What to do in Palo Alto, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

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Aerial drone view of dense modern suburban residential neighborhood in Mountain View, California
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Places to Visit in Palo Alto

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Palo Alto, California while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Palo Alto attractions from NZ$9, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Palo Alto tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 29 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Palo Alto. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Private Walking Tour in Stanford University

Stanford University Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

NZ$9
per traveller
Stanford University Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Self Guided Walking Tour in Agnews Historic Park

Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour

NZ$9
per traveller
Agnews Historic Park Personalized Self-Guided App Tour
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience

NZ$211
per traveller
80% of travellers recommend
Two Flight Indoor Skydiving Experience
Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

NZ$315
per adult
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley

NZ$305
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Spa-Quality On Demand Massage - Silicon Valley
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area

NZ$220
per adult
Beginner Outdoor Rock Climbing - Bay Area
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What to do in Palo Alto

Stay near popular Palo Alto attractions

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Stanford University

8.8/5 (4,609 reviews)
Stanford University's iconic Main Quad and Hoover Tower anchor this prestigious academic haven with picturesque gardens. Explore the Cantor Arts Centre and Rodin Sculpture Garden for a refined cultural experience.
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Our guide on where to stay in Palo Alto

Find the best Palo Alto areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Palo Alto
Learn more about Palo Alto
A university campus with red-roofed buildings, a prominent clock tower, and a sunset sky.

University South

While visiting University South, you might make a stop by sights like Hewlett Packard House and Garage and Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market.

Downtown, Palo Alto in Silicon Valley,, California, United States of America.

Downtown North

While Downtown North may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Stanford Shopping Center and Stanford Theatre.

Paved running trail on the Standford dish surrounding hills; Stanford campus, Palo Alto and Silicon Valley skyline in the background, San Francisco bay area, California

Crescent Park

While Crescent Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Palo Alto Art Center.

Midtown

Though Midtown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Palo Alto Art Center and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.

A stone corridor with arches and columns, leading to a door at the end.

Old Palo Alto

When in Old Palo Alto, you can plan a visit to Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Palo Alto Art Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Palo Alto

An aerial view of a city with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent curved road, and a large green park area.

Menlo Park

A town with a mountain range in the background.

Mountain View

Redwood City

Redwood City

A long-span suspension bridge at night with illuminated cables, spanning a wide river.

Los Altos

Sunset through Guardian Oak tree on the Dish Trail

Portola Valley

Frequently asked questions

Is Palo Alto worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and explore the outdoors, there are plenty of things to do in Palo Alto.
How do I spend a day in Palo Alto?
Start your adventures with a visit to Golfland USA and Los Altos History Museum. Then, explore other areas of Palo Alto for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Palo Alto?
Shoreline Amphitheatre is one of the top tourist attractions in Palo Alto and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Palo Alto?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city attractions, like Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View Centre for the Performing Arts and Los Altos History Museum. The average stay in Palo Alto is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your escape, San Francisco isn't far away.
Is Palo Alto a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Palo Alto is a good destination to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo and Shoreline Park. Then take a stroll through Ventura, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Barron Park, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Palo Alto with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities sets the tone for a great escape. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Palo Alto with kids.

What to do in Palo Alto for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Palo Alto, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Computer History Museum or NASA Ames Research.
Are there free things to do in Palo Alto?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Palo Alto is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without reaching into your pocket. Los Altos History Museum is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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