Fun things to do in Palo Alto: 23 fun attractions and activities

The ticket are cheaper if you do a donation on the website. I was happy with the museum, the story of computer development comes from counting and measuring systems and moves slowly to counting and first codes and decoding and moves to devices. I would bring kids in different ages, but go through museum together, so they will see the full timeline.

The computer history museum is a must visit for anyone that uses a computer. That’s everyone! Seriously, if you haven’t been and you live in the area, make the time— the “revolution” exhibit alone will take the entire day and if you go on the correct day, you can have the pleasure of seeing the PDP-1 come to life. They turn on the IBM 1401 daily and will print you a fun memento on a 1402. Check the times for guided tours, you will not be disappointed! The docent are amazing and passionate. Still not sold check their calendar. They have regular events called “tech fest” the most recent of which was 90s themed and they brought out the museum of art and digital entertainment from Oakland for playable 90s video games. There was even a 90s dance party on the lawn complete with Skip-it and all the 90s jams. Plan a visit and learn something new about the tools that surround us and power our modern lives!

If you care at all about where modern computing came from, this is a must-visit. The Computer History Museum offers a near-encyclopedic sweep of computing’s evolution — from abacuses and early mechanical calculators to mainframes, personal computers, software milestones, and beyond. The artifacts are real, many rare, with detailed context. The storylines are well-curated: hardware, software, social impact, all woven together. Highlights: the IBM 1401, the Babbage Difference Engine, classic gaming and electronics, well-done interactive displays. Staff are knowledgeable and engaging; docented tours add depth. The layout gives space to breathe, read, reflect — not just dash through. Some caveats: Exhibits are often text-heavy; if you’re not already interested you may find yourself skimming. Also, to truly absorb everything — you need at least 3-4 hours, more if you want to dive deep. Overall: it delivers serious educational and aesthetic value. Worth every minute and every dollar.

It was way more interesting than I thought. Even my kids enjoyed it. Definitely has a wealth of information as well as interactive displays. I was only able to see half the museum in two hours. I went two hours before closing. Wish I had gone earlier in the day.

Best field trip ever thanks to Jesse and Steve! I took my class of graduate students and our minds were blown away by the amazing collection that they have. Highly recommend booking a docent tour or going on one of their public tours to better understand the historical significance of everything that you’re seeing!

The Computer History Museum is a fascinating journey through the evolution of technology — from the earliest calculating devices to the breakthroughs shaping our digital future. It’s inspiring to stand inches away from legendary machines, rare prototypes, and artifacts that changed the world. A must-visit in Silicon Valley.

It's all about how the Silicon Valley started and how it progressed over the years till now. Journey of computers progress starting from year 1930 to present day AI based computers. It's divided into 18 sections + 2 additional sections outside the main entry. Every fee of 12$ is more than worth it. Knowledge and information you get there is exceptional. Children upto 7 age free entry. If you are really interested in computers history of progress then be ready to spend about 2-3 hours here. Inside you may not know how fast the time is tickling.

This garden is always beautiful, clean, and uplifting—a true hidden gem in PA! The volunteers put so much care and heart into maintaining it, and it really shows. I recently joined the Gardener’s Hour session and loved the knowledge, laughter, and sense of community it created. No matter the season, it’s a wonderful place to visit and I highly recommend it!

This is a true gem! The flowers are absolutely stunning with vibrant colors that make the whole garden come alive. Everything is so well maintained, from the pathways to the beautifully arranged beds of seasonal blooms. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and a perfect spot for photography, a quiet stroll, or just enjoying nature’s beauty. Highly recommend visiting—especially if you appreciate gardens that are cared for with such love and detail.

What a fabulous gem. The house closes for tours at noon. It’s so nicely preserved. The activities of water painting with a docent and composting are so informative and inspiring. The wide paths are easy to manage with our group of 7.

I was looking online about this garden. Honestly, I thought that it’s going to be very big based on the map, but it’s just a medium-sized garden with a house. I think that this garden has been here for decades and workers took very care of that garden. There weren’t many people visiting this garden probably because I came here on Monday, but there were pretty nice gardens and flowers to look at. It also has a green house and a two-story house I believe. Idk if anyone lives inside that house with a garden, but probably the Gamble family has been living there for a while. Otherwise, it’s most likely an office, museum, or used for something else like a preservation. I wanted to stop by here since I like going to gardens and taking pictures of plants and nature. Honestly, there wasn’t really much here since the garden isn’t really big, but it’s still a nice place though.

Mid-Sept 2025 First time visit to these gorgeous gardens. My favorites are the dahlias. The whimsical bunny topiary is so fun too! I didn't enter the buildings, simply walked around the gardens on a warm weekend afternoon. We will be back soon. Maybe I will not wear sandals next time - I ended up with itchy ankles after my daytime visit. Plenty of street parking; however there is a parking lot on the premises.

This is a true gem in the Palo Alto neighborhood off of Embarcadero! The Gamble family would be proud to see the property open free to the public/7 Days a week. A nice variety of flowering plants, shrubs, and trees. A must visit if you are in the area. Parking can be limited during busy times. The all volunteer PA Garden Club does a great job to maintain the gardens.

It's just a small garden in PA neighborhood! We stopped by there in middle September, garden has little flowers to show off! If you are visitors from other towns, you may skip it to save time for other interesting places in PA

I especially enjoy the ceramic exhibits here. One of the front desk staff though can be a bit dismissive of the beauty of the exhibited work, which surprises me!

Attended the Friday Night Celebration with Mosaic and it was wonderful. Cross cultural friendly vibes and lovely art.

Wonderful place for community, art, and awesome events like The Great Glass pumpkin patch

Visited the glass pumpkin art exhibit. Wo perfume works of art.

Beautiful, inspiring and peaceful place to visit. The exhibitions are always creative and beautifully curated. It’s not huge, but let’s say it’s part of its charm. Enjoy art without feeling rushed.

The Palo Alto Clay and Glass Show is in the top tier of craft shows in the area, if not the best. The Palo Alto Art Center does the community a real service by making quality crafts available to a sophisticated public and educating those who aren't so well-set to what constitutes quality.

