Guidebook for Palo Alto
Essentials
Whole Foods Market
4800 El Camino RealGreat supermarket, downtown location.
Trader Joe's
855 El Camino Real5 min drive from the cottage.
Big supermarket, close to Stanford, open 24 hours.
18 locals recommend
El Camino Real & Middle Ave station
Big supermarket, close to Stanford, open 24 hours.
Safeway
2811 Middlefield Rd Open 24 hours.
Safeway
2811 Middlefield RdOpen 24 hours
Food Scene
Osteria Toscana
247 Hamilton AveGood Italian food, decent prices (but need reservation).
Il Fornaio
520 Cowper StGood food, good atmosphere.
Good Chinese food, friendly host, cheap prices, also great for takeout.
6 locals recommend
China Delight
461 Emerson StGood Chinese food, friendly host, cheap prices, also great for takeout.
Fuki Sushi
4119 El Camino RealBest Japanese restaurant in Palo Alto.
Starbucks
2000 El Camino RealNear Stanford.
Town & Country Village
855 El Camino RealMany little restaurants and shops, close to our home.
Great casual dining in the heart of downtown. Sit outside in the evenings to enjoy the lights on University Ave.
19 locals recommend
Crepevine
367 University AveGreat casual dining in the heart of downtown. Sit outside in the evenings to enjoy the lights on University Ave.
Interesting and tasty Burmese/Asian fushion food. Make sure you try the Tea Leaf Salad. Best to get a reservation.
51 locals recommend
Rangoon Ruby Burmese Cuisine
445 Emerson StInteresting and tasty Burmese/Asian fushion food. Make sure you try the Tea Leaf Salad. Best to get a reservation.
Best chocolate ice cream ever ---claims my son, an expert in these matters. They make it fresh (with liquid nitrogen) right before your very eyes!
6 locals recommend
Smitten Ice Cream
4800 El Camino RealBest chocolate ice cream ever ---claims my son, an expert in these matters. They make it fresh (with liquid nitrogen) right before your very eyes!
Newest Japanese restaurant in downtown Palo Alto. Authentic Japanese "teishoku" menu (set meals). Order from iPads available at each table. No tipping.
YAYOI Palo Alto
403 University AveNewest Japanese restaurant in downtown Palo Alto. Authentic Japanese "teishoku" menu (set meals). Order from iPads available at each table. No tipping.
Philz Coffee
101 Forest AveBest coffee in town.
Joanie's Cafe
405 California AveReally good brunch menu.
Everything Else
Great park for walking, with a nice children's playground, tennis courts and a public swimming pool.
16 locals recommend
Rinconada Park
777 Embarcadero RdGreat park for walking, with a nice children's playground, tennis courts and a public swimming pool.
Palo Alto Caltrain Station
95 University AveTrain to San Francisco.
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Library
1276 Harriet StMy kids loved this place when they were small!
Eleanor Pardee Park
851 Center DrGreat children's playground, also great for a nice walk.
Don't miss this if you have young kids! My children's favorite when they were growing up.
33 locals recommend
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
1451 Middlefield RoadDon't miss this if you have young kids! My children's favorite when they were growing up.
Shopping
Stanford Shopping Center
660 Stanford Shopping CenterBeautiful outdoor shopping center.
Apple Palo Alto
340 University AveYou're in Silicon Valley, why not visit an Apple Store?
IKEA
1700 E Bayshore RdOnly 5 minutes drive away!
Nordstrom Rack East Palo Alto
1771 E Bayshore RdGood bargains from a great store.
Parks & Nature
One of the most beautiful areas at Stanford. Make sure you drive down Palm Drive.
7 locals recommend
Campus Oval (Palm Dr.) station
One of the most beautiful areas at Stanford. Make sure you drive down Palm Drive.
Sightseeing
One of the most beautiful buildings on the Stanford campus. Get your cameras out.
25 locals recommend
Memorial Church
450 Jane Stanford WayOne of the most beautiful buildings on the Stanford campus. Get your cameras out.
When visiting Stanford, make sure you drive down Palm Drive. It's impressive and The Oval at the end of the drive is a wonderful place to hang out.
Palm Drive
Palm DriveWhen visiting Stanford, make sure you drive down Palm Drive. It's impressive and The Oval at the end of the drive is a wonderful place to hang out.