What to Do in Palo Alto: A Local’s Guide for Solo Female Travelers

I’ve lived in the Silicon Valley area my whole life, so trust me, I know Palo Alto isn’t just for hoodie-wearing tech bros and Teslas on every corner. (Though to be clear, it does have that.) Beneath the Stanford prestige and startup buzz, there’s a charming, safe, and delightful city that’s perfect for solo female travelers looking for a mix of culture, calm, and maybe a killer cappuccino.

Whether you’re freshly retired, halfway packed, or just fantasizing about your next escape without needing a buddy or a group tour, this guide is for you. From gardens where you can read in peace to art museums that won’t leave you snoring, I’ll show you the best of Palo Alto through the eyes of a local and a woman who knows that solo travel should feel freeing, not stressful.

Let’s ditch the overwhelm and find your next “I can’t believe I did this” moment, starting right here in my own backyard.

Where to Stay in Palo Alto: Best Hotels for Solo Travelers

Hotel Keen Review: Affordable Boutique Stay in Downtown Palo Alto

_{425 High St, Palo Alto}

I chose Hotel Keen since it looked modern and cool, and it offered relatively reasonable prices. Weekends are the lower priced rates in Palo Alto, unless there is something going on at Stanford University. I was able to stay on a non-eventful Saturday night for a $150 rate through Expedia.

I drove right past the hotel, it really doesn’t stand out. Knowing it was nearby I parked in a lot which was free for the weekend. Turned out the hotel was only 1/2 a block away.

The lobby is cute, modern and very small. There’s a front desk area and a small dining area which offers coffee/tea and fruit during the day. Breakfast is served in this area each day.

Pros & Cons of My Hotel Keen Stay

My favorite parts were:

• the clean, comfortable bed
• Plenty of shelf space for putting stuff
• Keurig coffee maker in the room
• Nice, large TV with onscreen tv guide and ability to sign into my own Netflix and YouTube accounts (and a button to click to clear my personal data before I leave)

My least favorite parts were:

• My room’s view was of a wall 6ft away!
• Quite a bit of noise from other rooms/ hallway
• There was no bathroom door, only a door to separate the entry from the bedroom.

Hotel Room Video Tour: Inside Hotel Keen

Cardinal Hotel: A Retro-Chic Stay for Solo Women Travelers

_{235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto}

The Cardinal Hotel looks really cool, and if you are into historic hotels, this will be right up your alley! The Cardinal was built in 1924, and it does feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you enter.

Rooms are clean and simple, with some offering shared bathrooms. I know, shared bathrooms can sound like a hard pass, but it’s all impeccably maintained, and there’s something oddly nostalgic about it. Plus, if you prefer your own space, private ensuite options are available too.

Location-wise, it’s unbeatable. You’re steps from cafés, bookstores, and wine bars that practically beg you to sit down with a glass and journal your latest revelations. I’ve always felt completely safe here solo, and the front desk staff have a low-key charm that makes it easy to ask for whatever you need without feeling awkward.

Best Restaurants & Cafés in Palo Alto for Solo Female Travelers

Araki Sushi Palo Alto: A Local Favorite for Solo Dining

_{201 University Ave, Palo Alto}

Tucked into an unassuming little strip near downtown, Sushi Tomo is the kind of place you might walk past, until you hear the locals raving. And once you sit down at the bar, you’ll understand why. The fish is fresh, the portions are generous, and the service has that warm, familiar vibe that makes solo diners feel like regulars.

Mademoiselle Colette: A Parisian-Style Café in Palo Alto

_{499 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto}

Click here to see my full review of this decadent French Cafe!

Son & Garden: Instagrammable Brunch Spot with Floral Flair

_{535 Bryant St, Palo Alto}

Walking into Son & Garden is like stepping into your inner flower child’s fever dream. Think floral walls, pastel cocktails, chandeliers galore and food that looks almost too pretty to eat, but you absolutely should.

