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Travel Guide By Ardan Michael Blum, Palo Alto Resident Since 2015.
The City is situated approximately 35 miles south of San Francisco and 14 miles north of San Jose, this city of roughly 26 square miles is a key hub of innovation and intellectual capital.
Palo Alto’s earliest recorded history dates from 1769 when Gaspar de Portolá noted an Ohlone settlement. (See lower: Palo Alto History).
No visit to Palo Alto is complete without exploring the magnificent campus of Stanford University. This iconic institution is not just a center for learning but also a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history.
Cantor Arts Center: Immerse yourself in a world of art at this impressive museum, which offers free admission. Its collections include more than 38,000 works, featuring a significant collection of Rodin sculptures.
Rodin Sculpture Garden: Located adjacent to the Cantor Arts Center and accessible 24/7, this serene garden houses one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin's bronze sculptures outside of Paris, including the renowned "The Gates of Hell."
Hoover Tower: For panoramic views of the campus and the surrounding Bay Area, take an elevator to the observation deck of this 285-foot landmark. Note that there is an admission fee to access the top.
Stanford Memorial Church: Admire the stunning Byzantine-style architecture and intricate mosaics of this non-denominational church, located in the heart of the Main Quad. Check the website for public visiting hours, as it closes for university holidays and private events.
The Dish: For those seeking outdoor activity, the Stanford Dish offers a scenic and popular 3.7-mile paved loop for walking and jogging, providing breathtaking views of the campus and beyond. Please note that no dogs or bicycles are allowed.
Campus tours are available for prospective students and visitors, offering a deeper insight into the university's history and student life.
Location: 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Overview: A family-friendly museum and zoo designed for children, featuring interactive STEM exhibits and over 200 animals, including bobcats, snakes, and a Pacific octopus. Ideal for sparking curiosity and hands-on learning.
Key Features:
Exhibits: Rotating displays like “Build It!” (engineering), water play, and nature exploration zones engage young minds.
Zoo: Home to reptiles, birds, and mammals, with daily talks and feeding demos.
Programs: Drop-in activities, summer camps, and birthday parties for ages 2–12. Sensory-friendly hours for neurodiverse visitors.
Accessibility: ADA-compliant with stroller-friendly paths.
Hours and Admission:
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM (closed Mondays).
Admission: $10 per person (free for children under 2). Tickets at Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Tickets.
Memberships from $75/year include free entry.
Highlights:
Outdoor play areas and picnic tables for family lunches.
“Science Saturday” events with guest speakers (see events page).
Adjacent to Rinconada Park for extended outdoor fun.
Tips:
Book tickets online to avoid weekend lines.
Bring sunscreen for outdoor zoo areas.
Free parking is limited; arrive early or use street parking on Middlefield Rd.
Location: 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Overview: A historic 2.5-acre estate with themed gardens and a 1902 Edwardian home, offering free public access and a serene setting for families and nature lovers.
Key Features:
Gardens: Rose, wisteria, herb, and native plant beds with seasonal blooms.
Programs: Free tours, gardening workshops, and family-friendly “Second Saturday” events with crafts and storytelling.
Historic Home: Occasional guided tours highlight Edwardian architecture.
Accessibility: Paved paths are ADA-accessible; some areas have uneven terrain.
Hours and Admission:
Open daily, 8 AM–dusk.
Free admission; donations support upkeep (see Gamble Garden Donate).
Event fees vary; check Gamble Garden Events.
Highlights:
Picnic-friendly lawns and shaded benches.
Annual Spring Tour and Plant Sale (April) for rare plants.
Ideal for photography or quiet family walks.
Tips:
Check bloom schedules for peak displays.
Bring a picnic, as no food vendors are on-site.
Free street parking on Waverley St; respect residential rules.
Location: 777 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Overview: A 19-acre park next to the Junior Museum & Zoo, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and a community pool. A top spot for family outdoor activities.
Key Features:
Playgrounds: Two age-specific areas (2–5 and 5–12) with slides, swings, and climbing structures.
