Things to do in Palo Alto

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Visit Palo Alto

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Palo Alto travel guide

Aerial view of commercial and residential areas of Palo Alto, California toward Mountain View along El Camino Real near Page Mill Road

Aerial view of Hoover Tower at Stanford University, California, USA. The tower is a landmark, housing archives. Palo Alto, California, USA. 28 December 2024.

Cliffs and large half moon shaped beach, Pacific Ocean Coast, Half Moon Bay, California

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, USA - JULY 2, 2019: Municipal Rose Garden

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Redwood Forest & Santa Cruz Harbour Day Tour from San Francisco

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Adventure & outdoor

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Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

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Filoli House & Garden

What to do in Palo Alto

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Stanford University

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Stanford University's iconic Main Quad and Hoover Tower anchor this prestigious academic haven with picturesque gardens. Explore the Cantor Arts Centre and Rodin Sculpture Garden for a refined cultural experience.

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Where to stay in Palo Alto

Find the best Palo Alto areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palo Alto

Aerial View of a University in Palo Alto, California.

University South

While visiting University South, you might make a stop by sights like Hewlett Packard House and Garage and Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market.

Downtown, Palo Alto in Silicon Valley,, California, United States of America.

Downtown North

While Downtown North may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Stanford Shopping Center and Stanford Theatre.

Paved running trail on the Standford dish surrounding hills; Stanford campus, Palo Alto and Silicon Valley skyline in the background, San Francisco bay area, California

Crescent Park

While Crescent Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palo Alto Art Center and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

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Midtown

Though Midtown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Stadium.

2024-01-16 BRICK BUILDING WTH ARCHES AND SQUARE WINDOWS ALONG A TILED WALKWAY WITH A GREEN PARK LIKE SCENE AT THE END OF THE WALKWAY IN PALO ALTO CALIFORNIA

Old Palo Alto

When in Old Palo Alto, you can plan a visit to Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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Menlo Park

Panoramic view of snow mountains and citrus trees and Santa Rosa Valley and homes Ventura California during winter snow storms

Mountain View

Redwood City

Frequently asked questions

Is Palo Alto worth visiting?

Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Palo Alto.

How do I spend a day in Palo Alto?

Start your adventures with a visit to Golfland USA and Los Altos History Museum. Then, explore other areas of Palo Alto for a bite to eat and some shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in Palo Alto?

Shoreline Amphitheatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Palo Alto and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Palo Alto?

Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View Centre for the Performing Arts and Los Altos History Museum. The average stay in Palo Alto is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, San Francisco isn't far away.

Is Palo Alto a walkable city?

With popular neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Palo Alto is a good destination to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Shoreline Park. Then take a stroll through Ventura, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Barron Park, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Palo Alto with kids?

Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Palo Alto with kids.

What to do in Palo Alto for adults?

There are loads of things to do in Palo Alto, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Computer History Museum or NASA Ames Research.

Are there free things to do in Palo Alto?

One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Palo Alto is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Los Altos History Museum is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.