Visited during the great glass pumpkin patch event and saw some really nice handmade glass pumpkins. Several other glass decorations were also present.

Definitely worth the walk / climb! A really well maintained track with fabulous views across Stanford University campus and the San Francisco Bay.

Try to wear a hat and get a good sunscreen if you are going for a trail. Wear good shoes, some parts can be really steep. The view is quite nice. One can see the two cities San Francisco and San Jose from the top.

Nice place to go for a hike. It does get a bit boring as it's just a big loop / circle. But it has a quite a bit of wildlife ranging from squirrels to woodpeckers to coyotes at times.

Parking was east, Google maps takes you to a neighborhood, need to turn back. First hill is steep, but overall a pleasant walk.

The Stanford Dish is a fantastic hiking spot right on campus. The loop trail is about 3.5 miles and gives you a mix of moderate uphill climbs and easy stretches. What makes it special is the wide-open views — you can see across Stanford, Palo Alto, and even the Bay on clear days. It’s named after the large radio telescope (“the Dish”), which is still used for research and is the landmark of the trail. Along the way you’ll spot plenty of wildlife like hawks, deer, and rabbits, plus seasonal wildflowers. There’s no shade, so bring water and a hat, especially in summer. But overall, it’s one of the best places for a morning walk, run, or just to enjoy nature while staying close to campus.

I have been running this trail for 20 years and I love it. For Runners or Walkers: NOTE there are multiple entrances. The one near page mill road is roughly 3.2 miles. The entrance near Alpine Rd and 280 is 5.3 miles. This is a beautiful hike with a lot of incline, so you’ll definitely get a workout here. This area is famous. A couple of tips for you as you plan: - Leave nothing in your car. It will be broken into if you do. -Bring a hat or sunscreen. There is no cover or shade! -Bring comfortable shoes. If you have knee problems, this can be challenging. -Bring water, they have people who get rescued here a lot for dehydration. -Use the bathroom before. No bathrooms except for a portable one on the page mill entrance -Stay in the trail and respect the nature. Keep this place beautiful. And most importantly, enjoy! This place is beautiful and an important historical place.

Enterance at Alpine Road will take you to 3 uphill slopes to get to 2 hiking trails. I think these 3 slopes are the most challenging and once you get through them then the rest of the hike is not too challenging. I'm not an experienced hiker so if I can do this almost anyone can. 😂

Absolutely love Baylands Nature Preserve! 🌿 It’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in the Bay Area. The birdwatching here is amazing tons of nesting birds and wildlife all year round. The sunsets are breathtaking, especially from the pier, where the sky lights up with incredible colors. 🌅 The hiking and walking trails are well-kept and perfect for a relaxing stroll or jog with gorgeous views of the marshlands. Every visit feels refreshing and full of natural beauty. Highly recommend for anyone who loves nature, photography, or just wants a quiet place to unwind!

I utilize the Stevens Creek bike trail that connects you to the Baylands Bike trail that runs through the Baylands Nature Preserve. Awesome views as you cruise or walk along. All types of wildlife. There are ample places to stop along the way for a break or to just enjoy the view and the breeze that comes off the water most days. I visit daily and would recommend anyone in the area who enjoys outdoor walks or activities to visit.

This place is amazing, endless trains for running, hiking or just sitting around bird watching or enjoying the nature. Lots of parking, and great place to watch the sunrise.

Nice sunset, but better don’t stay too late after sunset, I was stalked by a pervert, it was super terrifying!

We didn't see much wildlife the afternoon we were there, but.... what an expansive, serene spot in the middle of the Bay Area! SO many trails and benches all around as well. Lots of signage for trails and the wildlife as well. Nice job🌟

absolutely stunning place to hang and take a stroll. pretty flat hiking tracks

This is an all-around great spot to enjoy some nature trails. I often walk the trail that runs right alongside the runway for Palo Alto airport (KPAO) and the trail eventually wraps behind the golf course. I frequently see groups of bird watchers in this area as well, so I guess it's also a good location for that (if that's your sort of thing). There's usually plenty of parking here as long as there's not some event happening. I've found most of the bikers here to be friendly as well, so I never had an issue with sharing the trail between walkers and bikers).

Excellent infrastructure with good design and facilities for kids of all ages. Zoo is small but well maintained with staff and ample facilities like flamingo feeding, etc The games are based on science experiments and well laid out with educational intentions.

We were amazed by how interesting and fun this zoo was. It is great for science and teaching kids how science really works. Was an amazing experience as a family and we will love to come back here again. Make sure to buy tickets online before going. Usually tickets gets sold out soon on the weekends .

This place is a fantastic spot for toddlers and young kids! The play area is super fun and perfect for little ones to have a great time.

Such a fun place for the whole family! My 2.5-year-old absolutely loved exploring every part of the museum and the zoo. It was so sweet watching him make connections between the animals and the characters from his story books. 🦒📚 Everything was clean, tidy, and thoughtfully organized. There were so many little nooks and hands-on areas to discover — perfect for curious toddlers! We also spent some time at the outdoor playground right outside since the weather was nice. Overall, this is a wonderful spot to take your little ones. We’ll definitely be coming back!

A Fantastic Museum for Younger Kids - Plan for a Morning of Fun! The Palo Alto Junior Museum is a fantastic local outing for the little ones. We spent a Friday morning here and had a great time exploring everything it has to offer. It's very well-designed for its target audience. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan your visit: * The Three Main Zones: The museum is cleverly split into three areas. There's an outdoor mini-zoo with birds and a really fun treehouse/jungle gym. Another outdoor space is a dinosaur area with a sandpit where kids can dig for "fossils." The indoor area is full of hands-on exhibits like blocks, magnets, and a giant ball run. * Good to Know: It's not a huge museum, so it’s not overwhelming. We spent about 3 hours here and my kids felt like they had seen everything. It’s definitely geared towards a younger crowd (I’d say ages 7-8 and under). As expected, it was busiest in the morning and started to empty out around noon for naptime. * Pro-Tip: The best part is that there’s a large park right next door. It’s perfect for letting the kids run around after you're done with the museum, easily extending your outing into a full day, just remember to pack a lunch or snacks.

