Your Guide to Stanford & the Peninsula
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable stay near Stanford University — from campus highlights and hiking trails to the best restaurants, hidden gems, and practical essentials. Written by a local host, updated regularly, always free.
🗺️ Visitor's Guide to Stanford & the Peninsula
The big-picture overview — campus highlights, hiking, museums, dining districts, day trips, and practical tips. Start here if you're visiting for the first time.
→🏥 Stanford Hospital & Medical Visitor Guide
Lodging options, parking, navigation, and practical info for patients, families, and caregivers visiting Stanford Medical Center.
→🛒 Local Essentials
Groceries, pharmacies, urgent care, ATMs, gas stations, hardware stores, gyms, EV charging, and more — all within minutes.
→📅 Events Near Stanford
Concerts, exhibits, public talks, tours, sports, and community events — updated automatically.
🏛️ Stanford Campus Highlights Coming soon
Memorial Church, Hoover Tower, the Main Quad, the Dish, and the landmarks that make Stanford one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.
→💻 Silicon Valley Tech Landmarks Tour Coming soon
Google Visitor Experience, Apple Park, the HP Garage, Meta's Gehry bridge, the Android statues, and the places that built Silicon Valley.
→🎓 Visiting Stanford for Graduation Coming soon
Commencement weekend logistics, parking, where to eat, what to wear, and how to make the most of this special trip.
→👨👩👧 Stanford Parents Weekend & Move-In Guide Coming soon
What to expect, where to stay, dining reservations, and how to make the most of parents' weekend or move-in day.
🍽️ Restaurants by Neighborhood Coming soon
The best restaurants on University Ave, California Ave, Castro Street, downtown Menlo Park, and Redwood City — organized by district.
→☕ Coffee Shops & Remote Work Spots Coming soon
The best cafés for working, studying, or just enjoying a great cup — rated by Wi-Fi, outlets, seating, and ambiance.
→🧺 Farmers Markets Guide Coming soon
Every farmers market on the Peninsula — days, hours, what to buy, and which ones are worth the trip.
→🍷 Wine Tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains Coming soon
World-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay just 30 minutes away — tasting rooms, routes, and insider tips.
→🌙 Date Night & Nightlife Guide Coming soon
Romantic restaurants, wine bars, live music, and evening itineraries for couples on the Peninsula.
🥾 Hiking the Peninsula & Santa Cruz Mountains Coming soon
The Dish, Windy Hill, Purisima Creek, Wunderlich, and 20+ trails from easy strolls to challenging ridge hikes.
→🌲 Parks & Nature Preserves Coming soon
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space, county parks, baylands, and the best green spaces on the Peninsula.
→🏃 Outdoor Fitness Guide Coming soon
Running routes, bike paths, outdoor workout spots, pools, and fitness-friendly trails for active visitors.
→🌸 Spring Wildflower Guide Coming soon
Where and when to see the best wildflower blooms across the foothills and coastal preserves, March through May.
→🌅 Best Sunset Spots Near Stanford Coming soon
Hilltops, bay overlooks, and hidden vantage points for unforgettable Peninsula sunsets.
🎨 Museums, Galleries & Public Art Live
40+ museums, galleries, sculpture gardens, and public art installations — from Stanford's free world-class campus to Filoli and the Computer History Museum.
→🛍️ Shopping Guide Coming soon
Stanford Shopping Center, Town & Country Village, downtown boutiques, and the best shopping across the Peninsula.
→🎭 Stanford Theatre & Classic Cinema Coming soon
The historic Stanford Theatre, live performance venues, and the Peninsula's entertainment scene.
→💎 Hidden Gems Around Stanford Coming soon
The spots most visitors miss — quiet gardens, quirky museums, locals-only favorites, and unexpected discoveries.
🚗 Day Trips from Palo Alto & Menlo Park Coming soon
San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, Napa, Big Basin, and more — all within 90 minutes.
→🌊 Coastal Escape Guide Coming soon
Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, Pescadero, Highway 1 — beaches, seafood, and dramatic coastline just over the hill.
→📅 Weekend Itinerary — 48 Hours Near Stanford Coming soon
A curated two-day plan that hits the highlights — campus, food, nature, and culture — without overplanning.
🚆 Transportation Guide Coming soon
Caltrain, the Marguerite shuttle, airports, biking, rideshare, and how to get around without a car.
→⚡ EV Charging & Green Travel Guide Coming soon
Public chargers, Tesla Superchargers, our free Level 2 charger, and tips for electric vehicle travelers.
→🐕 Pet-Friendly Guide Coming soon
Dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, emergency vets, and pet stores on the Peninsula.
→♿ Accessibility Guide Coming soon
Wheelchair-accessible trails, restaurants, museums, and transportation for visitors with mobility needs.
→📦 Long-Term Stay Guide (30+ days) Coming soon
Logistics for extended stays — mail, laundry, coworking, groceries, and settling in for the long haul.
→🏠 Relocation Guide to Palo Alto & Menlo Park Coming soon
Thinking about moving to the area? Neighborhoods, schools, commutes, and the real cost of living.
🏈 Stanford Football & Game Day Guide Coming soon
Parking, tailgating, nearby restaurants, and where to watch if you can't get tickets.
→🍂 Fall Visiting Guide Coming soon
Harvest festivals, fall colors, football season, and why autumn is one of the best times to visit the Peninsula.
→🎄 Holiday Season on the Peninsula Coming soon
Christmas Tree Lane, Filoli Holiday Lights, Stanford Shopping Center, and festive events from November through January.
→🌧️ Rainy Day Guide Coming soon
Indoor museums, cozy cafés, movie theaters, and ideas for when the weather doesn't cooperate.