Free & Cheap Things to Do in Palo Alto, CA

  • The list below includes 604 free or cheap things to do in or near Palo Alto, California, including 126 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Movie Theaters and Hiking Trails.
  • From Stanford University to The Dish - Stanford Foothills, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Palo Alto and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, San Jose and Los Altos.
  • The list below includes 604 free or cheap things to do in or near Palo Alto, California, including 126 different types of inexpensive activities like Parks, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Movie Theaters and Hiking Trails.
  • From Stanford University to The Dish - Stanford Foothills, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Palo Alto and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, San Jose and Los Altos.
Showing 11-20 of 1141
0.0 Miles
Professional artists give step-by-step instructions that teach guests how to recreate works of art while enjoying wine and cocktails
1.6 Miles
88% 287 votes
Observation Decks Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 95319 MoreLess Info
Stanford University's Hoover Tower soars above the rest of the campus, and its bells are audible for miles. The tower has 48 bells that were imported from Belgium. Visitors are welcome to ascend the tower on foot.
0.3 Miles
86% 147 votes
Botanical Gardens 1431 Waverly Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 MoreLess Info
Nestled in Palo Alto, California, the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is a non-profit institution that offers free admission and a huge selection of seasonal flora. The Garden also houses a horticultural reference library.
0.3 Miles
87% 130 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas East end of Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306 MoreLess Info
Nature lovers always enjoy visiting the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto, California. The Preserve is open throughout the year and features hiking trails, rentable event facilities and acres of pristine marshland.
0.1 Miles
86% 57 votes
Swimming Pool 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 MoreLess Info
Rinconada Pool is a swimming pool offering several swimming related opportunities. The pool hosts lap swim sessions, recreational swimming sessions, swimming lessons, fitness classes, camps, and special events. The pool is also available for private party hosting.
4.2 Miles
78% 85 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA MoreLess Info
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve is a good place to go to hike and spot some wildlife. Coyote, hawks, and rabbits are some of the animals you might find here.
1.8 Miles
86% 21 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA MoreLess Info
Hiking, camping and studying the wildlife and ecosystem diversity are some of the things Monte Bello open space preserve has to offer. It also has some nice views od the Pacific Ocean and of San Francisco Bay.
0.6 Miles
59% 136 votes
Historic Homes 367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 MoreLess Info
Sitting on Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California, the Hewlett Packard Garage is the birthplace of the international technology company. The unimposing garage remains just as it was in 1939, the year Hewlett Packard was founded.
1.1 Miles
98% 373 votes
Movie Theaters 221 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 MoreLess Info
Palo Alto's The Stanford Theatre is dedicated to the art of cinema and its role in American culture. The theater has a Wurlitzer organ for silent film screenings, and frequently hosts independent festivals.
1.1 Miles
95% 475 votes
Arts Centers Lomita Dr. and Museum Way, Palo Alto, CA MoreLess Info
Situated inside the Stanford campus, Cantor Arts Center houses a variety of artworks from all over the world spanning the time period of many centuries. The temporary galleries showcase more contemporary work. The adjoining Rodin Sculpture Garden is also beautiful. Admission is free.
1.5 Miles
90% 881 votes
Malls 680 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304 MoreLess Info
Palo Alto's finest mall is The Stanford Shopping Center. The complex includes major clothing retailers, sourvenir shops, department stores, a hair salon and a variety of restaurants in its food court.
Showing 11-20 of 1141
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