Palo Alto, California Things to Do

Looking for fun things to do in Palo Alto? Extending from the San Francisco Bay to the Skyline Ridge of the coastal mountains, Palo Alto, California, is a beautiful community with historic neighborhoods, unique shopping districts, wonderful restaurants, exciting nightlife, art museums, dynamic theaters, spectacular golf courses, beautiful parks, and one of the most elite universities in the world - Stanford University. Just 34 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose, Downtown Palo Alto offers lively tree-lined blocks with cool stores, incredible restaurants and sidewalk cafés, wine bars, lounges, art galleries, theaters, museums, and an exciting nightlife scene.

Hotel Near Stanford University. Get smart at the W Silicon Valley, located 10 minutes from Stanford University and Palo Alto. At the W Silicon Valley, students, families, and vacationers will experience a fresh and fantastic Bay Area hotel. Relax in your spacious suite, mix a cocktail at the granite wet bar, or surf the internet. Lounge by our outdoor heated pool and hot tub, sip a cocktail at W Bar, hit the gym, or enjoy Sonoma duck sliders at RELISH Restaurant. Chic, connected and comfortable, the W Silicon Valley also offers stylish event space, concierge, Wi-Fi, and value-friendly Bay Area hotel specials. [ More ]

Palo Alto Things To Do & Attractions. The birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is a captivating destination packed with exciting attractions and things to do. Discover Palo Alto's culture and art at the Cantor Center for Visual Arts and Rodin Sculpture Garden, Stanford Theater, Palo Alto Art Center, Museum of American Heritage, Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, and Stanford Linear Accelerator Center.

Enjoy the many free things to do in Palo Alto, like visit the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Arastradero Preserve, Professorville, and Palo Alto Baylands Preserve. Go shopping at Stanford Shopping Center, or play a few rounds at Stanford University Golf Course and Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course. Don't miss a free concert or event at Stanford University.

Palo Alto Nightlife. When the sun sets, Palo Alto is a vibrant university town with a thriving nightlife and music scene, and home of rock bands like the Donnas and Ugly Kid Joe. Check out Palo Alto's popular nightlife spots, bars, eateries and music venues including Gordon Biersch, Nola, Rose and Crown Pub, Zibibbo, and Fanny & Alexander Restaurant. For a taste of Palo Alto culture, enjoy concerts, shows, events and dance performances at Stanford Lively Arts.

Stanford University - Palo Alto Landmark Attraction. Located in beautiful Palo Alto, Stanford University is one of the world's most prestigious universities and research institutions. Founded in 1891, Stanford offers a stimulating learning environment, a pioneering spirit and innovative educational programs and activities that prepare students to be leaders and thinkers. Stanford University offers seven schools with undergraduate and graduate programs that inspire students to discover intellectual passions and think creatively. Explore Stanford's magnificent campus and visit attractions such as Cantor Arts Center, Rodin Sculpture Garden, Hoover Tower, Arizona Garden, Stanford Memorial Church, The Dish, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Frank Lloyd Wright's Hanna House and Stanford Art Gallery.

The Stanford Department of Athletics offers 34 varsity sports, won the Directors' Cup, which honors the most successful program in NCAA Division I sports, captured 2 national team championships, and sent 49 athletes and coaches to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Stanford sport facilities include the 50,000-seat Stanford Stadium, Stanford Golf Course, Maples Pavilion, Sunken Diamond, Taube Family Tennis Stadium, and Avery Aquatic Complex.