Palo Alto is a charter city located in Santa Clara County. The city was founded by Stanford University’s founder, Leland Stanford, after his son’s untimely death. Although the city is mostly home to Stanford University and major tech companies like Tesla Motors, Palo Alto does have many exciting places for visitors to take a look at.
Founded in 1885 by Leland Stanford, Stanford University is one of the nation’s top universities with an emphasis on research and technology. The large campus features many sights for tourists such as the Memorial Church, Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Hoover Tower and the Stanford Dish.
Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA, USA, +1 650 723 2300
The Cantor Arts Center was found along with Stanford University by Leland Stanford. The museum contains collections featuring 5000 years of art history. It is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 AM to 5 PM and admission is free.
Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford, CA, USA, +1 650 723 4177
The Stanford Shopping Center is an exclusive shopping arena with stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom. The open-air shopping and dining destination also features restaurants like P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, The Melt and California Pizza Kitchen. The mall is open seven days a week from 10 AM-9 PM on weekdays, 10 AM-7 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM-6 PM on Sundays.
The Stanford Shopping Center, 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA, +1 650 617 8202
The Stanford Theatre first opened in 1925 and has served as Palo Alto’s vintage movie house for decades. The theatre strives to bring back Hollywood’s Golden Age on the big screen. More information on movie schedules and themes are available on their website.
The Stanford Theatre, 221 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA, USA, +1 650 324 3700
The Baylands Nature Preserve is a 1,940-acre natural marshland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visitors enjoy walking, running or biking on the 15-mile trail stretching across the park. The preserve also features a substantial amount of birds.
Baylands Nature Preserve, 2500 Embarcadero Way, Palo Alto, CA, USA, +1 650 617 3156
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden was previously the residence of the Gamble family. Upon Elizabeth’s death, the last Gamble family member, the estate was leased out by the city of Palo Alto. The 2.5-acre property includes gardens, a historic house, carriage house and tea house.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley Street, Palo Alto, CA, USA, +1 650 329 1356
By Sucheta Shahane
