It is a refreshing experience to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the warm sun on your skin. Luckily, the San Francisco Bay Area has the perfect environment to get your daily dose of vitamin D. Whether you are from Palo Alto or just visiting, you'll find many entertaining opportunities to spend time with friends and family, or just recharge and meditate, under the sun. Read on to learn about our list of the top nature-filled experiences for you around Palo Alto.
The Stanford Dish
The Stanford Dish and surrounding area offer the perfect opportunity to see a landmark and explore some well-paved trails. Whether you're interested in learning about satellite communication, taking some photos of both nature and technology, or getting some exercise, this outdoor destination will fill your needs.
The Stanford Dish is a 150-foot-diameter radio telescope that is still in use today. It serves as a community, educational, and research resource. Built through a joint effort between the United States Air Force and the Stanford Research Institute, the dish is used for telemetry, radio astronomy measurements, and satellite calibrations, to name a few. Area residents often use the 3.5-mile Perimeter Trail to jog and walk.
When going, be sure to wear comfortable shoes with traction, dress for the weather and in layers to ensure you are comfortable and can adjust to temperature fluctuations. There is no shade, or benches, or water fountains, so plan for your comfort. As a pilot program, there is a portable restroom open during normal business hours available for visitors and Stanford staff. There is wildlife in the area, so remain vigilant when visiting the dish. Should you encounter any native creatures, keep your distance and report the sightings to Stanford University Public Safety Office at 650-724-7441.
Site hours vary monthly. March public access hours are from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m, while April through August the area closes at 7:30 p.m. You can park at the main entrance on Stanford Avenue, the Alpine Entrance on Sand Hill Road, or the Mail Entrance at Coyote Hill Road. For more information, email thedishinfo@lists.stanford.edu.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve comprises 1,940 acres and sits as one of the last remaining undisturbed marshlands in the San Francisco Bay Area. As an area of both freshwater habitats and tidal habitats, the preserve has an extensive selection of native birds and is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway during migration. Individuals who enjoy birding find this a prime destination to glimpse feathered friends in their natural surroundings. Amenities at the park include drinking fountains, wheelchair access, and over 15-miles of bicycle and walking trails.
One of the best places to visit in Palo Alto, the preserve is also a great educational opportunity and outing if you have children. Visit the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and the Palo Alto Duck Pond. Pack a lunch for the family, and make a day of it by enjoying an outdoor meal at one of the many picnic tables available for visitors.
You can find Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve at 2775 Embarcadero Road. The park opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes around sunset. Leashed dogs are welcome and large groups over 25 must have a permit. For more information, you can call the Ranger Station at 650-617-3156 or email open.space@cityofpaloalto.org.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is on a mission to provide the community with quality science education, conserve wildlife, and advocate for animal welfare. Filled with many interesting animals and interactive exhibits and learning experiences, it is a phenomenal place to spend a few hours with the aspiring zoologist in your life. The zoo has hundreds of animals, from meerkats, eagles, and flamingos, to macaws, and the resident raccoon, Morty. Visit the Wildlife Circle where small groups of guests can have a personalized experience and interact with animal ambassadors. These experiences are first-come first-serve and come with your admission.
Other features at the zoo include indoor science exhibits where kids can play with simple machines and learn about gravity, magnetism, inertia, force, and motion. Older children can explore the natural history collection while babies have a place all for themselves. Ideal for children from birth to nine years old, the museum makes learning fun.
Located at 1451 Middlefield Road right here in Palo Alto, the zoo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $10 for anyone over 12 months. For more information, call 650-329-2111.
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden located on Waverley Street is a favorite among Palo Alto locals. The 2.5-acre property hosts a rose garden, an herb garden, cutting garden, wisteria garden, a demonstration bed, and an alley bordered by trees and bushes. A visit here always offers something new with flowers blooming at different times and the air perfumed with nature's sweetness.
It is a great place to disconnect from technology and daily worries while you stop and smell the roses and enjoy life's simple pleasures. The garden hosts fun things like an Easter Egg Hunt, an annual spring tour, and flower photography classes. Check the website for details.
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is at 1431 Waverley Street and opens daily during daylight hours. Admission is free. For information, call 650-329-1356.
So, there you have it. Volvo Cars Palo Alto has just shared with you our friendly staff's picks for the top nature-filled experiences around Palo Alto. Exploring the beautiful city is an invigorating experience. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite spot to visit in warm weather? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your ideas, and we'll be happy to check out your suggestions. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a new or new-to-you vehicle to explore Palo Alto, check out our inventory of new Volvos and used automobiles. Give us a call today at (650) 353-4700.