Northern California Outdoor Activities & Attractions
Experience the cutting edge of science at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. You'll find almost every kind of thing to do in Northern California, and then some. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, dining, or cultural pursuits, the Menlo Park Inn offers the perfect place to see and do it all.
Northern California Things To Do
Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education -
Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education gives nature lovers the opportunity to enjoy a colorful butterfly garden, wildlife habitats garden, and seeing plants and animals in their natural setting. Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education is located at 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. Hours: Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun noon-5 p.m. Call (650) 342-7755.
Allied Arts Guild -
The Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park offers the opportunity to stroll leisurely through Spanish Colonial-style buildings in a garden setting with fountains and flower-lined walkways. Artist studios, unique shops, a tea room, and a restaurant is open for lunch. Call (650) 324-2588 for lunch reservations. The Allied Arts Guild is located at 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park, California. Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free tours.Djerassi Resident Artists Program -
Djerassi Resident Artists Program in Woodside, California has hosted national and international artists seeking solitude and inspiration since 1979 and is home to a rare collection of dramatic outdoor sculptures. Tours are offered April-October. Reservations are required. Djerassi Resident Artists Program is located at 2325 Bear Gulch Road, Woodside.Call (650) 747-1250
Gamble Garden Center -
Gamble Garden Center is a colonial Georgian house built in 1902 and set on a 2.3-acre estate operated by the Palo Alto Garden Society. Self-guided tours, classes and special events are available for a fee. The spectacular gardens are also available for weddings. Gamble Garden Center is located at 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. Hours: Daily, during daylight hours. Open 9 a.m.-noon. Call (650) 329-1356.Filoli Estate -
Filoli Estate is a classic 43-room mansion built in 1917 with exquisite gardens. The 654-acre estate was used for the exterior shot of the mansion in the TV series "Dynasty" and the gardens feature a collection of more than 500 rose varieties. Filoli Estate is located on Canada Road, west of Highway 280, Woodside, California. All tours $15 per adult, $12 per senior (65 years and older), $5 children ages 5 to 17, free for children ages 4 and younger. Visit www.filoli.org for more information. Call (650) 364-8300 for times. For tour information, dial ext. 507.Hoover Tower -
The Hoover Tower is located on the Stanford University campus at the corner of Serra and Galvez Streets. The tower's observation deck offers a sweeping view of the Peninsula. Part of the Hoover Institution, it is dedicated to the study of 20th-century war, revolution and peace. Informal tours are available at the tower. Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. One of the best things to do in Northern California, call (650) 723-2053 to confirm tour availability.
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve -
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve sits on 1,200 acres of preserved land set aside by Stanford for research and education and includes Searsville Lake. Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve tours may be arranged for adults during the months of October-May. Call (650) 327-2277 for more information.Professorville Neighborhood Historic Tour -
The Professorville Neighborhood Historic Tour provides an enjoyable look at Shingle Style homes built before 1920. A self-guided tour, the residential area that has traditionally been home to Stanford professors has homes that date back to the 1880s. For more details on the Professorville Neighborhood Historic Tour, you can pick up a free brochure at the Palo Alto Main Library, Chamber of Commerce, and the Museum of American Heritage or by writing to: PAST Heritage, P.O. Box 308, Palo Alto, 94302.Stanford Linear Accelerator Center -
Ever wondered how to smash an atom? Find out at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Public tours of the 426-acre particle physics research facility offer a fascinating introduction into the workings of the electron accelerator (atom smasher). Stanford Linear Accelerator Center is located on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park. Free tours twice are held weekly, by reservation. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (650) 926-2204 to reserve Stanford Linear Accelerator Center tours and get more information.
Stanford University Campus -
The Stanford University campus is known as one of the most beautiful in the world. Start a tour of the Stanford University campus with a visit to the Visitor Information Center, which is located in the main lobby of Memorial Hall across from the Hoover Tower. Call (650) 723-3469 to learn more about Stanford University campus tours.Sunset Magazine and Gardens -
Sunset Magazine and Gardens were designed by famed landscape architect Thomas Church and represent distinct western climate zones as well as showcasing plants for each region - Central and Northern California, the Southwest, and the Northwest. Sunset Magazine and Gardens is located at Middlefield and Willow roads in Menlo Park. To learn more about free self-guided walking tours, call (650) 321-3600.U.S. Geological Survey Tours -
At the U.S. Geological Survey Tours, discover how earthquakes are monitored and then choose from an array of interesting maps available for sale.The U.S. Geological Survey Tours is located at 345 Middlefield Road in Menlo Park, California. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (650) 329-4000.
Woodside Store -
Woodside Store was built in 1854 as a country store and beautifully restored to its appearance in the 1880s. You'll be transported back in time with hands-on displays and an educational slide show that's available to pre-arranged group tours. Free admission. Tours available. Woodside Store is located at 3300 Tripp Road at Kings Mountain Road, Woodside, CA. Call (650) 851-7615.