This place is bold, colorful, and unapologetically over the top in the best way. It’s popular with the brunch crowd, but don’t let that stop you if you’re flying solo. I’ve gone alone more than once and never felt out of place. In fact, I found it pretty freeing to soak up the atmosphere, snap a few photos, and order something just because it looked fun.

Weekday brunch is way less crowded, so you can take your time and actually hear yourself think between bites.

It’s not your typical quiet café, but if you’re in the mood for something joyful, girlie, and selfie-worthy, Son & Garden delivers.

Peninsula Creamery: Classic Diner Vibes & Legendary Milkshakes

_{900 High St, Palo Alto}

This family-owned business has been around since 1923. They serve breakfast, lunch and their specialty, milkshakes. The Peninsula Creamery was highly recommended to me by my best pal, Jimma, whose mother worked there as a teenager 60 years ago! Jimma says the milkshakes are to die for. Sadly, when I stopped by, they were closed (turns out they’re closed on Sundays). But be sure to check it out if you have a hankering for a delicious milkshake!

Rose & Crown Pub: Palo Alto’s Oldest Bar with (bonus!) British Charm

_{547 Emerson St, Palo Alto}

The Rose & Crown Pub is Palo Alto’s oldest bar. Divey, fun British Pub atmosphere with outdoor seating also.

I asked for some background on the Pub and here is the inside information I got!

Thanks for visiting us on your trip.  The bar was originally called The Alley in the late 50’s. In the 70’s it changed to Lancashire Tavern and the to Rose & Crown in 1992.  There have been visits from celebs like Julia Roberts and Steve Little.  Politicians like Nute Gingrich and many Stanford Football players that went on to become well know, like current PA resident, Andrew Luck.  The front was also used the in HBO series Silicon Valley for an episode when they were in a bar.

Crepevine: Casual Crepes & Comfort Food on University Ave

_{367 University Ave, Palo Alto}

Crepevine is a Bay Area chain. I love their menu boards! Fun to have something different.

On my last visit I got a San Francisco Savory Crepe: Fresh or smoked salmon with capers, red onions, spinach, Dijon and dill Havarti cheese. It came with a side salad and fries. Delicious!

Best Things to Do in Palo Alto (Even If You’re Traveling Alone)

Stanford Theatre: Classic Films in a Vintage Art Deco Cinema

_{221 University Ave, Palo Alto}

The Stanford Theatre alone makes Palo Alto a very worthy place to visit! It has been around since 1925 and retains the luxurious decor and even prices close to that time! (Slight exaggeration, but admission is $7 per adult for a double feature. $2.50 for a large Coke, and $1 for popcorn!) They even have a person play the organ between movies!

Check out their schedule online for the schedule of classic movies when you’re in town. Don’t miss it!

Stanford Shopping Center: Foofey Outdoor Mall for Retail Therapy

_{660 Stanford Shopping Ctr, Palo Alto, CA 94304}

Stanford Shopping Center is like if your Pinterest board came to life and offered you a free sample of hand cream while you were at it. This open-air mall is filled with fountains, flowerbeds, and stores you might not even recognize but you’ll still find yourself wandering in “just to look.”

It’s perfect for a solo afternoon when you want to walk somewhere pretty, maybe grab a macaron, and pretend you’re deciding between a $400 scarf and an artfully minimalist handbag. Spoiler: you’ll probably buy a latte and a scented candle instead, and that’s more than pretty good.

I love that it never feels chaotic here. You can stroll without dodging crowds, take breaks on shaded benches, and even chat with the occasional friendly store associate who won’t push you to buy a silk blouse “for your meetings” (as if).

If retail therapy is part of your solo travel joy, and why shouldn’t it be, this is where you go to browse, breathe, and maybe accidentally fall in love with a designer perfume you didn’t know you needed.

Anthropologie & Co.: 3 Floors of Boho Shopping Bliss

If you’ve ever walked into an Anthropologie and thought, “Yes, I could live here,” then brace yourself, Anthropologie & Co. in Palo Alto is the mega version. We’re talking three floors of boho-chic bliss, including clothes, home goods, a beauty section, and even furniture you’ll mentally redecorate your entire house around.

