Top reasons to visit Palo Alto
- Diverse Attractions: Palo Alto features a mix of cultural, historical, and outdoor attractions that cater to all interests.
- Charming Downtown: The downtown area offers unique shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for leisurely exploration.
- Beautiful Parks: Enjoy scenic urban parks and nature reserves that provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
- Rich Educational Experiences: Visit local museums that showcase Palo Alto's history and innovation.
- Variety of Accommodations: Find diverse lodging options, from luxury hotels to pet-friendly stays, ensuring a comfortable visit.
Find great hotels near Palo Alto
Discover a variety of hotel accommodations in Palo Alto, California, perfect for both business travelers and leisure seekers. From pet-friendly options to LGBTQIA welcoming environments, you'll find a range of choices to suit your needs. Explore top hotels and luxury stays, complete with essential amenities and services. Read hotel reviews to ensure a memorable visit to this vibrant tech hub.
- Maple Tree Inn: This charming 3-star hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travelers. Located 14km from Palo Alto, guests appreciate the combination of comfort and convenience. The hotel is pet-friendly, allowing travelers to bring their furry companions along. Amenities include food and water bowls for pets and a pet policy that prioritizes service animals. With a high guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Maple Tree Inn is celebrated for its attentive service and well-appointed rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay.
- Motel 6 Belmont, CA - San Francisco - Redwood City: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, this Motel 6 location is also 14km from Palo Alto. It presents a straightforward lodging option that welcomes pets, allowing guests to enjoy their stay without leaving their pets behind. The property features amenities such as complimentary pet stays and policies accommodating service animals. Its no-frills approach ensures guests have all the essentials for a comfortable experience, making it a practical choice for those seeking affordability near the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Good Nite Inn - Redwood City: Located 10km from Palo Alto, the Good Nite Inn offers a cozy and budget-friendly stay with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This inn is also pet-friendly, with specific policies in place to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for both pets and their owners. Amenities include a pet deposit and guidelines for maximum weight, catering to guests traveling with dogs. With its convenient location and warm atmosphere, Good Nite Inn is a solid option for travelers looking for value without compromising comfort.
Where to stay in and around Palo Alto
Palo Alto offers a vibrant blend of culture, family-friendly attractions, and a bustling business atmosphere. Visitors can explore the charming downtown area, with its unique shops and cafes, or venture into neighboring East Palo Alto for a different vibe. The inviting Palo Alto neighborhoods provide convenient access to scenic parks and recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for a California journey filled with friendly people and enriching experiences.
- Stanford: Nestled around Palo Alto, Stanford is renowned for its prestigious university and vibrant academic atmosphere. This neighborhood attracts a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peak times in March, July, and September. Travelers flock here for cultural experiences, family outings, and business engagements. Highlights include the beautiful campus of Stanford University, which features stunning architecture and art installations, as well as the nearby shopping mall and centers. The local sports stadium also draws attention, offering a glimpse into the energetic sports culture of the area.
- Menlo Park: Located just 3km from Palo Alto, Menlo Park is a charming city that seamlessly blends residential comfort with commercial activity. With visitor numbers peaking in April, July, and September, it is an appealing destination for culture enthusiasts, families, and business travelers alike. Menlo Park boasts excellent educational institutions and shopping venues, making it perfect for those seeking both leisure and learning. Local landmarks include the historic college university and picturesque valleys, providing a scenic backdrop for exploration and relaxation.
- East Palo Alto: Situated adjacent to Palo Alto, East Palo Alto is a neighborhood that welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts with its inviting parks and recreational spaces. Visitors tend to arrive most frequently between March and April, and again in July, drawn by its family-friendly atmosphere and cultural experiences. The area features various shopping centers and educational facilities, ensuring convenience for travelers. Attractions nearby include the historic college university and the stunning valley views, making it a notable spot for outdoor activities and community events.
Things to do in Palo Alto
Shopping
Palo Alto offers a delightful shopping experience with the Stanford Shopping Center, featuring upscale stores and dining options. If you're up for a drive, explore the nearby Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, around 18km away, which includes a diverse mix of shops and entertainment.
Recreation
The Zen Wellness Center offers a tranquil environment with calming treatments like massage and yoga, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Explore the nearby Stanford University campus, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces that encourage reflection and connection with nature.
Adventure
In Palo Alto, explore the scenic trails of the Baylands Nature Preserve, where you can hike and observe local wildlife. For a thrilling experience, visit the nearby Stanford Dish, a popular spot for hiking with panoramic views of the campus and surrounding areas.
Nightlife
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Patio on University Avenue, where you can enjoy outdoor dining and cocktails. For a lively atmosphere, visit The Rose & Crown for pub fare and local brews, and catch a game on their big screens.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palo Alto
Palo Alto offers many ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Menlo College, Baylands Nature Preserve, and Stanford Memorial Church. For transportation, consider biking or using the bus, which are budget-friendly options. Plan your trip in February or November to December for lower accommodation rates, and book on Fridays for the best deals. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your stay and find amazing package deals that combine flights and hotel stays, ensuring you get the best prices possible.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Palo Alto are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Palo Alto is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Palo Alto is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make the most of Expedia’s search tool by customizing your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Palo Alto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around Palo Alto
Palo Alto offers a diverse range of attractions perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and business travelers alike. Visitors can explore beautiful urban parks, nature reserves, and engaging history museums. With a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences, Palo Alto is an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of adventure and education during their stay.
- Hoover Tower: This iconic landmark in Palo Alto offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its observation deck. The tower is part of Stanford University and features a bell carillon, adding to its cultural significance. Visitors can explore the nearby Stanford campus, rich in history and beautiful architecture.
- Winchester Mystery House: Located 23km from Palo Alto, this elaborate Victorian mansion is famous for its architectural curiosities and maze-like design. Guided tours reveal the intriguing stories of Sarah Winchester and the house's many eccentric features, making it a captivating visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
- Computer History Museum: Just 6km away, this museum showcases the evolution of computing technology. Exhibits range from early mechanical devices to modern innovations, providing insight into the impact of computers on society. It's an engaging destination for tech lovers and curious minds alike.
Best time to go to Palo Alto
The best time to visit Palo Alto can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Palo Alto falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Palo Alto falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Palo Alto
Traveling to Palo Alto, California, is easy with three major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 29km away, with luxurious hotels like the Fairmont San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, both offering transfers to the airport. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is only 21km from Palo Alto, with options like the Shashi Hotel Mountain View and the Santa Clara Marriott, which also provide convenient access to the airport. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is further out at 148km, featuring hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, accessible via nearby transportation services.