Amenities: Picnic tables, BBQ grills, tennis courts, and a seasonal pool (fees apply; see Rinconada Pool).
Events: Summer movie nights and seasonal fairs for families.
Accessibility: ADA-compliant paths, restrooms, and playgrounds.
Hours and Admission:
Open daily, 6 AM–10 PM.
Free entry; pool fees $5–$10.
Highlights:
Shaded picnic areas for family gatherings.
Proximity to Junior Museum & Zoo for a full day out.
Wide lawns for kite flying or games.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve: One of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay, this 1,940-acre preserve offers fifteen miles of multi-use trails perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
Foothills Nature Preserve: This 1,400-acre preserve offers a more rugged landscape with fifteen miles of hiking trails through woodlands, chaparral, and around Boronda Lake.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve: This preserve features rolling savanna grasslands and evergreen forests, providing a tranquil setting for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife observation.
Downtown Palo Alto & University Avenue
Location: University Ave between Middlefield Rd and El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Overview: A cultural hub with boutique shops, art galleries, and diverse dining, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families and culture enthusiasts. The b8ta store is closed, but other retailers thrive.
Key Features:
Shops: Leaf & Petal for bohemian fashion, Bell’s Books for rare books, Gleim Jewelers for jewelry.
Highlights:
Pedestrian-friendly with street performers and pop-up markets.
Stanford University’s influence adds creative energy.
Side streets (Emerson, Waverley) offer quieter gems.
Tips:
Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Use High Street Garage (2–3 hours free).
Pair with Palo Alto Art Center for more art.
Location: 221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Overview: A historic 1925 theater screening classic films (silent era to 1950s) with live organ music, offering a nostalgic experience for families and film buffs.
Key Features:
Films: Restored classics like Casablanca and silent films with Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. Seasonal festivals focus on directors like Hitchcock.
Ambiance: Art Deco interiors and a vintage candy counter.
Programs: Pre-show organ performances and occasional filmmaker talks.
Accessibility: ADA-compliant seating; contact for specific needs.
Hours and Admission:
Screenings typically Wednesday–Sunday evenings; see Stanford Theatre Schedule.
Tickets: $7 adults, $5 seniors/children (cash only).
Location: 1313 Newell Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Overview: A dynamic cultural hub near Rinconada Park, offering art exhibitions, workshops, and family-friendly programs celebrating local and international artists.
Key Features:
Exhibits: Rotating displays of contemporary art, photography, and crafts, often free.
Programs: Family art workshops, summer camps, and “Project Look” tours for East Palo Alto students.
Events: Community art festivals and artist talks (see Art Center Events).
Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with free parking.
Hours and Admission:
Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM; Sunday, 1–5 PM (closed Mondays).
Free admission; some workshops have fees.
Highlights:
Interactive art activities for kids, like clay sculpting and painting.
Next to Rinconada Park and Junior Museum & Zoo.
Supports underserved communities through programs like Cultural Kaleidoscope.
Tips:
Check the events calendar for family workshops.
Free parking lot available; combine with park or museum visits.
Bring sketchpads for kids to engage with exhibits.
Location: 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
Overview: A cultural and architectural gem, Stanford’s sprawling campus offers free walking tours, historic landmarks, and family-friendly green spaces, ideal for exploration.
Key Features:
Landmarks: Hoover Tower (observation deck, $6 adults, $4 children; see Hoover Tower), Memorial Church with its stunning mosaics, and the Main Quad’s Romanesque architecture.
Museums: Cantor Arts Center features free admission, with works by Rodin and modern artists, plus an outdoor sculpture garden.
Programs: Free guided tours (1–2 hours) cover campus history and architecture (book at Stanford Visitor Center).
Accessibility: Most areas are ADA-accessible; some trails may be uneven.
