The Palo Alto center is around the area of Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center.
Established by Leland Stanford Sr. when he founded Stanford University, Palo Alto includes portions of Stanford University within its borders and benefits from a very temperate climate. Taking humidity into account, the best times to visit Palo Alto are between April and mid-November. Climate is comfortable with the height of heat occurring during the months of August to September peaking at about 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius). This busiest time of year in Palo Alto offers vibrant coastal landscapes and the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains. Visit the small coastal town of Half Moon Bay to enjoy its towering redwoods and take part in some family fun by stopping by some of the many family-run farms.
Additionally, trail-seekers can take in the Bay Area's landscape by hiking the 3.7-mile trail around the Dish, Silicon Valley's unofficial landmark. Also, take in some of the charming vineyards and experience the delectable wine tasting offers available by the area's family-owned wineries. During this time of year, rates are a bit higher, but planning ahead can guarantee you get the best deal possible.
By the time fall rolls around, tourism begins to slow as the weather cools, but there are still many attractions and sights Palo Alto has to offer. The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is a great way to celebrate the fall and enjoy some pumpkin painting. The 20,000-square-foot 49ers Museum at Levi's Stadium is a Mecca for football fans, and the local food and wine scene has something to offer every palate. With temperatures dropping a bit to the 60s, along with hotel rates going down, this is still a comfortable time to visit.
The Days Inn by Wyndham San Francisco is about 10 minutes away from the Asian Art Museum and offers AAA discounts. Additionally, it is centrally located near Louise Davies Symphony Hall and many quality restaurants offering a versatile dining experience to fit any budget.
Extended Stay America Fremont Newark is within a 15 minute commute of the Great Mall of the Bay Area and the Facebook Campus. Offering AAA rates, senior rates, military discounts, and complimentary internet and breakfast, this hotel is a great option for the value seeker.
Traveling throughout Palo Alto, there are several options for you. Many visitors do choose to use a car as there are destinations and attractions quite far from one another which necessitate a commute. However, Palo Alto does offer unique transportation options if you are looking for a more authentic experience of the culture and want to saturate yourself with the experience Palo Alto has to offer.
The Caltrain system operates frequent trips up and down between San Francisco and San Jose. There is also the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle Bus service with maps of routes available online. Another option is the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority buses, taxis, and many pedestrian and bike routes making travel by foot a very safe and economical option. In some cases, a shuttle service will be offered by your hotel which can transport you to centrally located areas enabling quick and safe travel to our desired destinations.
Many visitors also choose to utilize a vehicle while at Palo Alto to benefit from some of the farther destinations, like Hewlett Packard Garage, where a private tour can sometimes be secured in advance. With a vehicle, you can also benefit from free parking in downtown Palo Alto for at least the first two hours, after which fees may apply. Although parking in the evenings and weekends may be difficult, options to park elsewhere are available. Checking the downtown website for details is advised.
Out of town visitors will want to take this opportunity to tour Stanford University campus. Be sure to catch sight of Cantor Arts Center, the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and Rodin Sculpture Garden.
Nature lovers will want to visit the serene spaces of the Gamble Garden in Palo Alto and the beautiful estate west of Redwood City known as Filoli Estate and Gardens.
Some family fun and educational options if you have children with you are the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, the Hiller Aviation Museum, and the Museum of American Heritage. Additionally, there are many parks and trails to help children burn off energy and enjoy the atmosphere of the lush city.
Palo Alto, California, has a vast array of attractions, venues, culture, and education to offer almost anyone. A visit to Palo Alto during any season will immerse you in the city's rich culture and multi-faceted educational learning experience. To completely benefit from your trip, be sure to fully understand all the potential Palo Alto offers visitors year round. Some attractions, like museums and historic buildings, are available year round. On the other hand, gardens and parks are best enjoyed during warmer seasons. Planning your itinerary in advance with the weather in mind will ensure you get the best rates for your stay and maximize your time and enjoyment in this bustling city.
If you are on a budget, one of the best hotels in Palo Alto to visit is the Good Nite Inn. This is an ideal place if you are up to 4 people. The location is perfect as it is very close to some of the major attractions. It offers basic but also comfortable hospitality with freebies included. Other cheap hotels you can choose from include Travelodge Palo Alto, Super 8 Mountain View, The Zen Hotel, Hotel California, Hotel Keen, Garden Court Hotel, Pacific Euro Hotel all of which offer free breakfast. These are just a few of the many cheap hotels that are available in Palo Alto.
If you are looking for a hotel with class and exquisiteness, then The Four Seasons in Silicon Valley situated in East Palo Alto is the one for you. This is one of those Palo Alto hotels that has sublime feel from the very entrance to the magnificent and well maintained lawns and gigantic swimming pool with sun screen. It also has unique services for families.
For a romantic experience, The Ritz-Carlton is one of the hotels in Palo Alto that is meant for the perfect getaway experience. It is graced with very beautiful rooms and breathtaking view of the bay as it is perched on a cliff facing the ocean.
The Rosewood Sand Hill, W Silicon Valley and the Sofitel San Francisco Bay hotels in Palo Alto are well suited for business travelers with many amenities at hand.
Your vacation will never be worthwhile if you eat well. Palo Alto has some of the best restaurants in the Bay area which is not only enjoyed by locals but also visitors. Restaurants in the city are rather small and most of them are independent but offer local and international cuisines.
If you are into walking, hiking, biking and tennis, then you are in for a thrill. The Standard 'Dish loop is popular place to go for runners, walkers and visitors in general. The Baylands Nature Preserve is located at the end of the Embarcadero Road and has a flat walking trail for visitors to sample the extensive wildlife that it has to show. Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course is ideal for any golfer. It's a full length 18-hole, 6800-yard golf course. It has a clubhouse, a range for driving, putting green and practice bunker. Kids will not be left behind as they have a chance to enjoy the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo and the small Museum of America Heritage in down town Palo Alto.
Below are reviews of the city of Palo Alto, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Yummy food, easy shopping, delightful walking and perfect weather!
Yummy food, easy shopping, delightful walking and perfect weather!
The restaurants are amazing!
Canal Ave. and University Ave. I spent hours before and after check in. I will definitely be back!
Our 1st outing from Dinah's Garden was to Whole Foods that is so close, we walked. Our primary events were 2 miles away in Los Altos so I was among those that visited the Redwood Preserve near Shoup Park before the appointed time. We also took an interest in Byxbee Park and walked out to the closest place to the bay. Many bikes, some runners, many walkers. We were puzzled by the Pole Field until that night, locals to our event filled us in. In retrospect going by the Wind Wave would have been interesting. Many different birds, many different plants holding up against the summer draught. And I enjoyed watching small aircraft passing overhead aimed at the Palo Alto Airport.
Lots of restaurants and plenty of stores.
Palo Alto has nice neighborhoods with lots of trees.
Very clean and quiet hotel.
The shopping!
Hotel was close to Stanford.
Room was nice and clean, service was fabulous, our overall stay was amazing.
Palo Alto a very clean city with lots to do around town. Tons of great restaurants and shopping plus very pet friendly.
We were there to go to a concert at the Shoreline. It was only five miles from our hotel.
No contact. Here for Stamford Medical Center appointment.
It was clean. I actually like it.
It seemed quiet and clean.
Did not get to explore that much, but shuttle driver Steve did a great job of making suggestions.
Excellent location for touring local universities in the area.