Palo Alto has some cool places to visit. Here are some of my favorites.

Vin Vino (Unique Shopping, Wine Tasting) This small wine store offers excellent wine but don’t miss it’s wine tastings which really make it a gem. For you wine buyers out there, note this store manages to get allocations on hard to acquire wines.

Vino Locale (Wine Tasting). Although I’ve listed wineries you can visit in the area, come to Vino Locale is you want one stop shopping for local wine tastings served in a pleasant garden setting.

Woods Wine Bar (Wine Tasting). This is another unique place to stop in for a glass of wine or to sample a few unique wines.

President’s Terrace (Unique Eatery/Bar) Set atop the Graduate Hotel, this rooftop bar is a wonderful place to view the sunset.

The Museum of American Heritage (History). This is an interesting museum with a rotation of interesting exhibits such as medical devices of the 1900s, antique typewriters. It’s open Friday-Sunday

Hewlett Packard Garage. (History) Considered the birthplaces of Silicon Valley, this is where it all started in the garage of this lovely house. You can snap a photo of the history plaque and see the outside of the garage.

El Palo Alto / Portola Campsite (History). This is the tree which gave Palo Alto it’s name. It’s also thought to be a campsite when Portola and his gang of military camped.

Palo Alto Art Center (Art). There are number of exhibits here for you to peruse. And, if you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity this may be a good find.

Bryant Street Gallery (Art)

Pacific Art Center (Art) Come stroll through their art classes or join a class/workshop. As this is right in the heart of downtown Palo Alto is a perfect quick outing after a coffee at one of hte downtown cafes.

Letter Perfect (Unique Shopping). I have been shopping at Letter Perfect for decades. Not only do they have unique hand crafted cards by local artists but Gwen is so friendly and remembers so many of her customers (including my whole family). Recently childrens books, toys and jigsaw puzzles have been added to the stationery offerings.

Bell’s Books (Unique Shopping) This is a great place to shop if you’re looking for rare books. They also have children’s classics and new books.

United Nations Association Gift Shop (Unique Shopping) Unique gifts can be found there from around the world, particularly from developing nations.

Alegio Chocolates (Unique Shopping) Claudio is the master behind this unique chocolate shop. This store specializes in chocolate from San Tome and Principe island. Often in December they sell bon bons from my favorite chocolate store in NYC, Chocolate Moderne.

Palo Alto Flea Market (Unique Shoppinge) On the second Saturday of the month, Palo Alto High School offers its parking lot to vendors for a monthly flea market. I just bought a stack of jigsaw puzzles there but often find great cooking tools such as rolling pins and cast iron skillets (since they are used they are already seasoned :))

Palo Alto Library Sale (Unique Shopping). This competes with the flea market on the second Saturday each month but it is well work doing both. Not only is there a huge collection of used books to buy but also I’ve found board games, greeting cards and art.

Grocery Outlet (Unique Shopping) It’s a treasure hunt here for great bargains. This is a great store curated for its Palo Alto customers. I love their high quality yet medium sized eggs, chocolate (I recently bought Theo chocolate bars for $1.50), Alba shampoo, Strauss yogurt, Its Its.

Palo Alto Lawnbowlers Club (Sports) Come watch lawnbowling, take a free lesson (Sundays 1:30pm) or become a member at this unique sports club.

Putters Mimi Golf (Sports) Enjoy a bagel from Izzy’s on California Ave and play mini golf right in front.

Russian Ridge (Outdoors) This is chock full of great hiking trails and is spectacular in the springtime with its profusion of wildflower blooms.

Foothills Park (Outdoors) Once a private park for Palo Alto residents only this park is now open to all. It’s a great place for a hike or a bbq but you can also pitch a tent and camp overnight. It’s a great place for stargazing.

Arastradero Preserve (Outdoors) This is a nice place for a hike and a visit to their interpretive center. After that, head to Rosatti’s for a bite to eat just down the road.

POST Peninsula Open Space Trust (Outdoors) Headquartered in Palo Alto yet spanning the Peninsula and South Bay, this organization buys up private land and transforms it into public space. Enjoy their hiking trails and field guide on your own or join one of their events.

Gamble Garden (Gardens) Elizabeth Gamble of Procter and Gamble fame donated this property to the Palo Alto. It’s a lovely garden which is great for a strol and fantastic for photos. Free entrance. Each spring they sponsor a unique tour of the lovely gardens in the neighborhood.