San Francisco and its neighboring areas host an incredible number of top-ranking universities. Silicon Valley, the epitome of high-tech business and home to major tech companies and Stanford University, is also just an hour away from downtown. Aside from the view, this is the area to visit the universities and sites which provide a San Francisco experience of true academic significance. Stanford University Distance from San Francisco: About 35 minutes by car Established in 1885, Stanford University is one of the first-class academic institutions in the world. The library and other buildings which surround a large courtyard and Stanford University’s warm yellow and red Spanish-style brick buildings make this an appealing destination for many visitors. Stanford’s close association with Silicon Valley tech firms makes it an important destination for those interested in the tech world. Stanford has over 30 places to eat, so it’s a great place to grab lunch. Stanford Bookstore This 3-story building is more of a campus souvenir shop than a real bookstore, as she has a large volume of Stanford branded clothing and other items. Main Quad The Main Quad is the oldest part of Stanford, where most of the humanities staff are located. The southern side is home to the Stanford Memorial Church, one of the most photographed buildings on campus. Hoover Tower Hoover Tower is the tallest building on campus at 86 meters. Visiting the ground floor is free, while the observation deck on the 14th floor offers panoramic views of the university. As of now, only Stanford students and faculty can access the top. by Yixiejun Palm Drive Palm Drive, the main entryway to the campus, offers the most iconic view of Stanford. In the foreground, there are palm trees, and the Main Quad, Memorial Church, Hoover Tower, and some low hills are located beyond the palms. Cantor Arts Center Since its public opening in 1894, this modern art museum has expanded to over 130,000 square feet of exhibitional space, which includes a sculpture garden. The museum contains 24 galleries that span 5,000 years of art history. Arizona Garden This small botanical garden, which features a collection of cacti and succulents, is certainly worth a brief visit if you're in the area, but it is not a destination that requires a visit on its own. Tips: To learn more about Stanford's history, book a spot ahead of time through the university's official website (visit.stanford.edu) and take one of the free guided tours. Hours: Bookstore 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.;
Sunday 10:00/11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Memorial Church Monday-Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Hoover Tower 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Cantor Arts Center 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission: Most buildings are Stanford student exclusive access, however, the campus can be explored without restriction. Hoover Tower's 14th floor is available only to students and faculty for US$5. Getting There: Drive to Tresidder Parking Lot. Parking is paid in roughly US$4/hour intervals on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. via the ParkMobile app (U.S. region account required). Alternatively, you can park for free at Stanford Shopping Center and walk about 13 minutes to reach the Arizona Garden. Marguerite Shuttle is free and stops at Tresidder Union.
Dining: Wilbur Dining and Lakeside Dining have a fee to enter of about US$25. You will need a student to swipe you in.
Hewlett-Packard Garage
In the legacy of Silicon Valley startups, garages have become almost mythical. The story of a garage formed the narrative of the region, and no garage is more emblematic than the one for Hewlett-Packard. This company brought the term “garage culture” to a global level. This small wooden structure continues to attract pilgrims among the maker and tech enthusiast communities.
In 1939, Stanford classmates William Hewlett and David Packard established Hewlett-Packard in the garage located at No. 367. This old wooden garage, which is just over 30 square meters, is considered the “birthplace of Silicon Valley.” The plaque displayed summarizes its history. Visitors cannot enter and can only see it from the outside. There is a photo opportunity from the outside.
Googleplex
About a 15-minute drive from the HP Garage, you can see the interior of one of Silicon Valley's campuses at Google’s headquarters. The office premises are accessible to the public, and a loop around the building shows a glimpse of Google’s playful corporate culture. Besides walking and taking pictures on the lawns by the main office area and with the dinosaur sculpture, visitors can buy exclusive merchandise from the Google Visitor Center or get a Google branded coffee at the cafe.
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Apple’s visitor center is basically an Apple Store, a cafe, and a small range of creative merchandise. When it comes to Apple’s Infinite Loop building, you can only see it through the trees. You cannot walk right up to it because even the distant entrance is blocked off. Like Apple’s ecosystem, it is very closed.
Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00, Sun 10:00–17:00. Please check online for holiday hours as they may vary.
Note: At certain times, the lobbies on the first floors of some office buildings may be open to the public. Please check with staff prior.
How to get there: Drive to 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway and use the free visitor parking lot.
Most companies in Silicon Valley do not allow the public into their interiors. Access to google office areas and company cafeterias can only be gained with an employee escort.
Computer History Museum
Located about a 10 minute drive from Google’s headquarters, the Computer History Museum is a privately-funded museum established in 1996 and is considered to be the largest and one of the most important computing museums in the world. It has 20 exhibition areas covering everything from ancient counting methods, and the optical-disc era, to the era of personal computers, modern software, and future applications.
The effects and the pace at which technology evolves are made clear thanks to the comprehensive collections and interpretations. \n\n No reservation is required. \n\nMonday and Tuesday are museum closed.\n\nEntry to the museum costs $17.50, but students can get a discount for $13.50. \n\nIntel Museum is one of the valley's technology museum that opened in 1983. It's on the first floor of Intel's headquarters. Chinese visiting guides are in visitor services. The museum covers more than sixty years of Intel's history, the basics of chip production, major products of the company, and Robert Noyce's and Gordon Moore's stories. It's a museum that particularly satisfies serious technology enthusiasts. \n\nMonday to Friday, the museum is open from 9:00 to 18:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00.\n\nEntry to the museum is free. \n\nThe Intel Museum is located at 2200 Mission College Boulevard, Santa Clara, California. There is free parking in front of the building. \n\nThe Tech Museum of Innovation is one of the most popular museums in Silicon Valley. This is a good option for travelers who prefer an active museum. Event highlights include the Jet Pack Chair, Whack-A-Spam, Mixed Up in Space, Imagination Playground, Harnessing Energy, and a red-green color blindness test.
Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 - 15:00, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00. Closed Mondays.
Example admission is $28.
Apple Park is not open to the public. However, Apple Park Visitor Center allows guests to purchase some Apple Park merchandise, test the Vision Pro, enjoy a coffee at the cafe, and go upstairs to the terrace to enjoy the views.
Visitor Center hours are 10:00 - 18:00.