Hours and Admission:
Campus open daily; Cantor Arts Center: Wednesday–Monday, 11 AM–5 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Location: 660 Stanford Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Overview: An upscale, open-air shopping destination with over 140 stores, featuring luxury brands, popular retailers, and beautifully landscaped courtyards, making it a premier Bay Area retail hub.
Key Stores:
Luxury Brands: Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co.
Popular Retailers: Apple, Anthropologie
Specialty Shops: Williams-Sonoma, Tesla
Location: 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Overview: A pedestrian-friendly center with boutique stores, wellness services, and local businesses, offering an intimate alternative to larger malls.
My favorite stores:
Location: Downtown Palo Alto, centered along University Ave between Middlefield Rd and El Camino Real
Overview: A bustling corridor with independent boutiques, tech-inspired retail, and specialty stores, perfect for a vibrant, walkable shopping day.
Key Stores:
Fashion: Leaf & Petal, The Annex.
Bookstores and Gifts Bell’s Books, Gleim Jewelers.
Highlights:
Mix of global brands and local gems.
Street performers and pop-up markets add vibrancy.
Youthful energy from nearby Stanford University.
Tips:
Parking is limited; use public lots or street parking (check city parking info).
Visit evenings to combine shopping with dining.
Explore side streets like Ramona St and Waverley St for hidden boutiques.
Location: California Ave between El Camino Real and Park Blvd.
Overview: A relaxed area with curated shops for gifts, home goods, and specialty items, complemented by its renowned dining scene. (Make sure to visit the side streets).
Palo Alto’s dining scene shines with diverse, high-quality options. University and California Avenues are culinary hotspots, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual global flavors.
Stanford Shopping Center
Dining Overview: A range of dining from quick bites to upscale restaurants, many with outdoor seating.
Top Picks:
True Food Kitchen: Health-conscious, seasonal dishes like spaghetti squash casserole. Great for brunch or dinner.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: Upscale steaks, seafood, and wines for special occasions.
Shake Shack: Gourmet burgers, fries, and shakes for casual meals.
Tender Greens: Fast-casual salads and bowls with fresh ingredients.
Town and Country Village
Dining Overview: Casual and upscale eateries with fresh ingredients and international flavors.
Top Picks:
Calave: Cozy wine bar with Mediterranean small plates and charcuterie.
Gott’s Roadside: Gourmet burgers, ahi poke tacos, and milkshakes. Family-friendly.
Asian Box: Fast-casual Asian street food with customizable bowls.
University Avenue
Dining Overview: A culinary hub with Michelin-starred restaurants, casual eateries, and global cuisines.
Top Picks:
Oren’s Hummus: Authentic Israeli hummus, falafel, and shawarma. Great for groups.
Tamarine: Upscale Vietnamese with shaking beef and craft cocktails.
Zareen’s: Pakistani-Indian comfort food like chicken tikka masala. Budget-friendly.
California Avenue
Top Picks:
Mediterranean Wraps: Affordable gyros, falafel wraps, and baklava.
Sundance The Steakhouse: Classic steaks and seafood in an upscale setting.
Protégé (Michelin Star): Modern American fine dining with caviar and dry-aged duck. Reservations essential.
iTalico: Modern Italian with wood-fired pizzas and pastas.
Kosher food is found at Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels at 477 California Avenue. [More: www.chabadpaloalto.com/kosher-food].
Palo Alto’s compact layout, flat terrain, and well-developed infrastructure make it easy to navigate by bike, public transit, car, or on foot.
Biking
Overview: Palo Alto is renowned for its bike-friendly environment, with dedicated lanes, bike boulevards, and racks citywide, making cycling a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore shopping and dining destinations. The flat terrain and mild climate enhance the biking experience.
Key Features:
Bike Lanes and Boulevards: Over 40 miles of bike lanes and paths connect key areas like Stanford Shopping Center, downtown University Avenue, and California Avenue. Bike boulevards, such as Bryant Street, prioritize cyclists with low-traffic routes and clear signage.
Bike Racks: Abundant racks are available at Stanford Shopping Center, Town and Country Village, and along University and California Avenues. Secure racks are also at major transit hubs like Palo Alto Caltrain Station.