This is a wonderful little place to bring your family for a few hours. We got to hear about Sequoia the eagle in the morning and feed flamingos in the afternoon. There's a fun treehouse you can climb around in. There are also interactive activities inside.

This was a really great experience for us! My 5 year old loved it all and there was plenty to keep my 1 year old busy too. We got to feed the flamingos which was awesome. Super friendly and accommodating to different needs. We would definitely go back.

It’s a great place to see a concert. My only recommendation is to get there as soon as you can because - as usual for the Bay Area - traffic to get to the parking lots becomes a bit of a mess - tho the parking lot attendants are pros and friendly - and they do a good job managing traffic - you still have to wait for all the cars to move as the streets can only handle so much traffic

The venue is super nice and the food options along with food trucks is pretty good. Staff is helpful and there are plenty to help with directions as well as plenty of security. I was surprised with the amount of leg room - it was enough to dance in without falling 😂. I would arrive early, read the subreddit on the venue. I purchased easy-out parking. It has a dedicated lane and I was out in 10 min. There is a free option with Lot E that was open at 4pm where there is a back exit but I did not want to risk it and end up in the exit crush.

Great venue. Lower seating is surrounded by an upper grassy area. Entrances and exits easy to find. There is free parking. Getting out can be a challenge. Patience or strategic ninja driving will be rewarded there. Sound quality at the stage is good, plenty of big screens to watch the show if watching from the grass. Lots of food choices.

Saw Cyndi Lauper’s Farewell Tour and she was AMAZING!!! First time at this venue it was beautiful. No wait to enter venue. Parking was a little crazy long lines. Took 40 minutes to finally get parked. So glad I had sprung for the premium reserved parking, well worth it!!! Hey I even got to see a picture of the Queen of Rock and Roll Tina Turner when she played there in 1997!!!

This experience was way better than the last one. The staff this time was properly trained had good attitudes and were helpful. The concert Alice Cooper Judist Priest and Corrosion of Conformity ALL KILLED IT. Sound was great props great properly timed breaks between sets. Pictures are not the best but here are a few.

Great amphitheater, one of my favorites place for concerts. I've had VIP experience so it could be different, but venues still great even without it. But pay the extra dollars to take the VIP experience. You'll love it.

Was there on Sat 30th August 2025 to see my favourites Jimmy Eat World, NFG and The Offspring. Liked the venue, friendly staff, was around 460m walk from the rideshare pick up/drop off to the entrance of the venue. Lots of toilets, was kept clean throughout the gig, fast moving lines…had a seat in section 102, fifth row from the front, great views, initially I was disappointed there wasn’t a pit, but there was lots of room at your seat so can still jump around etc! I had ordered a clear rucksack from Amazon, was only 9 usd total which was good! Can’t comment on the food and drinks, as I didn’t buy any. Lots of refillable water stations. I left the gig just after 10pm, as I had to get back to SFO airport, but I can I can imagine that if you parked at the venue, and stayed right till the end, the waiting lines to exit would likely be hours long. I think if I had a car, I’d probably find alternate parking somewhere in the area, and just walk to the venue. Definitely recommend!

The Stanford Theatre is an all-time American experience. The essence of the picture show. Comfortable seats, exceptional interior and the most authentic experience you could wish for. If you’re visiting San Francisco, make it a part of your trip. It’s worth the travel. I feel grateful for having had the experience and am very thankful for the generosity of the Packard family for their support in preserving this landmark

Wow. Incredible. First time was tonight an 855pm showing of darling Clementine. The usher was so friendly and convinced us to try the theater. Tickets are inexpensive. The theater is magnificent. The snacks are reasonable it's like going back to when I was a kid. THERE WAS A LIVE ORGAN PLAYING WESTERN MUSIC BEFORE THE MOVIE STARTED INSTEAD OF ADVERTISEMENTS. I loved this experience!!!

Wonderful heritage venue featuring Hollywood’s classics. The organ entry and curtain raiser is a special surprise. As a Humphrey Bogart fan I loved watched the African Queen.

Always a great place to watch classic movies on the big screen. Admission and refreshments are reasonable. It can be very popular so make sure you get there in time to park and get inside before the film starts. You will be treated to a little music beforehand. Plenty of places around to grab a bite or beverage before or after the show too.

A fantastic vintage theatre showing only classic films. Staff are friendly and helpful. Very reasonable concession prices. Thank you to David Packard for making these great films available on the big screen. It's always a treat!

A very charming theater with lovely decorations and a cozy atmosphere. I came here for the summer festival and really enjoyed watching the classic films on the big screen. My only wish is that the sound could have been just a little louder, but overall it was a wonderful experience.

For movie lovers, this place is as close as we can get to heaven. The Stanford Theater is one of my favorite places on the planet - as soon as you get to the box office you’re going back in time. $7 for a double feature! $1 for a small popcorn! The theater has been beautifully restored with so many classic posters hung on the wall. And the music! Between the second and third showings of the night, an organ player rises through the stage and plays through the intermission. I love this place and I’m so grateful for it.

Today was my first opportunity to visit the Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) on Homer Ave, across from Heritage Park. What an awesome place! It was initially a residence designed by the renowned architect Ernest Coxhead for a family named Williams, built in 1907. Lovely gardens! Love the vintage print shop. A new temporary exhibit opened today, “Trains, Games & Wheels.” Much fun! And free!

Absolutely fantastic museum with excellent docents that know a lot! Their collection is great and I love their exhibits.

How did I never know this existed?! Really nice items and descriptions. Part historic house museum, part historic gadget museum. There's a small play area at the end as well that my kid liked (there were trains and blocks for him to play with). Small and only open Friday - Sunday, but it is free and has a beautiful garden.

It was a great surprise!!! Totally worth it. I do recommend it!

