Settle into Silicon Valley
Palo Alto welcomes many business travelers thanks to the city’s prime location in Silicon Valley and status as the home of Stanford University. A Palo Alto vacation rental is a great choice for business travelers and families alike, offering more space and freedom as well as giving you every chance to get out and explore Palo Alto’s upscale dining opportunities. Palo Alto enjoys a vibrant cultural and arts scene too, as well as family-friendly attractions and plenty of green spaces to explore.
Palo Alto arts and culture
The Cantor Arts Center has amassed some wonderful treasures over its more than 100 years of history, including a collection of Rodin sculptures, on display in the center and its Rodin Sculpture Garden. If you’re staying at your Palo Alto vacation rental with kids, a visit to Palo Alto’s Junior Museum and Zoo will keep them entertained – the more than 50 species on display here include bats, birds, bobcats, and tortoises. Or, in summer, head to the city’s Rinconada Park where, under the shade of redwood and oak trees, you’ll find Palo Alto’s municipal swimming pool, picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and walking trails.
Visit Stanford campus at Palo Alto
This lively university town has great shopping, dining, and entertainment to explore in 2 downtown areas: along University Avenue and along California Avenue. Both boast many independent and refined restaurants, featuring authentic international cuisine and award-winning dining. The Stanford University campus is home to many of Palo Alto’s main attractions, including the Hoover Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, and the Stanford Theater, an independent movie theater. Take a guided tour led by student volunteers to explore the campus, or head to Hoover Tower to enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountain at its foot, and panoramic views from the top.
Back to nature near Palo Alto
In addition to those at Rinconada Park, you’ll find miles of trails and panoramic views across the Bay Area around Palo Alto’s landmark radio telescope, the Stanford Dish. To the east, Baylands Nature Preserve is one of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland remaining in San Francisco Bay. Its unique mixture of tidal and fresh-water habitats make it a prime bird-watching area on the west coast. Canoes, kayaks, and sailboards are welcome on its peaceful waters. To the southwest of your Palo Alto vacation rental, the forests and flower-filled grasslands of Foothills Park and the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve have hiking and biking trails worth exploring.
Transportation options to and around Palo Alto
Fly into San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), the closest airport, located 18 mi (29 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 12.7 mi (20.5 km) away.
If you prefer train travel, make your way to California Ave Station or Palo Alto Station to see more of the city.
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