Looking for the best things to do in Palo Alto? The heart of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University, Palo Alto pairs a gorgeous campus with a lively downtown and beautiful baylands. Locals point to the Stanford campus and its free art museum, the shops and dining of University Avenue, and the trails of the Baylands Nature Preserve.
Things to do in Palo Alto
Stanford University
Wander the stunning campus, climb Hoover Tower for valley views, visit the Cantor Arts Center (free, with a Rodin sculpture garden) and Memorial Church, and hike the Dish loop in the foothills.
University Avenue & California Avenue
Downtown Palo Alto’s University Avenue and the second downtown on California Avenue — restaurants, cafés, bookstores and shops.
Baylands Nature Preserve
One of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland on the bay — miles of flat trails and boardwalks, superb birding, and big-sky sunsets.
Family & History
The Junior Museum & Zoo, the HP Garage (birthplace of Silicon Valley), and Foothills Nature Preserve.
Things to do in Palo Alto at night
University and California Avenues lead for dining and a relaxed evening, with Stanford events and easy Caltrain access up and down the Peninsula.
Free things to do in Palo Alto
- Wandering the Stanford campus and the free Cantor Arts Center
- Hiking the Dish and the Baylands
- Strolling University Avenue
What Palo Alto locals actually recommend
The best campus spots, quiet Baylands trails, downtown eats — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Palo Alto community, real neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Palo Alto neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Palo Alto?
Explore the Stanford campus (Hoover Tower, the free Cantor Arts Center and its Rodin garden, Memorial Church, and the Dish trail), stroll University and California Avenues, and walk the Baylands Nature Preserve for birding and sunsets.
What is Palo Alto known for?
Being the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University — known for the tech industry (the HP Garage is here), the Stanford campus, and an affluent, walkable downtown.
What are free things to do in Palo Alto?
Wandering the Stanford campus and the free Cantor Arts Center, hiking the Dish and the Baylands, and strolling University Avenue are all free.
Is Palo Alto worth visiting?
Yes — for the beautiful Stanford campus and its free art museum, the downtown, and the Baylands trails, it’s a highlight of the Peninsula.