Palo Alto has a few little gems tucked away and this is definitely one of them. While it’s not going to stand up to big capital city museums this is a fun way to spend an hour, with helpful volunteers on hand to talk you through the exhibits. What’s more entrance is free. Bargain.

Artifacts from the last 100 plus years. A working jukebox. This museum was originally a doctors house and you get to see some of that history. Theres also a model T in the back garage and working printing pressed, going all the way back to gutenburgs model, and showing the evolution. The curators are eager to explain the history of anything you are curious about. Also free! Great museum!

Nice to stop in for a bit. Can be done with in 20 minutes. Wouldn't drive just for this but if visiting palo alto then stop by 1 time

Mind-blowing museum and totally free! The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford is one of those hidden gems that completely surprises you. The building itself is beautiful—elegant architecture, light-filled rooms, and peaceful energy throughout. What really blew me away was the range of art: ancient artifacts, classical European paintings, modern photography, sculpture, video installations, and even a vintage train and curated historical displays. One moment you’re admiring a Renaissance portrait, the next you’re watching a moody film piece or examining early motion studies. It’s like traveling through time and across the world—all under one roof. The indoor-outdoor layout is perfect. You can wander through the galleries, then take a break outside in the sculpture garden or courtyard. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this place is so well done that it just pulls you in. And the staff? So kind and helpful without being overbearing. You feel genuinely welcome here. Whether you’re visiting Stanford or just in the area, this is a must. You could spend 30 minutes or 3 hours and still leave feeling inspired.

A powerful and thought-provoking experience. The Cantor Arts Center surprised me deeply. I came in expecting a typical university museum—and left moved, inspired, and full of questions. The Second Nature exhibition was particularly impactful: bold, raw, and unapologetically urgent. Some works felt overly constructed, others struck me like quiet revelations. But overall, it was a meaningful encounter with art, nature, and our responsibility as humans. Highly recommended for anyone seeking more than just pretty pictures.

This museum is hidden gem in Palo Alto & Standford University! What a beautiful place and variety collection of Art & sculpture! Highly recommended to visit when you have chance to tour Palo Alto city and Standford University!

Outdoor sculptures are Amazing, if you have some time to visit, before a Stanford Appointment. The museum has a Great History of the first railroad from The Bay Area, to The East Coast, too!! There's a Church, too, with Beautiful stained glass windows.

A stunning collection! I loved this compact, well organised and virtually empty (visitors wise) museum. It's free entry as well, such a treat

A museum with a vast archive that is well worth seeing. You can spend a day visiting the museum and the school.

This museum is free, easy to navigate, and fun for kids. The collection is diverse—everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces—so there’s always something interesting to see. The building itself is beautiful, elegant, spacious, and clean, and staff (volunteers) are quite helpful and friendly. The outdoor sculpture garden is a highlight, especially for kids who need to move around after looking at art indoors. It’s a great balance of culture and fresh air. You could easily spend a whole day here, and since admission costs nothing, the only expense is parking and coffee, - if you visit the small cafe. Great place for a laid-back visit, whether you’re into art or just looking for something different to do.

Great way to see the Stanford University campus! The elevator takes you 285 feet up to the observation deck with absolutely stunning views. My guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, I especially enjoyed the story about Lou Henry, Stanford’s first female graduate in 1898, who later married fellow alum Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States.

Hoover Tower at Stanford University is a striking landmark with rich history and fantastic views. We visited with family and took the elevator to the observation deck, where the panoramic view of the campus and surrounding areas was truly impressive. Inside, there are also exhibits related to the Hoover Institution’s archives and historical research. Tip: Entry is affordable, but hours can be limited—check in advance before visiting. The tower is a short walk from the Main Quad and makes for a great photo spot. A must-see for anyone touring the Stanford campus!

The exhibition galleries on either side of the entrance and the views at the top of the tower are very interesting and provide nice time to chill. The staff at the center are very friendly and helpful. I was so happy to meet and chat with Megan N at the information desk who, with so much of zeal, gave tons of information about the facility and provided guidance for my visit. Sreevidya at ticket counter was very courteous and helpful. On the whole, it’s a cool place to visit at the Stanford University.

It is great place to learn the history about Hoover Couple, their education, business and political life. You can pay $8 person to take elevator to the top of tower to take 360 degree view about the whole campus. Feel so good when you stand the high point to view the campus. Really impressed about it. Worthy to pay to do it. They also list the Watergate important inside story. Worthy to recommend friends to visit here.

It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Stanford for sure! Super nice path to get the perfect central view and pictures

Great way to view the campus and Silicon Valley from above! The Stanford campus is absolutely beautiful. There is a guide that was so helpful in pointing things out to us as we viewed the area. Well worth the $5.

The Hoover Tower is one of Stanford University’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors a blend of history, breathtaking views, and cultural significance. Whether you’re a student, tourist, or history enthusiast, this 285-foot-tall structure is a must-visit destination when exploring the campus. Architecture and Design Completed in 1941, the Hoover Tower was designed in a classical style that complements the Romanesque and Mission Revival architecture of Stanford’s Main Quad. The structure is both elegant and imposing, with its red-tiled roof and clean lines that make it stand out amidst the surrounding campus greenery. Observation Deck: Stunning Views The observation deck, located near the top of the tower, is the highlight of any visit. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Stanford campus, the surrounding Palo Alto area, and, on clear days, even the San Francisco Bay. It’s an excellent spot for photography or simply taking in the beauty of the region. Historical Significance The Hoover Tower houses part of the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, which contains extensive collections on war, peace, and global political history. Founded by Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States and a Stanford alumnus, the institution plays a vital role in preserving historical documents and promoting research. Inside the tower, you can also find exhibits about Hoover’s life and contributions. Atmosphere and Accessibility The tower’s location in the heart of the Stanford campus makes it easily accessible. The surrounding gardens provide a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll. An elevator takes visitors to the observation deck, making it accessible for those who may have mobility challenges. Visiting Tips • Hours: The tower is open to the public, but hours can vary, so checking in advance is recommended. • Admission: A small fee may apply for non-Stanford visitors. • Best Time to Visit: Clear, sunny days offer the best views from the observation deck. Overall Impression The Hoover Tower is more than just a campus landmark—it’s a window into Stanford’s history, a repository of significant historical archives, and a place to enjoy unparalleled views of the area. Whether you’re visiting for its historical importance or its aesthetic and scenic appeal, the Hoover Tower is a quintessential stop that should not be missed.

