Things to do in Palo Alto

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit Palo Alto

Types of activities

Where to stay

Palo Alto Travel Guide

Palo Alto City Limit road sign on Skyline Boulevard

Ducks paddle happily as they squawk amongst themselves.

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Palo Alto

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palo Alto

Stanford University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stanford University Medical Center

Though Stanford University Medical Center might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Palo Alto while you are here.

girl holding shopping bags on sunny day outdoors

Stanford Shopping Center

You can enjoy retail therapy at Stanford Shopping Center during your trip to Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Baylands Nature Preserve

Enjoy the mountain views and explore Baylands Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Hoover Tower

Find out about the history of Palo Alto with a stop at Hoover Tower. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Le Penseur dans le jardin du Musée Rodin, Paris.

Rodin Sculpture Garden

Enjoy the mountain views and explore Rodin Sculpture Garden, a lovely green space in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stanford Stadium

Catch an event at Stanford Stadium during your trip to Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford

Though Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Palo Alto while you are here.

Palo Alto VA Hospital

Though Palo Alto VA Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Palo Alto while you are here.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Palo Alto

Stanford

You'll enjoy the churches and monuments in Stanford. You might want to make time for a stop at Stanford Stadium or Stanford Shopping Center.

A boardwalk at Baylands Nature Preserve. Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California, USA

East Palo Alto

4/5(4 area reviews)

Situated near the Baylands Nature Preserve, East Palo Alto offers access to a scenic marshland trail and is close to the Ravenswood 101 shopping center. Convenient transportation options include U.S. Route 101 and SamTrans.

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

Old Palo Alto might not have many top sights, but Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aerial View of a University in Palo Alto, California.

University South

4.5/5(55 area reviews)

While visiting University South, you might make a stop by sights like Stanford Theatre and Museum of American Heritage.

Aerial view of towards Stanford campus and Hoover tower, Palo Alto and Silicon Valley from the Stanford dish hills, California, USA

Barron Park

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Though Barron Park might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like San Antonio Shopping Center and San Andreas Fault Trail.

Midtown

3/5(1 area review)

While Midtown might 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 Stanford Stadium.

Popular day trips from Palo Alto

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

Los Altos

Sunset through Guardian Oak tree on the Dish Trail

Portola Valley

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 Center 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 neighborhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city center, 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 kilometers from the center, and Barron Park, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.

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

Whether you're vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.