Hidden deep within the heart of the Bay Area lies a city that by all means exceeds expectations. Palo Alto is a city synonymous with technological innovation and hailed as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. However, Palo Alto has more to offer than just microchips and software. Digging a little deeper reveals a vibrant food and culture scene, with some locales as new as the most recent iOS update. Meanwhile, others have withstood the test of time as class after class has graduated nearby Stanford University. We’ve compiled a 24-hour itinerary for a day in Palo Alto. Whether you have lived here your whole life, or it’s your first time to the place C Mag calls home, feel free to spend the day according to our schedule or choose a few activities of your own.
1. Local Accommodations | 10 p.m.
Check in and spend the night in University South at a local inn. Several potential lodging spots line the quiet wooded streets slightly off the main commercial strip. The University South neighborhood is home to young professionals and retirees alike, due to its enjoyable equilibrium of accessibility to shopping and eating and a tranquil residential oasis. Wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated, as you have a big day awaiting you.
2. Caffinate | 9:30 a.m.
Start your morning off the right way with a quick breakfast and coffee at the downtown Coupa Cafe on Ramona Street. Known for strong espresso drinks and Venezuelan-inspired fare, Coupa is frequented by both high school and college students, especially at its Stanford Campus locations. Opened in 2004, the cafe was constructed during the tech boom in Silicon Valley, offering free wifi at a time when it was customary to charge for it. The cafe offers a place where business plans synergize with baked goods, tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists often take meetings and work at the cafe. In fact, the late tech giant Steve Jobs was known for visiting frequently. Prices range from $5 to $20 for baked goods and meals, which is on the lower side for the area.
3. Savor and Slurp | 11 a.m.
Take a walk around downtown, ending up at Ramen Nagi for an early lunch around 11:00, to beat the lines. After making the jump from Tokyo to the States in 2018, Ramen Nagi quickly became one of Palo Alto’s most popular and well-rated eating establishments. It features an exciting selection of noodles, broths, and bowls. Ramen Nagi is regarded among the best by ramen enthusiasts for its top-tier preparation and organic ingredients. For the ultimate experience, make sure to arrive at 11 a.m. (opening time) at the latest, because contrary to nagi’s meaning in English (the calm before the waves), the lines grow long and quite not-calm, quickly.
4. Campus Tour | 1 p.m.
Walk around the renowned Stanford University campus, hitting landmarks such as Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the White Plaza, ending your walk at the Cantor Arts Center. Each of these sites provides unique views into Palo Alto’s rich history and culture. First, venture into the White Plaza. A vibrant hub of student activity and community gatherings, here, you’ll find yourself immersed in Stanford’s social scene. Following this, make your way to the Memorial Church, a stunning architectural gem nestled in the lush greenery of the campus. With its elegant facade and serene interior, this historical church serves as an oasis of tranquility amidst the busy campus. Soon, you’ll be greeted with the magnificent Hoover Tower. Built in 1941, this is one of Stanford’s most iconic landmarks, elevated at an astonishing 285 feet. Finally, make your way around the Stanford Oval, ending your walk at the Cantor Museum.
5. Art and Expression | 3:30 p.m.
Finishing the tour, make sure to view both the Cantor and Anderson Collection. They contain an elaborate selection of contemporary and classical art including 38,000 works of art from all over the world created over the past 5,000 years. With 24 galleries and more than 15 special exhibitions each year, the Cantor is an established resource for teaching and research on the Stanford campus. Between public and family tours, programs, and activities, the Cantor Museum has something for everyone.
6. Bay Area Classics | 7 p.m.
For an evening of culinary delight, choose from three distinct dining options that cater to a variety of tastes and atmospheres. First consider Rossoti’s Alpine Inn, renowned for its charming wooden ambiance and vibrant outdoor atmosphere, and serving a wild array of traditional American dishes, this is one that draws a younger crowd. From soups to flatbreads and bucket loads of fries, Alpine has one of the most mouth-watering selections the Bay Area has to offer. Craving nostalgia? Hop into a booth at the Palo Alto Creamery, where the historic dinner offers plenty of comfort food classics. With burgers, milkshakes and so much more, the Palo Alto Creamery fits the bill of a trip down memory lane. For those interested in more of an upscale Californian vibe, Ethel’s Fancy is a must. With an elegant ambiance and delectable dishes, it’s the favorite restaurant of none other than Mark Zuckerberg.