A truly unique and beautiful church in Silicon Valley. Very peaceful, fits a lot of people. I had the chance to listen to some organ music during my visit which took me back to the times when I visited churches throughout Europe. Please be respectful- cover up your shoulders and don't wear shorts inside the church. Also please keep your voice quiet.

Memorial Church – A Breathtaking & Iconic Stanford Backdrop Memorial Church at Stanford University is truly a masterpiece and one of the most breathtaking locations for a photoshoot on campus. The intricate mosaic façade, grand archways, and warm stonework create an elegant and timeless setting, making it perfect for romantic, cinematic portraits. Stepping inside, the soft natural light filtering through the stained glass windows adds a dreamy glow, enhancing every shot with a rich, artistic feel. The dramatic columns and historic architecture bring a sense of grandeur, making it an incredible backdrop for capturing engagement sessions, wedding portraits, or any special moment. If you’re looking for a spot that blends history, elegance, and pure visual beauty, Memorial Church is an absolute must for your Stanford photoshoot. Whether standing beneath the ornate entrance or framed by the intricate archways, every angle tells a story.

Blissfully beautiful church. The architecture, beautiful details in the inside with all the art work, stained glass windows, beautiful landscaping surrounding the church.

The Memorial Church is a powerful reminder of Stanford's history and values. Its stained glass windows depict scenes from the Bible and the university's founding, while its bells toll every hour, marking the passage of time and the enduring spirit of the institution. Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection, a spiritual experience, or simply a beautiful place to appreciate art and architecture, the Memorial Church is a must-visit on any Stanford campus tour. Stunning architecture: The Romanesque style and intricate details are truly captivating. Stained glass windows: The vibrant colors and biblical scenes are breathtaking. Tranquil atmosphere: A perfect place to escape the bustle of campus life. Historical significance: A reminder of Stanford's rich history and values. Overall, the Memorial Church is a treasured landmark on the Stanford campus, offering a unique blend of beauty, history, and peace. Highly recommended!

Stanford Catholic Church, located at the heart of the Stanford University campus, offers a deeply moving and spiritually enriching Easter Mass experience that blends tradition with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. The stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings create a reverent setting, while the thoughtful homily, uplifting music, and vibrant student and community participation bring the liturgy to life. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply seeking a meaningful place to celebrate Easter, this church provides a serene and inspiring space to reflect and rejoice in the spirit of renewal and hope. It's also a great place for day picnics for coupes or families!

As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing love stories in some of the most stunning locations, and Stanford Memorial Church is truly one of the most breathtaking venues I’ve had the honor of working at. The architecture is nothing short of magnificent, with intricate details both inside and out that provide a perfect backdrop for any ceremony. The staff at Stanford Memorial Church were incredibly kind, well-organized, and a pleasure to work with. Their warmth and professionalism added a level of comfort and ease for both the couple and myself, ensuring everything flowed seamlessly on the day of the wedding. I was particularly impressed by the fairness of the photography guidelines. They allowed me the flexibility to capture all the essential moments while respecting the sanctity of the ceremony. The rules were clear and reasonable, and I had no issues adhering to them while still creating beautiful, timeless images for the couple. If you’re considering Stanford Memorial Church for your wedding ceremony, I can’t recommend it highly enough. The venue’s beauty, combined with the excellent staff, makes it an unforgettable location to celebrate your love.

deep sorrow and love turned to the motivation to build the center of wisdom

Great hiking trail. There is a good mix of terrain but well paved so not very difficult. Very scenic trail with lots of bird to spot

Great place for a quiet walk. lots of ground squirrels and birds. the parking lot is a bit small. less crowded after 2p. we walked on the west side of the road, up to Arastradero Lake. v quiet, great views. a coyote stood and watched us for a while and trotted off.

Had a great hike here in late April. Grass was green, wildflowers and birds were all over the place. A full loop of the preserve (my preferred route) is about 6 miles and fairly gentle by Bay Area standards. This isn't pristine nature by any means; it's sandwiched between a horse pasture and a golf course with mansions along the rest of the perimeter, and there are power lines along the creek trail for some reason. But none of that spoils the scenery and the easy accessibility is one of this place's big virtues. Expect to have to hover for parking on nice weekends, or park at Page Mill and Arastradero and add an extra mile each way.

The main parking is very dusty. So get ready to get your car washed after parking there. So are the rest of park trails. You can literally smell the pungent dust during large swathes of the trail. But overall it's well marked. There are well maintained toilets by the parking lot

This was a beautiful place to walk in nature when we had the drought. But now that we’ve had rain it’s just stunning. You see golden hills with green oak trees, pink tiny wildflowers, red tail hawks, and the lake is so serene that it mesmerizes you if you can stop in the middle of Silicon Valley. There are dragonflies of many species, butterflies, mama birds taking care of young in the water and more. Do be familiar with what poison oak looks like so you can avoid it. Then take a breath and enjoy!

This preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including oak trees, wildflowers, deer, and a variety of bird species. The trails wind through rolling hills and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. I particularly enjoyed the Arastradero Lake Trail, which follows the shoreline of a serene lake and provides opportunities for birdwatching and other wildlife sightings. The trails themselves are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate the preserve. There are also several interpretive signs along the way that provide information about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. It's a great place for a fun weekend hike!

Nice parking lot, free, beautiful views, small visitor center with information about local wildlife and Ohlone history. Nice bathrooms. Parts of the hike have little to no shade so bring sun gear. The trails are gravel and dirt (not wheelchair or stroller friendly). Great place for families. Wish the hikes were a bit more accessible.