This is one of my favorite solo stops because no one rushes you. You can wander through candle displays, try on seven linen dresses you probably won’t buy, and spend an unreasonable amount of time debating between two ceramic mugs. It’s part boutique, part museum of things that smell amazing.

Even if you don’t leave with a bag, you’ll leave inspired. It’s like a creative reset wrapped in eucalyptus-scented air and mood lighting. And let’s be honest, sometimes the joy of solo travel is doing exactly this, getting lost in beautiful things, just for yourself.

Barron Park Donkeys: A Quirky Stop for Animal Lovers

_{3590 Laguna Ave, Palo Alto}

The Barron Park Donkeys live in a private pasture along the bike path near Bol Park. You can visit them there any time, and they may greet you at the gate, but you cannot enter the pasture. They are brought out for a walk to Bol Park on Sundays between 10:00 and 11:00 and you can meet and pet them. They are also fed at the gate on Sundays at 5:00 which is another good time to see them.

I missed the events mentioned above and must admit it was a little underwhelming seeing the donkeys. I’m not sure what I expected 😀 They were kind of hiding. Probably sick of people after their walk earlier. Bol Park is very quiet and pleasant for a walk, though. You need to walk about a quarter mile along the bike path to get to the donkey enclosure.

One sort of interesting fun fact is that the donkey in the Shrek movie franchise was based on a donkey that lived here. The animators came to film the donkey and study his movements. That donkey has since passed away, but they still do showings of Shrek in the park occasionally.

Hewlett-Packard Garage: The Birthplace of Silicon Valley

_{367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto}

This is a fun place to take a peek at while driving or walking through this lovely Palo Alto residential area. There’s not much to see except the plaque pictured below. But it is known as the Birthplace of Silicon Valley, so it’s a fun place to check off your bucket list. (But first, add it to your bucket list so you can check it off). Where would we be without the entrepreneurial spirit of good ol’ William Hewlett and David Packard?!

Rodin Sculpture Garden at Stanford: Art, Quiet, & Reflection

_{328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford}

Be sure to check out the Rodin Sculpture Garden on the Stanford University campus. It’s just outside of the Cantor Arts Center Museum. The impressive works are made of bronze cast from the originals.

When solo travelling, this is one of my favorite kinds of stops. Quiet, open-air, and deeply calming, it’s perfect for a reflective walk or a moment to just sit and think “deeeep thoughts”. The garden is free, open year-round, and often overlooked by tourists, which means it’s all the more peaceful.

Also, be sure to drive through the rest of Stanford’s beautiful campus while you’re there. You can see a fantastic view from the top of the Hoover Tower and enjoy the Romanesque design of the Stanford Memorial Church.

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden: Peaceful Garden Strolls in Palo Alton

_{1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto}

If your idea of a perfect solo afternoon includes flowers, a shaded bench, and maybe a squirrel or two for company, Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is your spot. This historic home and garden feels more like a neighbor’s lovingly tended backyard than a formal attraction, and that’s exactly the charm.

The Colonial/Georgian Revival house in the center of it all was built by 1904 for $6,039 by San Jose contractor C.A. Bates. The original house was later enhanced by minor additions.  It’s been designated a Point of Historical Interest by the State of California.

I visited in mid October so most of the blooms were gone. It must be absolutely gorgeous in Springtime and early summer here! It was still quite fragrant in some areas. I can’t wait to come back in the spring.

The garden has many paths and a huge variety of plants. It was very peaceful to wander around. If you want me to complain about something, it would be the traffic noise from the adjacent Embarcadero Road, not sure what could be done about that, though.

Bell’s Books: Iconic Indie Bookstore for Literary Wandering

_{536 Emerson St, Palo Alto}

This is a family owned, independent book store which has been around since 1935. The creaky wooden floors, shelves stacked to the ceiling, and handwritten staff picks make it clear—you’ve entered a world that’s been lovingly cared for and curated for over 90 years. And the best part? You don’t need a plan. Just walk in and follow whatever catches your eye.

