Things to do in Palo Alto

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Palo Alto
Palo Alto
Palo Alto
Palo Alto
Photo by David Lew
Photo by David Lew

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 {30 fun activities in Palo Alto fun activities in Palo Alto} are also worth a look.

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Recommended things to do in Palo Alto

Number of things to do
30
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $10
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palo Alto

Stanford University

Stanford University

4.5/5(1,972 reviews)

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
Amazing container gardening here. Water-intensive, I imagine.

Stanford Shopping Center

4.5/5(263 reviews)

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
The chapel

Stanford Memorial Church

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

Stanford Memorial Church
Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower

5/5(1 review)

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

Stanford University Medical Center

4.5/5(127 reviews)

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.

Stanford University Medical Center

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

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.

Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford

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.

Palo Alto VA Hospital

Stanford University Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Palo Alto at Stanford University Golf Course. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Stanford University Golf Course

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Palo Alto

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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.

Stanford
It looks pretty but it's too fruity.

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.

East Palo Alto
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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.

Barron Park
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Old Palo Alto

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

Old Palo Alto
These guys fuse Vietnamese food with their own, local knowledge, in a beautiful low lit setting, and hit it out of the park. Shaking beef, black cod, crab and shrimp noodles, dry sauteed curry string beans, accompanied by a frosty Saigon Vietnamese beer. Reminded me of Monsoon in Seattle, or The Slanted Door in SF. Good, knowledgable and helpful wait staff provide a very memorable dining experience. Can't wait to go back.

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.

University South
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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 Stanford Stadium and Palo Alto Art Center.

Midtown
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Palo Alto

Photo by Quintin Doroquez

Menlo Park

Mountain View

Mountain View

Redwood City featuring a city and street scenes

Redwood City

Los Altos History Museum featuring a house and a garden

Los Altos

Photo by Ragini Srinivasan

Portola Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Palo Alto worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor pursuits and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Palo Alto. Be sure to discover the area's blend of awesome sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Palo Alto?
After you've checked off key attractions like Los Altos History Museum and NASA Ames Visitor Center, spend some time exploring Palo Alto's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palo Alto?
The top tourist attraction in Palo Alto is Shoreline Amphitheatre, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Palo Alto?
Three days in Palo Alto is enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend two days on average. Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts and Los Altos History Museum are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Palo Alto a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city center, Palo Alto is a great destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Shoreline Park. Then take a stroll through Ventura, located 1 mile from downtown, and Barron Park, which is roughly 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Palo Alto with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary 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?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Palo Alto for adults including Computer History Museum and NASA Ames Research.
Are there free things to do in Palo Alto?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Palo Alto is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Los Altos History Museum is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.