The tennis court at the park is excellent—well-maintained and perfect for playing. Like many popular courts in the Bay Area, it can get busy at times, so you might need to wait for a spot. But it’s worth it for the quality of the court and the overall experience!

one of the best parks in the bay area. great race mix. all kids and families are friendly. kids get along quickly and had a lot of fun. very few teenagers

A decent park in the city. Makes a nice walk with companions or alone. There are swimming pools, playground, picnic areas and other entertainment venues nearby such as Palo Alto zoo and art centers.

This is nice and pretty new playground just next to the junior museum and zoo. It has big space and two major structures targeting for both big and small kids. The high slide is amazing. Overall it’s nice place to do some extra energy discharging for your kids after visiting the zoo..

The part is well Ming can pierce the playground. Have many kids. The equipment are very. Do you want to chat newrecommended

Very large park really well located on the free cross city bus line, and next to the library and arts center. There are tennis courts and basketball courts here, as well as large open grassy areas and other areas completely shaded by large trees. There are a few playground areas and a school connected to the park which is fenced off. The star of the show is an olympic style pool, which looks to be in great condition. Its a great place to bring kids or just watch the local wildlife.

July 9 2022 The music of "Led Zeppelin" performed by a collaboration of Zeppelin tribute artists joining forces as, "IN THE LED" to represent the greatest Rock n Roll band ever! A Beautiful day it surely was!!!

I am a grandchild of the Hannas. I have so many precious memories tied to this magnificent, ahead of its time home. I believe major damage from Loma Prieta quake is still being repaired. I toured it incognito before the quake when it was free, but you needed a reservation. My grandparents' ashes are buried on the property under one of their favorite fruit trees. Read up on the home before you go: absolutely fascinating story of the inception and building of the home in Jean and Paul Hannas book "The Clients' Report." Enjoy the tour and imagine a young, ambitious Stanford Professor of Education and his partner wife raising their family there In the 30s and 40s.

I knew one of the University Provosts who lived in the house and visited the house too many times to remember when I was a student. Back then it was a home being lived in and being enjoyed (I even swam in the pool). It’s so sad to see it’s current state.

A Frank Lloyd Wright house in the Bay Area - wonderful. Must view by pre registered, infrequent tour. Worth the effort.

Closed. No trespassing.

Its usually close to public, it opens only on Saturday. Take notice that you need to schedule a visit

I recommend stopping by if you're in the area

It's just a regular house with regular people living in it.

visited on 2022-02-04 for Palo Alto Teen Arts Council’s Comedy Hoedown outdoor theater is a great venue — - house seating is an inclined grass area - very clean - area in the back used for bbq

The very hungry caterpillar and the playhouse production are toddler friendly. Great activity for kids.

A treasure of a theatre. Very creative productions. A good learning experience for children to get interested in the arts. They also have classes for children.

Love this local theater. Always has great performances for children that are both educational and entertaining!

The kids had an amazing time! The show was 🙌🏽🙌🏽.

Great place to take your little ones. Also, they offer training programs for different age groups up to 18 yrs. Outdoor shows in the summer!

My son who is three really enjoyed the Bernstein production. He doesn't like loud noises, but did great with the volume level.

Not bad! We came here to see the tree of 40 fruit. It was supposed to have fruits of all sorts, at least growing/ripening. No. I guess all of them got picked prematurely because I didn't see a single fruit on that tree, which was very disappointing. The statues were nice even though I'm not a naked statue kind of person.

Incredible experience! Visited on a bright, sunny day and enjoyed the sculptures in their full glory — especially The Gates of Hell!

We had a great time visiting the Cantor Art Center and the sculpture garden. If you go on the weekend, the parking is free, and admittance into the museum is also free but you do need to go online and reserve your spot. I suggest going early. We arrived around 11 a.m., and we were able to park easily. And apparently if you don't take your picture in front of the Yo sign, then you weren't really there 🤣🤣🤣 while waiting on the hubby to go to the bathroom it took me a good 20 minutes to get a clear shot of the front of the building without anyone posing in front of it 🙃

I hadn’t been to see the gates of hell since it was at the Philadelphia Rodan Museum, over 35 years ago so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was here in the permanent collection. Also outside where Adam and Eve and the Burghers of Calais was indoors, beautiful sculptures that they are. Located on the beautiful grounds of Stanford University. It is well worth visiting.

Gorgeous sculptures in a beautiful setting. There’s ample areas to stand and admire the sculptures or to sit with friends. It’s a very walkable area, and not too crowded on a sunny fall afternoon. A great place for meetings or just to appreciate the art during a nice city walk.

They are look more like museum then university. It is a good collection of (Gates of the Hell by Rodin). It has picnic tables. It was easy walking, very relaxing and enjoyable. Thank to art museum.

Absolutely worth doing if you’re planning to go to the other museums at Stanford (and they’re open), but if you aren’t a die-hard Rodin fan it might not be worth a drive out of your way. However, definitely a nice place to sit for a while with a coffee or just to contemplate life, if you’re already in the area.

It’s small but very lovely!! It has its history but it shows you everything that happened and who the land belongs too before anything I would love to come again and see the inside of the old house!!

We had such a great experience hosting our corporate team-building event for ~60 people at the Los Altos History Museum! The venue is beautiful — we used both the full courtyard and the galleries, and it worked perfectly for our day. Our event had a few moving parts, including a scavenger hunt, full catering for breakfast and lunch, and even a magician/mentalist — and the space handled it all seamlessly. The amenities were super convenient too. We had a shuttle drop off team members, and those who drove had no issues finding parking. Lisa was amazing to work with. She was responsive, helpful, and incredibly accommodating — from the early setup to coordinating all the logistics. Our team had a great time, and the smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces made the whole experience feel effortless. We also selected Heirloom as our caterer from their approved vendor list, and the combination was smoother than I could have even dreamed! Would definitely recommend for events — both personal and corporate!

