Palo Alto and the Bay Area Attractions

Six Flags Marine World San Francisco Shoreline Amphitheater Museum and Zoo Stanford University Geological Survey

Filoli Gardens. A geometric garden of terraces, paths, pools, lawns, shrubs, trees, and ornamental flower beds, Filoli Gardens is nestled in the foothills of the Coastal Range on the San Francisco Peninsula. A 43-room mansion and the exquisite gardens on the 654-acre estate were once used as the set of the TV series Dynasty. Named Filoli, to Fight, to Love, to Live, by William Bourne who built the country retreat that was completed in 1917, the gardens are designed as a sequence of rooms and feature a collection of more than 500 varieties of roses. The estate also features special events, lectures and classes. Admission includes self-guided tours, guided tours, and nature hikes. Call 650-364-2880.

Six Flags Marine World. Just 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, Six Flags Marine World is the only combination wildlife park and oceanarium in the country. Animals of land, sea and air are showcased in spectacular shows and innovative attractions. The Gentle Jungle has plenty of hands-on contact for kids and adults. And lucky youngsters can always hope for a kiss from a killer whale.

Golden Gate Bridge. The orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, perhaps the best-loved symbol of San Francisco, are visible from every high point in the city. The bridge, which spans 4,200 ft, opened in 1937. Some quarter of a million people turned up for a sunrise party to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 1987; the winds were strong and the bridge buckled, but fortunately did not break. Driving across is a real thrill, racing under the towers, while the half-hour walk across allows you absorb the views.  [Top]

San Francisco. You will be captivated by the extraordinary charm and character of San Francisco and its many eclectic neighborhoods - Pacific Heights, Richmond District, South of Market, Nob Hill, North Beach, The Marina, Mission District, Haight-Ashbury, and the East Bay communities. San Francisco offers a diversity of arts, attractions, nightclubs, museums, art galleries, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and sightseeing tours. Experience all the highlights including the Golden Gate Bridge Twin Peaks, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, the San Francisco Zoo, and Union Square. Old World charm, a cavalier ambiance and ethnic neighborhoods combine with a picturesque ocean setting to make San Francisco a unique and hip American city.

Elizabeth F. Gamble House and Gardens. Located in Palo Alto, this Colonial Georgian house built in 1902 is set on a 2.3-acre estate. Bequeathed by Elizabeth F. Gamble to the city of Palo Alto, it’s now a non-profit community horticultural foundation, featuring formal and working gardens. The estate houses an historic home, carriage house, teahouse and several demonstration gardens. Gardens are available for weddings. Self-guided tours are offered daily, during daylight hours. Call 650-329-1356 for information.  [Top]

Shoreline Amphitheater. Experience the country's largest outdoor concert venue, featuring top music artists and concerts, plus the latest technical and visual sound systems. Shoreline's featured artists are showcased in an award-winning, state-of-the-art concert facility which delivers an amazing sonic experience. Shoreline also features unique craft booths, eclectic foods, cold beverages and a friendly staff. Check out their website at www.shoreline-amd.com for a list of exciting Shoreline events.

Paramount's Great America. Experience the exhilarating rides and hair-raising roller coasters at Northern California's most thrilling theme park. Paramount’s Great America offers fun and exciting rides, shows, concerts, characters, and beautiful sights above the park on Eagles Flight. From heart-pounding thrill ride and dazzling stage shows to eye-popping fireworks or a cuddle with your favorite Nickelodeon® characters, Paramount's Great America is the ultimate entertainment experience for the entire family. For more information, visit their website at www.pgathrills.com.  [Top]

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Fun and learning go together for children and their families in the displays and mini-zoo of the Palo Alto Junior Museum. The zoo houses raccoons, bobcats, ferrets, tortoises, geese and lots of snakes. The museum emphasizes hands-on, interactive exhibits. Hours: Tue-Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun 1-4 p.m. Phone: 650-329-2111; Fax: 650-473-1965; Email: rachel.meyer@cityofpaloalto.org.

Hoover Tower. This 285-foot landmark offers views of Stanford University, the foothills and the Santa Clara Valley. The Lou Henry and Herbert Hoover rooms contain documents and memorabilia from the Hoovers' lives and travels. The Tower houses a carillon of 48 bells. Stanford faculty, students and staff are admitted free with a Stanford ID. Call 650-723-2053. Next to Hoover Tower, Herbert Hoover Memorial Exhibit Pavilion has changing exhibits of posters, photos and videos from the Hoover Institution Archives that document aspects of modern history. The Pavilion is open free to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 650-723.3563.  [Top]

Stanford University Library. Stanford University boasts a number of unique campus libraries, including the Art & Architecture Library, the Auxiliary Library and the Biology Library. For a complete list of Stanford’s libraries, visit www.stanford.edu/home/libraries/.

Monterey Bay. Offering 29 miles of coastline, Montery is a lively port and playground for fun and exploration on land and sea. Venture into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the world's largest protected ocean habitat. Dive lush kelp forests and watch sea otters scoop up lunch. Kayak waterways shared with dolphins and sea lions. Sail indigo waters and glide with gray whales migrating through the sanctuary in winter and spring. Touch a starfish and marvel at an 87-foot whale skeleton while exploring underworld mysteries at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. As evening falls, watch the last orange streak of sunset fade into the waters.

Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). Stanford University has operated this 426-acre facility since 1962, including a two mile-long linear accelerator, for the U.S. Department of Energy. Dedicated to research in high-energy physics and synchrotron radiation programs, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) provides facilities for more than 3,000 scientists. Using the B Factory, physicists are studying why we live in a matter-dominated universe. At the Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory researchers use x-rays for research in areas ranging from biomedicine to environmental remediation. For tours, call 650-926.2204. The SLAC Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  [Top]

United States Geological Survey. Menlo Park. Learn about natural science through tours and hands-on experiences. Tours and activities are geared to the interests and ages of each group ranging from community groups to professional societies, school classes, and family groups. The Visitors Center features a special earthquake monitoring system where you can see how the force of an earthquake is measured. Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 605-329-4000.

Professorville. Palo Alto. Self-guided tours of the Professorville neighborhood are available with the help of a brochure with listings of many of the famous houses and descriptions of various style homes built before 1920. The residential area offers homes that date back to the 1880s and is listed on the National Register as a Historic District. Walking tours of downtown Palo Alto and the historic Professorville neighborhood are available for groups. Call 650-299-8878.  [Top]