What to do in Palo Alto, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Palo Alto Attractions

Do you live for delicious food or shopping? Or perhaps you just like to get acquainted with a new travel destination like a genuine local. When you're in Palo Alto, it doesn't matter what your interests are — this happening metropolis has all the experiences and sights you could ever need.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Palo Alto, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {46 fun activities in Palo Alto fun activities in Palo Alto} are also worth a look.

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What to do in Palo Alto

Free Things to Do in Palo Alto

There's no need to constantly reach for your wallet in Palo Alto. The following won't cost a penny.

Leland Stanford Junior University Museum of Art - Wander the halls and admire the thought-provoking exhibits and carefully curated collections at this museum.

Palo Alto Art Center - Feed your artistic and cultural cravings here and witness talent and creativity at work.

Shoreline Park - If you're looking to turn up the fun factor during your getaway, you can do it here.

Stanford University Medical Center - Well known among the locals, this site is worth taking a look at.

Stanford Memorial Church - Throw a little spirituality into your trip by stopping by this religious site.

Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center - If you take pleasure in digging about the garden, this place will fascinate your green thumb.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Palo Alto? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Popular places to visit in Palo Alto

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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
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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.

Hoover Tower
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Stanford University Medical Center

If Stanford University Medical Center is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stanford University Medical Center
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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.

Stanford Stadium
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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.

Stanford Shopping Center
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Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

See the exotic and native animals who live at Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo during your travels in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
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Stanford Theatre

You can find out about the history of Palo Alto with a stop at Stanford Theatre. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stanford Theatre
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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.

Rodin Sculpture Garden
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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.

Baylands Nature Preserve

Explore areas of Palo Alto

Stanford, Palo Alto, California, United States of America

Stanford

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

Stanford
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East Palo Alto

4/5Very Good!(4 area reviews)

The mountain views and restaurants are a few reasons travelers visit East Palo Alto. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Facebook Campus and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, a few notable attractions nearby.

East Palo Alto
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University South

4.5/5Wonderful!(55 area reviews)

While University South might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Stanford Theatre and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

University South
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Los Altos Hills

Travelers enjoy Los Altos Hills for its mountain views and parks. Consider checking out Foothills Park while you're in the area.

Los Altos Hills
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Downtown North

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

Downtown North
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Ventura

4/5Very Good!(60 area reviews)

While Ventura 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 Junior Museum and Zoo and Stanford Stadium.

Ventura
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Day trip destinations from Palo Alto

Photo by Quintin Doroquez

Menlo Park

Mountain View

Mountain View

Los Altos History Museum featuring a house and a garden

Los Altos

Photo by Ragini Srinivasan

Portola Valley