We were married at the Los Altos History Museum on a Sunday evening in June, 2025. The venue was perfect, with gardens in bloom, a beautiful courtyard, plenty of space for cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, and so many great sites for photographs around the Museum grounds and exhibits. We had the museum at the top of a short list before we went to visit, hoping for an outdoor venue for a wedding with a family reunion feel. We were blending a large multi-generational family with roots on the East and West Coasts, and the museum grounds feel like a perfect blend of New England and California summertime, with a brick courtyard, large heritage oaks, and historic buildings. The secret gift in booking the venue, though, was Lisa Porter, the Museum’s Event Coordinator. Lisa was responsive, professional, knowledgeable about every detail we could think of, and had so much helpful advice at every step of the planning process. She worked exceptionally well with our vendors and made it easy for them to get information and support whenever they needed it. She was present through rehearsal and event; she told us when we first met that she would be the first person to arrive and the last person to leave, available for whatever might come up. It was just beautiful at night; perfect for a summer evening wedding, and the “golden hour” glow is gorgeous in the photos. We held cocktail hour, dinner, toasts, and first dances outside, then moved the dance party indoors. We had 150 guests; there was plenty of space for everyone who wanted to dance, and the weather at night was still comfortable outside between dances for talking and mingling. We are so glad we had our wedding at LAHM; the setting was perfect, and Lisa made sure our plans came together just right.

Wonderful little free gem of a museum that you must check out to learn more about the history of Los Altos. Don't forget to take a tour of the Smith House next door, it is a beautifully preserved house that is over 100 years old!

We had a blast hosting our wedding reception here. Lisa was very helpful from the very first day where she toured the grounds with us, answered all of our questions, and helped us make the right decision. Throughout the process Lisa communicated with us and updated us as the day got closer. The week of, she was very attentive, very helpful, and accommodating, all of which are very helpful as the day approaches. On the day of, she was there, all the way to the end of the wedding, which was very nice. So many things are happening that day, and knowing she was working hard in the background, did not go unnoticed!! She helped keep our evening running smoothly and allowed us to enjoy the night. I would HIGHLY recommend this venue for anyone looking for a venue. It is a beautiful place, that honestly doesn't need much decor as the foliage and setting speak for themselves. Thank you Lisa and LAHM for making our night one that we will never forget!

We're so glad we found the Los Altos History Museum for our wedding! The venue was perfect for an outdoor reception with 170 guests. The space is well enclosed with lots of beautiful greenery. The orchard in the back was a perfect spot for portraits during golden hour. The museum wedding coordinator Lisa was responsive, accommodating, knowledgeable, and had lots of great suggestions to make the day flow smoothly. They also let us store supplies at the venue the week leading up to the wedding which was very helpful. The bathrooms are the weakest part of this venue. They're clean but not the nicest and a little hard to find for guests. On the whole a great venue and made for a really special day. Would recommend!

Friendly host. Currently displaying Winchester mystery House sisters and history. Museum is two stories high with a gift shop.

It's a great park. They have bbq's , Tennis courts, badminton, off leash dog park, outdoor gym equipment, and amazing walking trai. I saw people practicing Tai chi. Plus, it's right next to the YMCA. I spent a few hours over there with my dogs and had a great time.

This park is lovely and the perfect place to escape from the weekend downtown Mountain View crowds. Trees provide lots of shade and benches make it an easy place to sit and talk with friends.

Beautiful green serene little park right at MtnView Public Library & behind the City Hall. Perfect for some quiet sitting, reading, or a short stroll.

I love going there to walk my dog. The beautiful trees and flower beds are very welcoming. It's a very peaceful place.

Nice open area to sit and Have picnic catch up with friends or sunbathe. There are no play structures. The area has enough parking and gastro street with all its restaurant are within walking distance. Do check out the piece of Berlin wall which is nearby? Just a block away

A very small park just by the side of busy Castro street and behind the library Mountain view.Paved way to walk and few benches to relax watching the beautiful lawn .

Beautiful and idyllic park in the heart of Mountain View. Ideal for a short walk or a break after a meal on nearby Castro Street. The park is quiet and relaxed because ball players and dog walkers mostly use Eagle Park right across Church and Franklin Streets.

Absolutely the best place to see live music in the entire SF Bay Area. No question about it. The sound quality has to be experienced. The venue itself, the staff, the location, the bar selection, and the aforementioned sound quality make this best place for live music.

Update: This is our 3rd time seeing a show here. This time, it was to watch Matisyahu. Show was GA (General Admission) and there was a good turnout. The place was packed. The show was magnificent. Update: This is our second time here. We came here to see Glen Phillips. The show wasn't general admission but rather arranged seating. We got our tickets late but managed to secure seats upstairs in the mezzanine. One thing is for sure, this venue has an amazing sound system and stage lighting. This is the first time watching live music at this venue and decided to see Big Head Todd and The Monsters (with opening act, The Barlow) for the New Year Eve show. Upon entering, the entrance floor is where the bar (on the left) and the sound & lighting booth (straight ahead) are located. The main floor is divided into 2 tiers and is separated by a handrail (IMO the best location is the 2nd tier on the main floor in front the handrail because you'll be eye level with the band). Upstairs is the 2nd bar and balcony for vip ticket holders. This place may be small when compared to other venues (like HopMonk or Moe's Alley) but I prefer the setup here since you get a good view of the bands no matter where you're standing. The sound quality and lightning effects are def comparable to a Slayer or Slipknot or Gojira shows. Lastly, exiting the venue and walking to your car isn't crazy crowded either.

Amazing intimate venue! There a second level mezzanine that is reserved seating. There is a bar on both levels. I was off to the far side by the bar on the lower level and still had a great view of the band and good acoustics throughout the venue with a very packed show

This is a great venue to watch musical groups. The staff were very nice! There are two bars, one on the main floor and one upstairs. We did have a small issue, but it was resolved by the GM, who was great! The sound system is excellent! The opening act was AJ Crawdaddy they played the blues and were really good! Pablo Cruise was the headliner, and they were fantastic!! It was the first time in years that we saw them perform. My wife got us fantastic seats as we were in the second row at the end of the row, and we were really close to the stage, less than ~6' away. I would highly recommend this venue!

