Stanford University

Stanford University is a part of a hub of cutting edge technology and is nearby the home of many major corporations like Hewlett-Packard, Telsa, and Ford. It was also here that internet companies like Google and Facebook began. Nestled in the northwest corner of Santa Clara County, California, Stanford is an epicenter for education, progress, and spectacular natural settings. The centerpiece of the city is undoubtedly Stanford University. This historic university has been integral to the area, so much so that the reason Stanford and Palo Alto exist today is because of the school. Stanford is highly regarded by everyone in the field of education and the school’s passionate alumni and fans go above and beyond to support the university.

Its past athletic accomplishments include 115 NCAA team championships and 483 individual athletic championships. Success and determination are cornerstones of Stanford athletics and the college as a whole. Anyone traveling to Stanford to watch the Cardinals play is in luck. Stanford and other nearby towns are brimming with awesome attractions and restaurants that only California can deliver.

Things to Do

Rancho San Antonio Preserve

Not many regions of the United States can rival the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the parks of California. One of the things you have to do during your trip to Stanford University is explore some of California’s great outdoors. Fortunately, you can do this without having to drive very far from campus. Rancho San Antonio Preserve is an open space preserve spanning 3,988 acres. This paradise-like park is home to all sorts of wildlife as well as a smattering of environments. Winding their way throughout the preserve are 24 miles of trails that people can utilize for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Do a little research before you arrive at Rancho San Antonio Preserve and figure out which trail would be most appropriate for you. The trails are split up into multiple difficulties and vary in length.

The preserve’s most popular route, Wildcat Loop Trail, is a fairly easy three mile hike. As you walk along the trail, you will be treated to sights like a fern-walled canyon and lush and open meadows filled with vibrantly colored flowers. You’ll come across multiple ideal picnicking spots, all of which offer their own unique views. Another trail of note is the Black Mountain Trail. This is a four mile trail that takes hikers through grassland and woodland environments. Gaze down into steep canyons and bask in the views from high ridges. At the peak of Black Mountain, you will be standing 2,800 feet high. The views of the Skyline ridge and Stevens Creek Canyon are absolutely breathtaking from here. Views of a lot of Santa Clara Valley can also be seen from Black Mountain. Experience some of California’s legendary natural settings near Stanford at Rancho San Antonio Preserve. You won’t regret stopping by. 22500 Cristo Rey Dr, Cupertino, CA 95014

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

An attraction best suited for families with kids nine and younger, Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, otherwise known as JZM, is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Combining the inquisitiveness and imaginativeness of science and the awesomeness of live animals, there’s something for everyone at JZM. Admission is free, however donations of five dollars per person is very much appreciated. Because JZM is a nonprofit organization, every dollar helps to keep the facilities in tip top shape. All visitors revel in walking around the gardens where honey bees happily buzz around from flower to flower as they pollinate the garden. This is one JZM’s most popular activities.

Trek to Bobcat Ridge where you can observe cute, but not very cuddly bobcats as they play and lounge around. Delve into the depths of the African Bat Cave and gaze at adorable bats as they sleep hanging upside down from the ceiling. Other animals you and your kids can check out are raccoons, tortoises, and weaverbirds. One exhibit known as Buzzzz is devoted to insects and spiders. Here, you can learn about and watch these creepy crawly bugs while you find out tons of interesting facts about them. JZM’s other large section, Clean Green Energy Machines, is all about educating guests on renewable energy sources. From solar to wind, and even kid power, the contraptions in this portion are all about the exploration of alternative energy sources. 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Century Cinema 16

Whenever you have some downtime and aren’t sure what to do with it, going to the movies is a solid idea. Palo Alto has a few theaters in the area, but the number one choice is Century Cinema 16. This cinema is always up to date and plays the newest Hollywood hits on all 16 of its screens. Some of the 16 auditoriums are 3D compatible and show 3D versions of the biggest, intense films. No matter which auditorium you’re in, you can enjoy one of Century Cinema’s “Luxury Loungers.” These seats are so comfortable that you’ll think you’re at home on your couch while you watch your movie. 1500 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043

Stanford Shopping Mall

Similarly to the movies, spending some time at the mall is another awesome way to spend an afternoon when you aren’t at Stanford University. California’s weather is typically very warm and sunny. Stanford Shopping Mall takes advantage of this frequently genial weather with their outlet, outdoor style. This shopping center houses 140 stores and four anchors. Anyone who likes searching for their newest clothing style is in luck. Stanford Shopping Mall provides shoppers with brand name favorites like Vineyard Vines, North Face, and Timberland. If you work up an appetite while you shop, you have a diverse variety of eateries to choose from. Sit down restaurants like True Food Kitchen and California Pizza Kitchen serve some delicious meals that will not only refuel you so you can shop more, but also satisfy your taste buds. Then for dessert, you can stop by Godiva Chocolatier or Pinkberry for some sweet treats. 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Rockin’ Jump

