There is no shortage of interesting things to do when you're visiting Palo Alto, California. Take a self-guided tour of beautiful Gamble Garden. Catch a top-name performer in concert at Shoreline Amphitheater. Visit a prestigious country estate at the Filoli Center. Learn more about these and other attractions in the following top ten list.
California's Great America -
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. www.cagreatamerica.com
HP Pavilion -
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. www.hppsj.com.
Stanford Lively Arts -
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. http://livelyarts.stanford.edu
Cantor Arts Center -
Rodin lovers will be drawn to the Cantor Arts Center at nearby Stanford University. Outside of Paris, it's where the largest collection of Rodin bronze sculptures can be found. Three galleries house nearly 200 pieces, the most recognizable of which is "The Thinker." http://museum.stanford.edu/news_room/rodin.html.
Thomas Fogarty Winery -
Come to beautiful Thomas Fogarty Winery, which boasts a fine array of wines in a marvelous mountain setting just 15 miles from our Palo Alto hotel. Savor everything from crisp chardonnays to smooth pinot noirs while taking in breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay Area. www.fogartywinery.com
Shoreline Amphitheater -
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. www.shoreline-amd.com
Stanford Shopping Center -
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. www.stanfordshop.com.
Filoli Center -
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. www.filoli.org.
Gamble Garden -
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. www.gamblegarden.org
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo -
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. www.friendsjmz.org
