Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Palo Alto, California

Palo Alto is a city of approximately 67,000 residents located in Silicon Valley within the San Francisco Bay Area. This vibrant city is particularly recognized for its affluent neighborhoods and entertainment hubs, as well as being the home of Stanford University.

Palo Alto is notable for its distinctive blend of historic charm and modernity. Numerous historical structures can be found throughout the city, complemented by a plethora of contemporary and stylish dining and shopping venues, such as the Stanford Shopping Center, Town & Country Village, and Charleston Shopping Center.

The city boasts a variety of museums and cultural attractions, and the amenities of San Francisco and San Jose are easily accessible within a short drive. With approximately 36 parks, the pleasant climate facilitates outdoor activities year-round.

Palo Alto is characterized by its tree-lined streets and scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with the surrounding natural environment presenting ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the May Fete Parade, the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple Obon Festival, the Palo Alto Clay and Glass Festival, and the Festival of Trees.

Below are 15 outstanding activities to enjoy in and around Palo Alto, California.

1. Spend a Day in Rinconada Park

A wonderful method to commence your visit in a new location is to explore a local park to absorb the atmosphere and culture. Rinconada Park is among the oldest parks in Palo Alto and remains a favored spot on sunny days.

This expansive 19-acre park features scenic redwood and oak trees. The park includes a public swimming pool, nine tennis courts, designated picnic areas with barbecue amenities, two playgrounds, and a network of scenic walking trails.

2. Get a History Lesson at the Museum of American Heritage

The Museum of American Heritage provides insights into local and national history. With a rotating array of exhibits, the museum displays a variety of artifacts related to domestic life from the early 1800s through the 1950s.

Permanent exhibits include the Early 20th Century Kitchen, 1920s General Store, The Marshall Matthews Garage, and The Print Shop.

The museum is also associated with the Williams House, a historic residence constructed in 1907 that was once the home of Dr. Thomas Marion Williams.

Throughout the year, various educational initiatives, lectures, and workshops are conducted at the museum.

3. Admire Beautiful Art at the Cantor Arts Center

Located at Stanford University, the Cantor Arts Center is a renowned art museum showcasing works from diverse artists across the globe.

This sprawling 130,000-square-foot facility displays over 38,000 artworks and hosts an array of exhibitions, including a collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin.

Additions to the exhibitions include Richard Diebenkorn at the Cantor, The Medium is the Message: Art since 1950, and In Dialogue: African Arts.

4. Enjoy Fine Dining in a Casual Setting at Protege

Protege offers a remarkable combination of a sophisticated dining experience within a relaxed environment.

The venue serves expertly crafted New American dishes, featuring a diverse selection of appetizers and entrees such as Mount Lassen trout, brick chicken, and Japanese Wagyu ribeye.

Additionally, the restaurant provides an extensive menu of fine wines and spirits sourced from various regions around the world.

5. Explore the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve

As one of the largest remaining marshland areas in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve delivers an exceptional nature experience. This 1,940-acre preserve features both freshwater and tidal habitats.

Encompassing 15 miles of multi-use trails, visitors can observe a diverse array of plant and animal life, including numerous bird species.

Additional amenities include an interpretive center, restroom facilities, picnic areas, an athletic center, and a pond for duck observation.

6. Enjoy Golf at Baylands Golf Links

At Baylands Golf Links, you can experience a delightful day of golf in an idyllic setting, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Baylands and San Francisco Bay.

This 18-hole, par-72 course is accommodating to golfers of all skill levels while presenting some challenging features, including water hazards that enhance the gameplay.

The facility includes a driving range and chipping greens, and golf lessons are available. A café serving a diverse selection of snacks and meals is also available on-site.

7. Catch a Classic at the Stanford Theater

For a distinctive evening out, consider visiting the historic Stanford Theater. This establishment exclusively showcases classic films released between 1910 and 1970, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in a nostalgic atmosphere.

Built in 1925, the theater underwent restoration in 1987 to preserve its neoclassical architecture. A notable feature of the venue is the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ.

Throughout the year, various film festivals and events are held in this charming space.

8. Browse the Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market

Since its inception in the early 1980s, the Palo Alto Farmers’ Market has offered a diverse selection of vendors promoting fresh, local produce. Patrons can find fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, honey, jams, homemade confections, and fresh seafood at this vibrant market.

In addition, vendors offer essential oils, flowers, perfumes, and handmade soap. As visitors stroll through the market, they can enjoy live music performed by local artists.

9. Get Pampered at the Watercourse Way Bath House Spa

Watercourse Way Bath House Spa provides a comprehensive experience aimed at relaxation and luxury.

This day spa and Zen retreat in Palo Alto appeals to the senses through beautiful Asian and local art adorning the rooms. Soft lighting, combined with the serene sounds of flowing water from the fountains, creates a tranquil environment.

A variety of treatments are available, including massages and facials. Facilities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, a dry sauna, and cold plunge pools are also provided.

10. Learn About Animals at the Junior Museum and Zoo

The Junior Museum and Zoo serves as a science and nature center in Palo Alto with an emphasis on educating children about wildlife and the natural world. Interactive exhibits and learning opportunities allow attendees to engage with over 200 animals from 50 distinct species.

Bats, bobcats, hedgehogs, turtles, raccoons, ferrets, and various bird species can be observed here, with numerous events organized at the museum throughout the year.

11. Treat Yourself to an Upscale Shopping Experience at Town & Country Village

Even if high-end shopping is not typically your activity, browsing through Town & Country Village can be an enjoyable experience; you might discover a perfect gift for yourself or someone special.

This shopping complex boasts a diverse selection of boutique stores and specialty shops, including In Her Shoes and Francesca’s Collections.

The complex also includes spas, salons, and eateries, such as Asian Box and Howie’s Artisan Pizza. Beautiful gardens enhance the upscale ambiance, and pedestrian paths connect the various buildings within the area.

12. Sample Local Craft Beer at the Freewheel Brewing Company

Since 2012, the Freewheel Brewing Company has been crafting a wide range of beers using both traditional British and American brewing methods.

Only the freshest locally sourced ingredients are utilized in their creations, which include their signature Big V Amber, available for tasting in their on-site taproom.

The kitchen serves a variety of pub fare, prepared from scratch with quality ingredients. Guests can choose from salads, pretzels, fries, burgers, nachos, and wings among the delicious menu offerings.

13. Get Outdoors at the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve

Spanning 3,436 acres of parklands and green spaces, the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve offers a remarkable opportunity to escape urban life and embrace pristine natural surroundings.

As you traverse the park, you will encounter forested areas and grasslands, rewarded with breathtaking views that extend from Monte Bello Ridge to Skyline Ridge.

This unique ecosystem is among the region’s most diverse, housing an array of wildlife, including migratory birds.

Visitors can enjoy several hiking and biking trails, including the Stevens Creek Nature Trail and the Canyon Trail.

14. Visit the Hoover Tower

Located at Stanford University, Hoover Tower stands 285 feet tall and houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives.

Constructed in 1941, the building’s unique architecture is inspired by a similar tower in Salamanca, Spain.

It features a 46-bell carillon, and the 11th floor was once temporarily occupied by exiled writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

15. View Local Art at the Palo Alto Art Center

Since the early 1970s, the Palo Alto Art Center has been displaying temporary exhibitions that feature the artwork of San Francisco Bay Area artists.

Notable past exhibitions include Rooted: Trees in Contemporary Art, Patrick Dougherty: Whiplash, and Encounters: Honoring the Animal in Ourselves.

The center hosts various events throughout the year, including art classes and educational programs.