Palo Alto Travel Guide

Visit wonderful Palo Alto for a getaway in the San Francisco Bay Area where you can enjoy plenty of amazing things to do and sights to see. Palo Alto is an important city both culturally and educationally, because it is a home to Stanford University. This amazing city is in a great location, being bordered by towns such as Los Altos, Mountain View and San Jose. San Francisco is also close by and well worth a day trip.

Downtown Palo Alto is home to bustling shops, restaurants, and attractions, while greater Palo Alto has several creeks and parks to go hiking and trekking through. If you're looking for a destination that combines cosmopolitan with nature, Palo Alto is for you!

Things to Do in Palo Alto

Lots of amazing things await visitors in Palo Alto. Visit one of the many historical buildings, explore the centuries-old architecture, go on a hike, and check out the various museums.

Stanford University is a must-see in Palo Alto where visitors can wander through the campus and explore the the impressive buildings. The university also has a golf course for visitors looking to perfect their game.

Elsewhere, the Stanford Dish is a famous radio telescope that sits in the foothills -- ideal for photography as well as hiking, running and biking. However, be careful when visiting as there is little shade here during the hot months. For a wonderful day in nature, Redwood National Park is only a few miles away from Palo Alto and boasts stunning scenery. Hike under the large trees and explore the breathtaking nature along the Tall Trees Grove.

For a little culture, Cantor Arts Center is a fine arts museum with impressive displays from local artists, or for a little retail therapy, Stanford Shopping Center has dozens of stores and is the place to pick up a holiday souvenir.

Best Places to Stay in Palo Alto

The best areas to stay in Palo Alto are the centrally located districts within walking distance from cafes, restaurants, and stores. Check out the large selection of vacation rentals in Palo Alto including homes with full kitchens, living rooms, and high speed internet. Whether you're traveling with friends and family or as a couple, you're sure to find the perfect vacation rental in Palo Alto.

Best Time to Visit Palo Alto

The best time to visit Palo Alto is in September or October when the weather is warm, but not muggy and with little to no rainfall, and average temperatures reaching 75 degrees. During summer, temperatures are the same but with much more humidity. Across the rest of the year, temperatures never fall below 55 degrees, and springtime sees the most rain.