California is known for its lovely beaches, sun-kissed citizens, and warm days. But if there's something else that's synonymous with California, it's technology. Home of Silicon Valley, a global center of technological innovation, California is an incredible place for the technologically inclined individual to live or visit. Although the south San Francisco Bay area is home to behemoths including Facebook, Google, and Apple, there are many other technology-oriented spots in the area. Read on to learn about some top tech-related attractions in and around Palo Alto, California.
Apple Park Visitor Center
Apple Park Corporate Headquarters via Apple Maps
If you're in the market for a new Apple product or just want to see the newest in tech, stop by the Apple Park Visitor Center. Enjoy the warm California weather as you sit in the outdoor cafe in the olive grove. The visitor center also offers a rotating schedule for kids and adults called Today at Apple. Sessions include Art Lab for Kids, methods to help you catch cinematic shots, and how to get started with your iPad and iPhone.
The Apple Visitor Center is located at 10600 North Tantau Avenue in Cupertino. To see a schedule of workshops for visitors, check out the website. For more information, call or visit their website.
The Computer History Museum in Mountain View
The Computer History Museum is an exceptional way to learn about technology's evolution and see what's trending in the technology realm right now. The museum has an impeccable collection of computing artifacts and believes the technological past should inform and guide progress. Visitors can learn about 2,000 years of computer history, drop in on a Photoshop course led by professionals, and even try coding.
Exhibits include IBM 1401, a demonstration lab; Technology + Art, an exploration of early computer films; and One Word, an inspirational, educational initiative that aims to inspire and motivate people to consider what it takes to build a business and maintain entrepreneurial spirit.
The Computer History Museum is in Mountain View at 1401 North Shoreline Blvd. Exhibits are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult general admission tickets start at $17.50. The museum offers discounts for senior citizens, students, and the active military. Youth enter for $6. Check the website for health and safety guidelines to follow when visiting.
Hiller Aviation Museum
The Hiller Aviation Museum is an excellent opportunity to learn about the evolution of aviation and embrace innovation. The museum offers an immersive experience for children and adults alike to explore the world of aviation and learn about the skills and care it takes to build and maneuver an aircraft. For young children, Imagination Playground is an ideal place to play. There, they can exercise their imagination by moving and stacking large foam blocks to build strength and motor skills. The Invention Lab is open on Saturdays and Sundays and serves as a great place for parents or caregivers and children to bond while exploring aerodynamics, engineering, and assembly and design.
The Hiller Aviation Museum is located at 601 Skyway Road in San Carlos, California. It's open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission starts at $19 for adults. For more information or to learn about packages and pricing for private events, call or visit their website.
Googleplex
Googleplex is a collection of several buildings and serves as Google's headquarters in Mountain View. Only seven miles from Palo Alto, a trip there is a quick way to get your tech fix. Although the buildings are not open to the public, you can stroll around the campus during your evening walk for a change of scenery. There are several varied sculptures throughout the property. Be sure to stop by and see the Android OS robot eating a slice of strawberry cake. It's the perfect opportunity to take a new social media profile picture.
You'll find Googleplex at 1600 Amphitheater Parkway. For information, call or visit their website.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
If you have children, a trip to the Children's Discovery Museum is a perfect way to show your child learning is fun. The museum is housed in a 52,000-square foot purple building and serves as a center for learning for children, families, and schools. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, which are both educational and immersive. Many hands-on activities help children learn the value of exploration. The museum offers a variety of different sections to appeal to children of all ages and to those with varied interests.
The Amazing AirMaze is a two-story interactive exhibit where guests explore the power of air. Powerful air blasts propel colorful objects through clear tubes where learners can safely witness the strength within the pneumatic tubes and hypothesize as they experience with different objects of varying sizes and weights. Another must-see exhibit is Rainbow Market. This exhibit encourages healthy living by showing children the importance of variety in food and how eating a rainbow of colors is a great way to ensure a balanced diet.
The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is just less than 20 miles away from Palo Alto at 180 Woz Way. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday as two play sessions. The morning session is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while the afternoon one is from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission for adults and children begins at $15. Babies under one year get in free. Be sure to preregister before heading out to secure your spot. Check the website for health and safety regulations. To learn more, including how to rent out the museum for your next special event or birthday celebration, give them a call.
So, there you have it. Volvo Cars Palo Alto has enjoyed sharing with you our list of top tech-related attractions in and around Palo Alto, California. Whether you just want to learn a little more about the evolution of the computer or the internet or are doing research for your own start-up, a visit to any of these spots is sure to get your creativity flowing.
What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite tech spot to visit in Palo Alto? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message or give us a call at (650) 353-4700 to share your thoughts and recommendations, and we'll be happy to check out your idea. You might even find your suggestion featured on our list in the future.