Renowned as the home of Stanford University, Palo Alto has developed from a sleepy college town to a thriving business and cultural centre, home to many of Silicon Valley's sharpest minds. Popular with well-heeled business or leisure travellers visiting the University as well as outdoorsy travellers, the city offers a whole host of accommodation options, including simple B&Bs and chic city boltholes. Whilst many of the best places to stay in Palo Alto are clustered around the city centre and the Stanford Campus, one of our top spots is a gorgeous, resort escape on the outskirts of town, perfect for soaking up the region's natural beauty.
The illustrious University is one of Palo Alto's biggest draws. You can spend almost a whole day exploring the beautiful grounds of Stanford Campus, as well as strolling downtown along University Avenue. Pop into quirky shops, sample delectable dishes at trendy eateries, and savour fresh produce from local growers and makers at the farmers' market.
Palo Alto's abundance of successful residents means that its neighbourhoods are filled with impressive houses, and that there is a burgeoning foodie and cultural scene to discover. Catch a classic film at the Stanford Theatre, or hike into the foothills to admire the 150-foot-wide Dish, a radio telescope built in 1965. For an insight into the area's famed tech focus, venture to the Computer History Museum, in nearby Mountain View. Hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers will adore the 1,940 acres of the Baylands Nature Preserve, where there's a huge array of wildlife to spot.
Whether you're in town for a conference or a weekend of sightseeing, the best places to stay in Palo Alto promise a top-notch base from which to experience this innovative city's many fabulous bars, eateries and cultural delights. With San Jose and San Francisco nearby, too, there's plenty to see and do!