Things to Do in Palo Alto

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.