Tips:
Wear a helmet and use lights at night, as required by California law.
Lock bikes securely to racks; carry a U-lock for added safety.
Avoid rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) on busy roads like El Camino Real for safer rides.
Public Transit
Overview: Palo Alto’s public transit options, centered around the Palo Alto Caltrain Station, provide easy access to downtown University Avenue, Stanford University, and nearby shopping and dining areas. Additional bus and shuttle services complement the train network.
Key Options:
Location: 95 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Service: Connects Palo Alto to San Francisco (45 minutes), San Jose (30 minutes), and other Bay Area cities. Trains run every 20–30 minutes during peak hours and hourly off-peak.
Access: A 5-minute walk to University Avenue’s shops and restaurants; 15-minute bike or shuttle ride to Stanford Shopping Center.
Fares: One-way tickets range from $3.75–$15 depending on distance (use Clipper Card or the Caltrain app for convenience).
Features: Bike cars allow cyclists to bring bikes onboard; free Wi-Fi available on most trains.
Bus routes like ECR and 280 connect Palo Alto to neighboring cities like Menlo Park and Redwood City.
Stops near Town and Country Village and California Avenue.
Fares start at $2.25 (Clipper Card accepted).
Free shuttle service connecting Palo Alto Caltrain Station to Stanford Shopping Center, Stanford University, and nearby areas.
Key routes include the Shopping Express (to Stanford Shopping Center) and Line X/Y (to downtown Palo Alto).
Operates weekdays and limited weekend hours; check schedules online.
Routes like 22 and Rapid 522 serve El Camino Real, connecting California Avenue and downtown Palo Alto.
Fares start at $2.50 (Clipper Card accepted).
Driving and Parking
Key Parking Areas:
Details: Free parking in large lots with over 1,400 spaces, including valet ($10–$15) and EV charging stations.
Location: Accessible via Sand Hill Road or El Camino Real.
Tips: Park near Bloomingdale’s or Neiman Marcus for quick access to dining; avoid weekend afternoons for easier parking.
Details: Free parking in open lots with over 300 spaces, conveniently located off El Camino Real.
Tips: Ample spaces make it easy to park, even during busy hours; use lots near Calave for dining access.
Downtown Palo Alto (University Avenue):
Details: Metered street parking (1–2 hour limits, $1.50–$2/hour) and public parking garages/lots (e.g., High Street Garage, 528 High St).
Cost: Garages offer 2–3 hours free, then $1–$2/hour; check City of Palo Alto Parking for rates and locations.
Tips: Use ParkMobile app for meter payments; avoid peak hours (evenings, weekends) when spaces are scarce.
California Avenue:
Details: Metered street parking (1–2 hour limits, $1.50/hour) and free lots near Birch Street and Ash Street.
Tips: Parking is easier than University Avenue; arrive early on Sundays for the California Avenue Farmers’ Market.
Walking
Overview: Palo Alto’s compact downtown and pedestrian-friendly shopping areas make walking a pleasant option, especially along University Avenue and California Avenue. Sidewalks are wide, well-maintained, and ADA-accessible.
Key Areas:
University Avenue: A walkable corridor with shops, restaurants, and cafes spanning 0.5 miles from Middlefield Road to El Camino Real. Side streets like Ramona and Waverley offer additional pedestrian-friendly boutiques.
California Avenue: A 0.3-mile stretch with a relaxed vibe, perfect for strolling between restaurants and shops. The farmers’ market enhances Sunday walks.
Stanford Shopping Center: Open-air layout with shaded walkways and courtyards, ideal for leisurely exploration.
Town and Country Village: Compact and pedestrian-friendly, with outdoor seating areas connecting shops and eateries.
Palo Alto’s earliest recorded history dates from 1769 when Gaspar de Portolá noted an Ohlone settlement. (...)