This is solo travel gold. No one rushes you, no one questions your long, thoughtful perusal of the poetry shelf. You can strike up a quiet conversation with a fellow reader or just disappear into the comforting scent of old pages and good stories.

I love browsing here when I want a little quiet joy in my day. Whether you leave with a novel, a vintage postcard, or a priceless signed 1st edition of Moby Dick, Bell’s Books is the kind of place that makes a solo trip feel rich with possibility.

Mac’s Smoke Shop: Retro Newsstand & Local Memorabilia

_{534 Emerson St, Palo Alt}

This tobacco shop is right next to Bell’s Bookstore. Mac’s has been there for over 85 years. It just struck me as such a unique sight now days. Especially with the selection of newspapers available. I miss newspapers! Mac’s also has some Bay Area and Palo Alto memorabilia to check out inside.

Letter Perfect: Gifts & Stationery & Stuff Worth Browsing

3_{84 University Ave, Palo Alto}

This is a nice stationary store, which also has fun books and gift items. I just love looking in places like this to find something unique.

On my most recent visit I picked up a book called “60 Things to Do When You Turn 60“. I have a few years to go before I turn 60, but it’s been a fun, optimistic book to read. It makes me end up forgetting how old I am and then when I remember I’m still in my 50s I feel so young! 🤣 Ah, anyone else enjoy playing mind-games like this with yourself?!

The RealReal Palo Alto: Designer Consignment Finds

_{379 University Ave, Palo Alto}

If your idea of treasure hunting involves Gucci loafers and silk scarves, The RealReal is your kind of playground. This Palo Alto outpost of the high-end consignment brand is sleek, airy, and stocked with designer pieces just waiting for their next chapter, possibly in your suitcase. There was a line to get in when I walked by, BTW.

Final Tips for Solo Travel in Palo Alto

• One thing Palo Alto does not lack? Cafés. Dozens of them.  You will fit right in if you are looking for a place to work remotely. I was surprised by how many people were at cafes solo, staring at their computers very seriously on a late Saturday afternoon. I suspect Stanford students. So feel free to bring your computer and settle in!
• I wasn’t able to revisit recently, but if you are looking for a great place for a massage/spa treatment, go here: Watercourse Way Bath House Spa 165 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto. It’s been around for years and has a great reputation. Think soaking tubs, serene vibes, and the kind of reset that makes your shoulders drop two inches.
• I was going to include the Baylands Nature Preserve, which I found listed when I was researching the top Palo Alto attractions… but I checked it out and can’t recommend it. It was not very pretty, and it felt a little creepy to me with deserted paths through marshy reeds. It felt like a good “dispose of a body” spot! I probably shouldn’t say that, but heck, I want to be honest with my awesome readers! If you’re looking for a nicer place for an open space walk along the southern San Francisco Bay, check out the bay parks in Mountain View or Alviso.
• Here are a few more highly recommended places to try (which I haven’t visited yet):
  • Zareens – in the Michelin Guide as the best affordable lunch
  • Backyard Brew – Casual outdoor café
  • Zombie Runner – Another cozy café with a cult following
  • Tacolicious – The name says it all
  • President’s Terrace – The Graduate Palo Alto Hotel’s Rooftop Bar
  • Museum of American Heritage – A unique peek at tech history from 1750–1950

If you visit any of these before I do, let me know what you think, I always love hearing from my fellow travelers!

Final Thoughts: Why Palo Alto Might Be Your Next Favorite Solo Escape

Palo Alto may not be the flashiest destination on the map, but sometimes the best solo trips aren’t about bucket lists; they’re about quiet charm, safe walkable streets, and purty flowers and donkeys.

As someone who’s lived nearby my whole life, I can tell you: Palo Alto is easy to navigate, rich in simple pleasures, and surprisingly kind to solo women travelers. Especially if you’re in your second act and finally putting you at the center of the story.

AmIrightorAmIright?

Palo Alto Travel Map: Hotels, Restaurants, and Sights

You may also want to check out the other posts on Cities in Silicon Valley.

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