Local's Guide to Palo Alto

Overpriced but beautiful (a consistent theme around here). Palo Alto’s Blue Bottle is set in a renovated theater with plenty of charm.

The place to go if you’re craving something healthy and refreshing downtown. The prices are pretty steep for the amount of food you get.

Casual deli with great sandwiches for the road. I love stopping here to grab lunch for day hikes. The Kevin is my favorite!

My favorite neighborhood spot for sandwiches. The pulled pork is my go to. It’s also a market with grocery items, so you can pick up snacks and drinks for a picnic while you’re here. Note sandwiches are not available on Sundays.

Israeli restaurant with some of the best food in the area at affordable prices. I love the rice bowl, falafel, and Greek salad. Definitely one of the best value meals here.

Evvia is an upscale Greek restaurant widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in Palo Alto. I’ve never eaten at Kokkari in SF, but I’ve heard it’s very similar to that!

Local favorite for cheap eats including burgers, fries, and shakes. It gets a lot of lackluster reviews for not measuring up to the one in Napa, but I haven’t been disappointed. They also serve tasty impossible burgers with all the yummy toppings.

Rustic BBQ restaurant nestled among the redwoods of Portola Valley. The ideal spot to enjoy hearty food after a day of hiking.

Newer restaurant known for amazing ramen. Be prepared for the long line, especially around lunch time.

I love the enchiladas here, especially the enchiladas guajillo. A little on the pricey side.

Top-notch Latin-American restaurant in nearby Redwood City specializing in seafood.

Higher-end Italian restaurant serving the best Neapolitan-style pizzas in town. My favorite is the signature terun pizza.

Trendy, upscale Mexican restaurant. I’ve only tried the food, but I’ve heard the margheritas are the highlight here.

European-style wine bar specializing in regional wines and light bites served in an intimate patio setting with live music.

A favorite pizza restaurant in the area along with Terun. It’s worth the short drive to Redwood City.

Natural forest with hiking and horseback trails. I’ve only been here on a whim and can’t remember which trail I took. One of them features a lookout point with views of the sea.

My favorite place to hike in the area! I usually take a 7-8 mile trail that takes you along the open ridge with views of Half Moon Bay before winding into the redwood forest. If it’s not out of your way, pick up sandwiches at Driftwood beforehand for a mid-hike lunch, or stop by Alice’s after your hike.

Historic home surrounded with herb and rose gardens. Free and open to the public. Check out their calendar for tours and special events.

A historic manor set on a beautiful sprawling property. Located in nearby Woodside. Check their website for reservations and pricing.

Tranquil pathway on Stanford’s campus lined with cactus and succulents.

Stanford art museum that boasts an impressive Rodin sculpture garden.

An architectural gem located in the main quad on Stanford’s campus.

If design, location, and affordability are priorities, Graduate is the perfect option for solo travelers and couples. The aesthetic features an interesting mix of Spanish and art deco elements and the location on University Ave is just a short walk from many of Palo Alto’s best restaurants. Rooms are priced affordably for Palo Alto, but entry level rooms are very small so I recommend checking the dimensions before booking. The rooftop is also a highlight but can be difficult to get a reservation.

The Rosewood is a great choice for travelers who care about luxury, service, and amenities. It’s not in walking distance of restaurants and things to do, so you’ll definitely need a car if you stay here.

Sleek, upscale boutique hotel in downtown Palo Alto inspired by Japanese style and sensibility. The range of modern comforts makes it the perfect tech-friendly hotel and work space. Amenities include functional desks, shared co-working spaces, and an on-site bar and restaurant. It’s well located off of University Ave in reach of restaurants and a Whole Foods. Pets are not allowed.