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The area of modern Palo Alto was first recorded by the 1769 party of Gaspar de Portolá, a 64-man, 200-horse expedition setting out from San Diego to find Monterey Bay.
We read: (…) Before the arrival of Europeans, the Ohlone lived on the San Francisco peninsula. (See: “Before Stanford: The Muwekma Ohlone people”).
The group trekked past the bay without recognizing it and continued north. When they reached modern-day Pacifica, they ascended Sweeney Ridge and saw the San Francisco Bay on November 4th.
Portolá descended from Sweeney Ridge southeast down San Andreas Creek to Laguna Creek (now Crystal Springs Reservoir), thence to the San Francisquito Creek watershed, ultimately camping from November 6–11, 1769, by a tall redwood later to be known as El Palo Alto.
In 1777, Father Junipero Serra oversaw the mission system and his team established the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, whose northern boundary was San Francisquito Creek and whose lands included modern Palo Alto.
The area was under the control of the viceroy of Mexico and ultimately under the control of Spain.
On November 29, 1777, Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe (now the city of San Jose a few miles to the south of what was to be Palo Alto) was established by order of the viceroy despite the displeasure of the local mission.
The Mexican War of Independence ending in 1821 led to Mexico becoming an independent country, though San Jose did not recognize rule by the new Mexico until May 10, 1825. Mexico proceeded to sell off or grant much of the mission land.
During the Mexican–American War, the United States seized Alta California in 1846; however, this was not legalized until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed.
Mexican citizens in the area could choose to become United States citizens and their land grants were to be recognized if they chose to do so (though many legal disputes arose over this).
The land grant, Rancho Rinconada del Arroyo de San Francisquito, of about 2,230 acres (9.0 km2) on the lower reaches of San Francisquito Creek (i.e., parts of modern Menlo Park and northern Palo Alto) was given to Maria Antonia Mesa in 1841.
She and her husband Rafael Soto (who had died in 1839) had settled in 1835 near present-day Newell and Middlefield roads and sold supplies. In 1839, their daughter María Luisa Soto (1817–1883) married John Coppinger, who was to be, in 1841, the grantee of Rancho Cañada de Raymundo (in modern San Mateo county). Upon Coppinger’s death in 1847, Maria inherited it and later married a visiting boat captain, John Greer. Greer owned a home on the site that is now Town & Country Village on Embarcadero and El Camino Real.
To the south of the Sotos, the brothers Secundino and Teodoro Robles in 1849 bought Rancho Rincon de San Francisquito from José Peña, the 1841 grantee.
The grant covered the area south of Rancho Rinconada del Arroyo de San Francisquito to more or less present-day Mountain View. The grant was bounded on the south by Mariano Castro’s Rancho Pastoria de las Borregas grant across San Antonio Road.
This later became the Robles Rancho, which constitutes about 80% of Palo Alto and Stanford University today.
In 1863, it was whittled down in the courts to 6,981 acres (28.25 km2).
Stories say the grand hacienda was built on the former meager adobe of José Peña near Ferne off San Antonio Road, midway between Middlefield and Alma Street.
Their hacienda hosted fiestas and bull fights. It was ruined in the 1906 earthquake and its lumber was used to build a large barn nearby, which was said to have lingered until the early 1950s.
On April 10, 1853, 250 acres (1.0 km2), comprising the present-day Barron Park, Matadero Creek and Stanford Business Park, was sold for $2,000 to Elisha Oscar Crosby, who called his new property Mayfield Farm.
The name of Mayfield was later attached to the community that started nearby. On September 23, 1856, the Crosby land was transferred to Sarah Wallis to satisfy a debt he owed her.
In 1880, Secundino Robles, father to twenty-nine children, still lived just south of Palo Alto, near the location of the present-day San Antonio Shopping Center in Mountain View.
Pena Court, Miranda Avenue, which was essentially Foothill Expressway, was the married name of Juana Briones and the name occurs in Courts and Avenues and other street names in Palo Alto and Mountain View in the quadrant where she owned vast areas between Stanford University, Grant Road in Mountain View and west of El Camino Real. Yerba Buena was to her credit. Rinconada was the major Mexican land grant name.
