Discover Palo Alto

A stay in Palo Alto can focus on nature, wildlife or culture. When choosing a hotel, first consider which of these interests will shape your trip. Each destination offers a different focus, from expansive marshlands to art programs for adults.

Nature: marshlands, hiking trails and fishing

Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto covers 1,940 acres and is largely undisturbed marshland along San Francisco Bay. Its area, landscape and location on the bay define this nature-focused destination. If you want your trip planning to focus primarily on marshland and the bay landscape, the scenery itself takes center stage here.

Foothills Nature Preserve has 15 miles of hiking trails. The Toyon Self-Guided Nature Trail adds a self-guided way to explore nature at your own pace. This lets you consider the hiking trail network and a specific nature trail for independent exploration as distinct highlights.

To help you choose, compare the two: Baylands offers extensive marshland on the bay, while Foothills offers hiking trails and the Toyon Trail. The 15 miles refer to the hiking trails in Foothills Nature Preserve; the Toyon Trail offers a way to explore nature at your own pace. The two nature experiences therefore differ both in landscape and in the type of experience they offer.

Fishing is permitted at Boronda Lake. If you want to include this activity, you can consider it as a separate focus alongside hiking and nature exploration.

Wildlife and planning admission

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo is home to more than 60 animal species and more than 400 specimens. These figures give an impression of the variety of species and the size of the animal collection. Under a protective net, the animals move freely and safely among visitors in a natural and imaginative setting. Advance reservations or a ticket purchased in advance are required for guaranteed admission. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, as access requirements may change.

Culture, architecture and programs

Gamble Garden’s Colonial/Georgian Revival house has been designated a Point of Historical Interest by the State of California. For those interested in architecture, it combines a named style with historical recognition. This perspective is especially relevant if architectural history is among the topics you want to explore during your trip.

The Palo Alto Art Center was founded in 1971 by the community, for the community. Its Adult Studios offer quarterly programs for adults. The founding year and program format offer two different points of reference: the Art Center’s community origins and a recurring offering for adults. Since program schedules may change, check the current schedule before planning a visit. This can help you distinguish between an interest in architecture and history and an interest in a scheduled cultural program.

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