Take a trip to this forward-thinking land of knowledge, soaking up the sights and sounds of the world’s most famous technological hub. Beyond Stanford University and the Silicon Valley hotspots, there’s plenty to see in Palo Alto, with a wealth of leafy parks, beautiful churches and high-end fashion boutiques. If you’re seeking rural respite, the Californian mountains are never far away.
Discover a world of Tech Tourism
A visit to Palo Alto isn’t complete without exploring its lifeblood - the tech innovators shaping life as we know it. The growth of digital technology is history in action here. In this corner of Silicon Valley, you can see where it all began.
The Hewlett Packard Garage showcases the computer revolution’s humble beginnings. Once a simple workshop where Stanford graduates William Hewlett and David Packard crafted the first audio oscillator, the site is now a California Historical Landmark. Make the pilgrimage to the private museum dubbed the ‘Birthplace of Silicon Valley’ on Addison Avenue to see the simple setting that changed the world.
Silicon Valley is home to a number of top museums including the futuristic Intel Museum near San Jose, and the Computer History Museum near Mountain View. Take to the road and you can see the futuristic designs of Apple HQ from the Apple Park Visitor Centre nearby. There’s an exhibit room where iPads use augmented reality technology to take you on a virtual tour through the interior.
Brush with the Valley’s artistic side
While Palo Alto is known for its scientific research and expensive boutiques, Stanford University’s thriving Arts department means it’s also an established destination for classical art and beautiful architecture.
Take a campus tour to see plenty of exciting works. The Cantor Arts Centre and the Stanford Art Gallery have collections spanning ancient art, contemporary collections and sculptures from every continent. The latter even has open studios where you might spot the next big thing.
On the Main Quad is Memorial Church, an architectural masterpiece with ornate stained glass windows, mosaic facade and carved sandstone walls. A guided tour will teach you about Jane Stanford’s inclusive and spiritual vision for this holy place.
The Hoover Tower is another example of artistic architecture on campus, towering 285ft (86m) above the ground. Step inside and head up to the 14th-floor observation tower for picture-perfect views over the city.
Escape to nature
When Europeans first settled on these shores, the coast was alive with wildlife. Even today, the tranquillity of nature is never far away from the immaculate, paved streets of Palo Alto.
The Baylands Nature Preserve protects a stretch of shoreline, home to the largest section of undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bird watching, biking or hiking – there’s plenty for outdoor lovers to do here.
Head inland for tree-topped hills and sloping savannah grassland at the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. Spend your time spotting wildlife, such as deer and birds, in the park, or simply hike through the relaxing plains.
You’ll have the freedom to explore all the city’s top sights and the surrounding Bay Area when you rent a car in Palo Alto.
