Things to do in Palo Alto

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A winding road in a hilly area with a prominent tower and a distant cityscape.
An aerial view of a city with a prominent sports field, modern buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.
A residential area with a mix of single and multi-story houses, a central green space, and surrounding trees.
A university campus with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by trees and buildings with red-tiled roofs.
A coastal landscape with cliffs, a sandy beach, and the ocean.

Things to do

Woodside: Filoli Historic House and Garden Entry Ticket

Filoli Historic House and Garden Entry Ticket

￥6,238
per adult
Filoli Historic House and Garden Entry Ticket
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

￥19,994
per traveler
80% of travellers recommend
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience
Private Walking Tour in Stanford University

Stanford University Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

￥800
per traveler
Stanford University Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Self Guided Walking Tour in Agnews Historic Park

Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

￥800
per traveler
Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

￥29,591
per adult
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Lower Antelope Canyon 1

San Francisco to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour

￥146,127
per adult
San Francisco to Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon 4 Day Tour
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

￥28,631
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley
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What to do in Palo Alto

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Stanford University

8.8/10 (4,609 reviews)
Stanford University's iconic Main Quad and Hoover Tower anchor this prestigious academic haven with picturesque gardens. Explore the Cantor Arts Center 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 and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palo Alto
Learn more about Palo Alto
A university campus with red-roofed buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a sunset sky.

University South

While visiting University South, you might make a stop by sights like Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market and Stanford Theatre.

An aerial view of a city with a mix of modern and historic buildings, a central intersection, and surrounding greenery.

Downtown North

Though Downtown North might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Stanford Shopping Center and Stanford Theatre.

A winding road through a green landscape with a prominent tower and a cityscape in the distance.

Crescent Park

Crescent Park might not have many top sights, but Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Palo Alto Art Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Midtown

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 Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

A stone corridor with arches and columns, leading to a door at the end.

Old Palo Alto

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

Popular day trips from Palo Alto

Brilliant sunset in local Arastradero Park. Hiking trails up and down hills lined with eucalyptus trees.

Menlo Park

A town with a mountain range in the background.

Mountain View

A modern multi-story building with red and white accents, located at a street corner with visible street signs and parked cars.

Redwood City

A long-span suspension bridge at night with illuminated cables, spanning a wide river.

Los Altos

A tree-lined path with a fence on either side, leading towards a sunset.

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.