Things to do in Palo Alto

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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 {39 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	39
Things to do from	$10
Cheapest thing to do	Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Top 5 things to do	Private Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur Day Trip from San Francisco Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Palo Alto Prowl Scavenger Hunt Tintype Portrait and Historic Photography Lesson Palo Alto Scavenger Hunt
Under $25	Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Palo Alto Scavenger Hunt Private Walking Tour in Stanford University Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Sunnyvale by 3Quest Challenge Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Sunnyvale by Crazy Dash
With kids	Private Walking Tour in Stanford University BEST Golden Gate Bridge&Fisherman's Wharf Day City Tour from San Francisco BEST Carmel &17-Mile Drive & Monterey Day Tour from San Francisco Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Sunnyvale by 3Quest Challenge Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Sunnyvale by Crazy Dash

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.

Things to Do in Palo Alto with Kids

There are plenty of memorable experiences in Palo Alto that the whole gang will love. These are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.

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

What to do in Palo Alto on a sunny day?

A San Jose: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour is the perfect activity for visitors who don’t want to miss out on a moment of sunshine in Palo Alto.

What to do in Palo Alto on a rainy day?

Make the most of a rainy day by signing up for an indoor activity, like a Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley or a San Francisco Airport Same Day Luggage Services.

What is Palo Alto famous for?

Stanford University lives up to its reputation as an icon that you just can’t miss.

What should I not miss in Palo Alto?

Set aside time in your schedule to discover terrific sights like Stanford Shopping Center and Shoreline Park.

Are there cheap things to do in Palo Alto?

Enjoy yourself without spending a fortune with a San Jose City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest or an Explore New Orleans with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest.

What can you do in Palo Alto for free?

Your break in Palo Alto won’t cost an arm and a leg with free things like these to keep you on the go:

Stanford Shopping Center
Shoreline Park
Stanford University Medical Center
Palo Alto Art Center

Discover the most popular places to visit in Palo Alto

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 Hoover Tower.

East Palo Alto

4/5(4 area reviews)

Visitors to East Palo Alto like its mountain views and restaurants, and San Francisco Bay is a sight worth a stop.

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 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 Stadium and Stanford Shopping Center.

That's a lamb roasting in the middle of the restaurant. Deals are being done over spanikopita and tsatsiki. Great spot

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.

Old Palo Alto

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

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 Stanford Maples Pavillion.

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