The Guild is a spectacular venue to see live music. Been to a few shows here. The place is small enough you can see the stage from the bar. Bathrooms are gender neutral and extremely nice. Had the same 2 bartenders every time I’ve gone, they are very friendly and super helpful. Every employee there has been incredibly friendly. This is my new favorite live music venue. Once the band starts, they let in & out privileges to smoke. The Guild just gets better and better with every visit!

My new favorite music venue. It was the first time back since April when I attended the Bob Weir Wolf Brothers Trio with special guests five day residency. Awesome Lucero and Motherhips concert on 10/22. Looking forward to the six shows I have coming up. The venue is very intimate with a limited seating capacity floor and mezzanine (500?) but impeccably clean with a friendly staff in all job roles Best of all the sound is mind blowing with Meyer sound system. Concerts sell out fast here.

Great place to see a show! Very intimate.

This is a great place for a walk or runner. It’s all paved. It’s also an amazing place to watch the sunrise or the sunset or do some birdwatching.

Beautiful escape to nature in the middle of Silicon Valley. Gorgeous flocks of birds! The Palo Alto side is dog friendly and the Mtn View side is dog free - it’s well marked

My first time and I've been in CA forty years. Lots of trails.

I only spent around 30 minutes here, but I loved every minute. People walking by, running past, cycling through. The trails are on dredged mounds overlooking shallow marshes; there is not much variety among the different trails, so if you are just here to see the bay marshes, you don't need to spend too long. But here you can see to the other side of the Bay, and admire the beauty of the enclosed valley that is the Bay Area. I'd imagine the trails are also really fun to bike on.

Beautiful trail for bird watching.

Excellent place to run or hike. Great place for dogs because all the trash cans along the routes.

Incredible there is such a place so close to tech companies like Google and Meta. I used to do a lot of biking around here, but walking, particularly at sunset, is always great. Great for bird watching as there are literally thousands of them around.

Lots of fun feeding them, and learning about them. Watching little children meet the donkeys was also lovely. The donkey caretakers were wonderful in adding information about the donkeys!

We had a great time with the 3 donkeys. On Sundays there are planned activities, 10am walk to Bol Park and 4pm feeding in winter (5pm summer). Our dog likes horses and got along well with his new BFF, April, and Buddy. Perry is nervous around dogs so we gave him more space. Met up at the pasture and walked to Bol Park where Perry hung out at the upper park and April and Buddy walked to the playground and attracted a crowd of families there. The volunteer handlers provide a wealth information about the history of the Barron Park donkeys. The donkeys are very chill and good with kids. Perry attracted a large crowd at the upper park and volunteer Michael provided a lot of information, while April and Perry took a 2nd lap around the park. On Monday through Saturday the donkeys walk but there is no schedule. We'll be sending a donation to help with the expenses of keeping the donkeys. This is a great collaboration of local community, volunteers, donors, and Palo Alto government.

Cute place where some cute donkeys will say hi to you when you walk up. It's very strange that there are donkeys here in the middle of Palo Alto, but hey, I'll take it.

*UPDATE* January 2025. Perry the Donkey, the inspiration for the Donkey in Shrek, has passed away. Definitely still recommend saying hello to the other donkeys when you visit. Want to see the Donkey that modeled for Shrek? His name is Perry and you can’t miss him among the herd! Take a stop on the trail at this sleepy pasture full of grazing donkeys. I especially liked the shoes on the one in my photo. Such a fun stop!

So cute! We started at the garden and walked past the play area to the Donkeys. There was plenty of shade on the path for the babies.

Happened upon this place out of dumb luck as I randomly walked by after work one day when traveling Palo Alto for work. Wonderful doesn't begin to describe. Friendly volunteers, informative signage and best of all, Shrek's 'donkay' was here.

This is a really fun hidden gem in Palo Alto! A lot of great little walking trails surround this area as well. The donkeys are friendly and will walk right up to the fence to say hello and let you pet them. One of the donkeys was the model for donkey in Shrek! "That'll do, donkey. That'll do."

Large lush green park with multi sport grass and turf fields, tennis courts and a running track. There are also some bars for exercising. Located near the Cubberley Community Center it shares a large parking lot and there is some street parking. The restroom facilities are also well maintained. It’s frequently used for classes and soccer matches but has enough space for multiple teams to be playing at the same time.

We went to Mitchell Park on a Saturday and spent some wonderful time there. Magical Bridge Playground is truly one of the standout play areas in the area! Parents can relax in the shaded section equipped with benches and tables while their children explore the diverse range of attractions, including roller slides, steep slides, regular slides, and various spinning contraptions and swings. The park also offers amenities like artificial grass and cardboard pieces for sliding. Adjacent to the playground is a library, providing convenient access to bathrooms and a quiet spot for reading or decompressing. Ample parking makes it easy to access, and the park's spacious layout includes volleyball courts, a dedicated children's area, and plenty of open grassy spaces for picnics. During our visit, we encountered a vibrant mix of park-goers, from moms pushing strollers to high schoolers enjoying volleyball, and even dog walkers. Observing the diverse tapestry of life in the park was quite fascinating, highlighting the beauty of nature and community. Given the excellent weather and the park's natural charm, we're already planning our next visit. It's a wonderful place to celebrate the outdoors and everything nature has to offer.

We brought our dog from San Leandro to avoid the firework chaos. We were taking him to a dog-friendly park. To our surprise there was a community party going on with a musical group, food vendors, community wellness help tents, and games. The park was very clean and well maintained. There were portable toilets and brick and mortar restrooms. It was a pleasant surprise coming to Mitchell Park. We were also surprised they offered free water, but not sure if it was tap or filtered.

Great park for long walks along the lake.. also plenty of swings and slides for kids to enjoy..

Lovely neighborhood park, very active kids playground, tennis, tai chi

My daughter loved the Park specially Magical bridge. There are lots of playing options for kids for all ages. Also very good place for picnic. It has big ground where you can sit and relax, have food and enjoy the afternoon. There was also a local band was performing and had a great time. There is no parking or entry fee for the park however can help magical bridge to expand by donating. Small banners posted for donations. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here.

Great park to spend time with kids and family