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Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
1451 Middlefield Road
www.friendsjmz.org
(650) 326-6338
Family-friendly fun and learning abound at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. The museum is chock full of hands-on, interactive exhibits while the zoo is where kids can come face to face with all types of critters, from raccoons, bobcats, and ferrets to tortoises, geese, and snakes.
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Stanford Lively Arts
425 Santa Teresa Street MC 2250, Stanford, CA 94305
http://livelyarts.stanford.edu
650-723-2551
Stanford Lively Arts features a wide range of programs, including classical music, dance, and spoken word performances, all presented by renowned artists and very talented unknowns. Many of these exciting events are free and feature pre- or post-performance discussions.
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Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
328 Lomita Dr
http://museum.stanford.edu
(650) 723-4177
The Cantor Arts Center boasts a proud and venerable history, as it was conceived of in tandem with the founding of Stanford University itself. The Stanford family, including Leland Jr., traveled the world collecting objects of art and cultural interest. The museum was originally created to make this collection available to students and the public. It has withstood natural disasters and periodic neglect, only to be resurrected, renewed, and expanded, with its collections stronger than ever, thanks to the passionate dedication of Stanford faculty and staff, and art lovers in the surrounding community.
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Elizabeth Gamble Garden
1431 Waverley Street
www.gamblegarden.org
(650) 329-1356
Elizabeth F. Gamble left her 2.3-acre estate to the city of Palo Alto. Currently a community horticultural foundation, Gamble Garden boasts both formal and working gardens. Self-guided tours are available of the estate, which also features an historic home, carriage house, and teahouse.
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Shoreline Amphitheatre
1 Amphitheatre Parkway
www.shoreline-amd.com
(650) 962-1000
The largest outdoor concert venue in America, Shoreline Amphitheater in nearby Mountain View, California draws top-name musicians to its state-of-the-art facility. Along with a great evening of music, concertgoers can also check out craft booths and indulge in a wide variety of foods and refreshing drinks.
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Stanford Shopping Center
660 Stanford Shopping Center
www.stanfordshop.com
(650) 617-8200
Situated 1.5 miles from the Cardinal Hotel, Stanford Shopping Center is home to a multitude of upscale retailers and exceptional restaurants. The shopping center also draws a wealth of visitors because of its unique surroundings, which include unparalleled gardens and superb sculptures.
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California's Great America
4701 Great America Parkway
www.cagreatamerica.com
(408) 988-1776
A short drive from our boutique Palo Alto hotel, California's Great America is a truly unique theme park. Discover hair-raising thrill rides, soothing family rides, and live shows starring hip-hop dancers, ice skaters, and magicians. Popular destinations include KidZville, Boomerang Bay, and Nickelodeon Central.
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HP Pavilion
525 West Santa Clara Street
www.hppsj.com
(408) 999-6800
Very versatile and very close (15 miles), HP Pavilion is a top sports and entertainment venue. It's where the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League play their home games. It's the place to go for concerts of every type, from rock to heavy metal. And it's very family-friendly, as "Disney On Ice" shows are presented annually.
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Thomas Fogarty Winery
19501 Skyline Blvd
www.fogartywinery.com
(650) 851-6777
Thomas Fogarty Winery was founded in 1978 by inventor Dr. Thomas Fogarty and winemaker Michael Martella. Dr Fogarty’s penchant for innovative thought and Martella’s viticulture instincts allowed them to lead the development of the cool Skyline Ridge area; true pioneers in one of California’s premiere Pinot Noir and Chardonnay regions.
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Filoli Gardens
86 Cañada Road
www.filoli.org
(650) 364-8300
A 36,000-square-foot home and a 16-acre English Renaissance garden are at the heart of the Filoli Center in Palo Alto. A truly spectacular country estate from the early 20th century, Filoli also features an expansive Gentlemen's Heritage Orchard, scenic hiking trails, and information-rich nature center.
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The Stanford Theatre
221 University Avenue
http://www.stanfordtheatre.org
(650) 324-3700
Take in a classic film at the Stanford Theater restored and maintained by David Packard.
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Dragon Productions Theatre Company
535 Alma Street
http://dragonproductions.net
(650) 493-2006
Local theater that puts on great productions