The township of Mayfield was formed in 1855, around the site of a stagecoach stop and saloon known as “Uncle Jim’s Cabin” near the intersection of El Camino Real and today’s California Avenue in what is now southern Palo Alto.
In October 1863 the San Francisco to San Jose railroad had been built as far as Mayfield and service started between San Francisco and Mayfield (the station was located closer to Palo Alto than the current California Avenue stop); train service all the way to San Jose started in January 1864.
El Camino became Main Street; the northeast-southwest cross streets were named for Civil War heroes, with California Avenue originally being Lincoln Street. The town had its own newspaper by 1869 (the Mayfield Enterprise, in English and Spanish), incorporated in 1903, and had breweries and a cannery.
In 1875, French financier Jean Baptiste Paulin Caperon, better known as Peter Coutts, purchased land in Mayfield and four other parcels around three sides of today’s College Terrace — more than a thousand acres (4.0 km2) extending from today’s Page Mill Road to Serra Street and from El Camino Real to the foothills. Coutts named his property Ayrshire Farm. His fanciful 50-foot-tall (15 m) brick tower near Matadero Creek likely marked the south corner of his property.
(I have asked AI to make a report about Jean Baptiste Paulin Caperon's identity, key achievements, projects, publications, and more. See this custom page here).
Leland Stanford started buying land in the area in 1876 for a horse farm, called the Palo Alto Stock Farm. In 1884, Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane lost their only child Leland Stanford Jr. when he died of typhoid fever at age 15 and decided to create a university in his memory.
In 1886, they proposed having the university’s gateway be Mayfield. However, they had one condition: alcohol had to be banned from the town. Known for its 13 rowdy saloons, Mayfield rejected his request. This led them to drive the formation of a new temperance town with the help of their friend Timothy Hopkins of the Southern Pacific Railroad, who in 1887 bought 740 acres (3.0 km2) of private land for the new townsite. This Hopkins Tract, bounded by El Camino Real, San Francisquito Creek, Boyce, Channing, Melville, and Hopkins Avenues, and Embarcadero Road, was proclaimed a local Heritage District during Palo Alto’s centennial in 1994.
The Stanfords set up their university, Stanford University, and a train stop (on University Avenue) by the new town. This new community was initially called University Park (the name “Palo Alto” at that time was attached to what is now College Terrace), but was incorporated in 1894 with the name Palo Alto.
Mayfield and Palo Alto developed in parallel, with Palo Alto's growth, backed by the Stanfords, eventually matching Mayfield's size. A key divergence occurred in January 1905 when Mayfield enacted a ban on saloons.
Twenty years later, on July 2, 1925, Palo Alto residents voted to annex Mayfield.
The consolidation became official on July 6, 1925, resulting in Palo Alto having two distinct downtown areas: one along University Avenue and another along California Avenue.
Palo Alto continued to annex more land, including the Stanford Shopping Center area in 1953. Stanford Research Park, Embarcadero Road northeast of Bayshore, and the West Bayshore/San Antonio Road area were also annexed during the 1950s. Large amounts of land west of Foothill Expressway were annexed between 1959 and 1968; this is mostly undeveloped and includes Foothills Park and Arastradero Preserve.
The last major annexations were of Barron Park in 1975 and, in 1979, a large area of marshlands bordering the bay.
Many of Stanford University’s first faculty members settled in the Professorville neighborhood of Palo Alto. Professorville, now a registered national historic district, is bounded by Kingsley, Lincoln, and Addison Avenues and the cross streets of Ramona, Bryant, and Waverley.
The district includes a large number of well-preserved residences dating from the 1890s, including 833 Kingsley, 345 Lincoln, and 450 Kingsley. 1044 Bryant was the home of Russell Varian, co-inventor of the Klystron tube. Read more at paloaltoonline.com and see nps.gov/places/.