Stanford Bookstore.
  • Otto’s Import Store and Deli: This unique store specializes in imported European snacks, sweets, and sausages.
  • Palo Alto Art Center Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Palo Alto Art Center offers handmade items and jewelry from local artists.

Local Culture and Customs of Palo Alto

Palo Alto is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, but it is also a haven for individuals who value a good work-life balance. The people of Palo Alto celebrate diversity, creativity, and collaboration. It is a relaxed, yet stimulating environment that has produced some of the world’s leading innovators.

Best Time to Visit Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a year-round destination, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. However, the summer months also offer many events and festivals, such as the Palo Alto World Music Day and the Palo Alto Greek Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palo Alto

Do:

  • Dress in layers and be prepared for changes in weather.
  • Have cash on hand for farmers’ markets and small businesses.
  • Take a hike or bike ride and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places, as Palo Alto has strict smoking laws.
  • Litter or leave trash in public spaces.
  • Be disrespectful to local residents or businesses.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take necessary precautions such as keeping valuables in a safe place and avoiding traveling alone at night.

Health in Palo Alto

There are many hospitals and medical centers in Palo Alto, including Stanford Hospital and Clinics, which is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the country. Visitors should be aware of air quality alerts, particularly during times of high pollen or smoke from wildfires.

Getting to Palo Alto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Palo Alto

Palo Alto is located about 20 minutes from San Jose International Airport (SJC) and about 30 minutes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Bus Stations Near Palo Alto

The Palo Alto Transit Center is located in the heart of downtown and serves as a stop for several bus lines.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental car to get around Palo Alto.

How to Get Around in Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a walkable city with many bike-friendly streets and trails. Visitors can also use public transportation, ride-sharing services, or rental cars to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Palo Alto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Palo Alto is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, making it easy to explore nearby destinations such as San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. Visitors can also take a scenic drive to the Pacific Coast, where they can explore the charming towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica.

Conclusion

Palo Alto is a must-visit destination for those interested in innovation, history, and natural beauty. With so many things to see and do, visitors are sure to have a memorable trip to this vibrant city. Plan your perfect trip to Palo Alto with our comprehensive guide, featuring top attractions, where to stay, what to eat, and more!