Downtown Palo Alto Travel Guide
Palo Alto
Visit Downtown Palo Alto
Popular places to visit
Stanford University
Enjoy the student vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Stanford Shopping Center
You can enjoy retail therapy at Stanford Shopping Center during your visit to Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Baylands Nature Preserve
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Baylands Nature Preserve, a lovely green space in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Hoover Tower
Find out about the history of Palo Alto when you spend time at Hoover Tower. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Rodin Sculpture Garden
Enjoy the mountain views and explore Rodin Sculpture Garden, a lovely green space in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Stanford Theatre
You can find out about the history of Palo Alto when you stop by Stanford Theatre. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Top hotels in Downtown Palo Alto
Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Great location for plane watching (Bay View). Close to excellent Asian restaurants. Breakfast was very good: Waffles, omelettes, bacon, fruit, cereal and so much more.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Hotel was fine - clean rooms and shared spaces. Very quiet as well. Easy in-and-out parking (for a fee). Lack of towels at pool and snacks for purchase at front desk was a bit disappointing.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Good Nite Inn - Redwood City
Air conditioning was fine ,. Parking plenty and safe
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport
My colleagues & I stayed here for 1 night after leaving a conference in downtown San Francisco & flying out the next day. Positives were its proximity to the airport, spacious room with comfortable bed, & bar (the bartender Miguel was very attentive).
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
Beautiful hotel. Love that you can have a walk or jot right by the bay. Very clean and nice. Great location too.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Sonesta San Jose - Milpitas
It is ok for what you pay, nothing special! The plus to it is having the Chinese supermarket and bunch of restaurant around
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Check Downtown Palo Alto hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Palo Alto
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.
University South
While visiting University South, you might make a stop by sights like Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market and Stanford Theatre.
Professorville
When in Professorville, you can plan a visit to Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Stadium, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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 Art Center and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.
Community Center
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Community Center and surrounding area, you can visit Palo Alto Art Center and Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo.
Southgate
While there might not be top attractions in Southgate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Stanford Stadium and Frost Amplitheater.
