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THINGS TO DO

Explore Palo Alto

Things to Do in Palo Alto

A myriad of interesting attractions await your arrival in Palo Alto, California. You can immerse yourself in the dazzling Rodin bronze sculptures at the Cantor Arts Center, indulge in the ultimate shopping experience at the Stanford Shopping Center, and even catch a Stanford University football, baseball or basketball game courtesy of the Stanford Cardinal. Tour Stanford University and explore the stores on University Avenue when you visit Palo Alto.
Stanford University

Stanford University

One of the world's most respected institutions of higher learning, Stanford University sits on an impressive 8,000-acre campus in Palo Alto, California. Known for its top-tier teaching and research, Stanford is also home to a phenomenal medical center, which includes a superior children's hospital.

The school also features talented athletic teams in a wide array of men's and women's sports. Tours of the Stanford campus are available along with exceptional museums that are open to the public.

Stanford Shopping Center Exterior

Stanford Shopping Center

Anchored by classic department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Macy's, Stanford Shopping Center features over 140 retailers, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Kate Spade, J. Crew and Tommy Bahama. Restaurants range from California Pizza Kitchen and Max's Opera Café to P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

What's more, the upscale Palo Alto mall boasts gardens, sculptures and fountains along with an eclectic European-style street market.

University Avenue

University Avenue

Delight in a multitude of marvelous shopping, dining and entertainment options on University Avenue in Palo Alto, California.

Delicious meals can be had at restaurants like Joya, Palermo, and Pluto's. For after-dinner drinks and hanging out with friends, check out Old Pro and Lavanda Restaurant & Wine Bar. University Avenue is also home to such fun events as the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts and World Music Day.

Stanford Dish

Stanford Dish

The Stanford Dish loop is a popular route for Stanford University students as well as Silicon Valley professionals. Its steep paved trail is suitable for running, walking, and hiking. Bicycles are not allowed. Opening hours vary depending on the month of the year
 Filoli

Filoli

We invite you to visit Filoli, one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century, located just 15 miles north of Palo Alto.

Enjoy the 16-acre formal Garden, explore the historic House, take a nature hike, view an art exhibit, or pursue its educational opportunities.

Rodin Sculpture Garden at Cantor Arts Center

Cantor Arts Center & Rodin Sculpture Garden

Discover the largest collection of Rodin bronze sculptures outside of the city of Paris at the Cantor Arts Center. The Stanford University museum boasts almost 200 works, including Rodin's masterpiece, "The Thinker." Right next door to the Cantor Arts Center you'll find the Beautiful Rodin Sculpture Garden. There you will see additional bronze works of his. Open 24/7, the sculpture garden also provides free daily tours.
Frank Lloyd Wright Hanna House

Frank Lloyd Wright Hanna House

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1936, Hanna House was the home of Stanford University professor Paul Hanna and his wife Jean, who were early childhood education specialists. Both the home and its stylish gardens are open to the public for tours.

The Hannas lived in the house until 1975, after which they donated it to Stanford University. Four university provosts lived there until it was severely damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. In 1999, it was given an extreme makeover and reopened for tours.

 Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

Life is simply better in a garden… Maybe it's the chance to stop and reflect; maybe it's just the astounding beauty.
Shoreline Amphitheatre Concert Venue

Shoreline Amphitheatre

Shoreline Amphitheatre is an outdoor amphitheater located in Mountain View, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. The venue has a capacity of 22,500, with 6,500 reserved seats and 16,000 general admission on the lawn. When the parking lot is utilized for festival stages, the total capacity of the venue can reach 30,000.