Whenever you have some extra energy you want to burn, head on over to nearby San Carlos, California, and fly high at Rockin’ Jump. This thrilling trampoline park won’t just excite kids, but any adult can definitely have a blast here as well. The main piece of almost every trampoline park is the open jump area. This section is a massive, open area that has interconnected trampolines that line the walls and floor. You have all the space you’ll need to bounce as high as you can and showoff some backflips if you’re daring enough. Next up, the Slam Dunk Zone allows you to live out your fantasy of being a basketball star. You can dunk like the pros courtesy of Rockin’ Jump’s trampolines.

The Foam Arena lets you launch off a jump pad into a huge pit of cushiony foam cubes. No need to worry about a hard landing because you’ll feel like you fell onto a cloud. The Dodgeball Arena combines the intensity of dodgeball with trampolines for an all new game experience. At X-Beam, you can challenge someone to gladiator style battle. Your weapon is a large, orange beam that you must use to knock your opponent off the balance beam. Don’t worry; they won’t be falling for long because the beam is surrounded by a foam pit. The last activity is for those who like heights. Rockin’ Jump has its very own rock wall, known as Vertical Ops. With multiple paths to the top which vary in difficulty from beginner to advanced, you can race your friends or family in an effort to be the first to hit the buzzer. 401 Quarry Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070

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Places to Eat

Kirk’s Steakburgers

At Kirk’s Steakburgers, they know how to grill up some of the best hamburgers around. That’s because they’ve been doing it since 1948! Inspired by the restaurants he remembered from New York, Kirk’s Steakburger’s founder Bill Sincere strove to create a restaurant in California that mirrored the ones back home. Soon, Kirk’s was known for pumping out fantastic steak and beef burgers and everyone was clamoring to try one. Kirk’s Steakburgers’ success hasn’t declined one bit in the past 60 years. This is largely due to its amazing menu. Thanks to mouthwatering signature burgers like Sriracha pineapple and avocado bacon, you won’t find a burger like this anywhere else. The kitchen also serves tasty sandwiches, frankfurters, fries, and plenty of other sides. The milkshakes and malts are to die for too. 2388 S Bascom Ave, Campbell, CA 95008

Patxi’s Pizza

Few foods can compare with pizza. While everyone always thinks they live near the best pizzeria on the planet and nowhere else can compare, Patxi’s Pizza does a really good job. Patxi’s is a regional chain and has locations in California, Colorado, and one in Seattle. Kick off your meal with appetizers like artichoke dip or meatballs. Those who prefer to eat on the lighter side can dig into one of Patxi’s entrée salads. A lesser seen dish, Piadine, which is an Italian flatbread, can also be found on the menu. As far as the pizza, Patxi’s cooks up a lot of deep dish and thin crust pies. Whatever your pizza preferences are, you can bet on a scrumptious pie from Patxi’s Pizza. 441 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Tacolicious

If you had to pick one word to describe the food at Tacolicious, it would most certainly be… delicious. This little eatery is dedicated to making some of the greatest tacos around. Make sure you don’t spoil your appetite on chips and homemade guacamole, ceviche, or pork meatballs, because you will miss out if you don’t try a taco. Unique recipes like a pastrami taco and butternut squash and poblano rajas taco are two tempting options from a decently sized taco menu. To accompany your tacos, you have sides like refried and black beans, rice with a mojo verde sauce, and fries done the Tacolicious way. When it’s time for dessert, whether you go for the coconut flan, churros, or Choco-tacolicious, there isn’t a wrong choice. 632 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Fast Tony’s Chicken

Another food high on the popularity list is of course, fried chicken. At Fast Tony’s Chicken, they do chicken the right way. It doesn’t matter if you have a big or small appetite; Fast Tony’s has a meal for you. You can order two or three piece meals that come with a couple sides, or a half or full pan of chicken. The chicken sandwiches and wings are nothing to skimp on either. They even make homemade chicken salad daily! Whenever you get a hankering for chicken while you’re in Palo Alto, Fast Tony’s Chicken is the place to go. 855 El Camino Real Suite #162, Palo Alto, CA 94301

Stanford fans have it pretty good considering that when they visit the campus for a game, they have the city of Palo Alto to explore when they’re not at the school. Take advantage of Stanford University’s awesome location and stop at as many attractions and restaurants possible. The last thing you want to do is sit back and let the trip pass you by. Make some memories while you’re at Stanford.