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A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO STUDY

Stanford's 8,180-acre campus combines breathtaking beauty with resources powerful enough to make nearly anything possible.

We are pleased to offer a variety of ways for prospective students and their supporters to learn more about Stanford University, student life, and the undergraduate admission process.

Discover Stanford through a campus visit

Join us on the beautiful Stanford campus to Discover Stanford and get a glimpse of student life! Campus visit options are generally available Monday through Friday.

Register for a live, virtual "visit"

Nothing can replace visiting a college campus, but we are happy to offer virtual visit programming for those who are unable to visit in person.

Participate in a seasonal program or event near you

Each fall and periodically throughout the year, our office offers programs and events where students can learn more about the admission process and Stanford University.

View a pre-recorded information session

This session introduces high school students and prospective transfers to undergraduate education and life at Stanford University.

Explore campus through our self-guided tours

If you are unable to visit campus or come when tours aren’t available, check out our self-guided tours and virtual experiences to learn more about the Stanford campus.

See self-guided tours

Peruse our resources for counselors and educators

College counselors from high schools and community based non-profit organizations are invited to learn more about our process and how best to connect with our office.

Please note that while we have resumed campus tours and other programming for prospective students, most Stanford offices, departments, and indoor facilities remain closed to the public.

Events that require registration do so purely for planning purposes. Stanford does not track demonstrated interest as part of the admission process. Engagement through our programming is optional and will not be part of the review of your application.

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Lost and found items

Please note, found items that were turned in during Family Weekend will be held until two weeks after the event. To inquire if your lost item was turned in and coordinate pickup, please email  [email protected] .

Self-Guided Tours

Explore the Stanford campus in person with self-guided tours and limited docent-led tours, and online with virtual experiences. Links with an arrow indicate an external site.

Please note that the limited docent-led tours may have strict capacity limits and/or other entry criteria. Hours and access to some areas may be limited.

Self-Guided Tour Map - Stanford Campus

Shows Visitor Center, self-guided tour route, points of interest with descriptions, and photo locations. Also includes additional options not shown on the indicated route, such as the Arts District, Athletics District, and Campus Residences.

Self-Guided Tour of Stanford Gardens

Welcome to Stanford! Those who work and study on this beautiful campus are fortunate to enjoy a variety of diverse gardens with an ever-changing palette of colors, scents, and animal visitors. If you love gardens and trees, Stanford is an excellent place to experience them.

Stanford Public Art Tours on Stanford Mobile

Explore Stanford's expansive public art collection on campus or virtually with the newest mobile feature, Public Art Tours.

Stanford Arts District and Other Arts Facilities

The vibrant Arts District now marks the entrance to campus on either side of Palm Drive. World class museums, a premier concert hall, and expansive academic space dedicated to Art & Art History have joined other existing campus venues to create a thriving home for the arts at Stanford.

Stanford Athletics District

Self-guided tour of the Stanford Athletics District fields and facilities.

Huang Engineering Center Innovations Tour

These touchstone artifacts scattered throughout the Huang Engineering Center illustrate the kinds of world-changing innovations that have emerged from the School of Engineering.

Curious objects around Stanford campus

Witness to more than 130 years of history, the Stanford campus is full of interesting – and in some cases, mysterious – items, dispersed throughout the grounds. With abundant help from the Stanford community, Stanford News highlights a few.

Please note: some objects and locations may not be publicly accessible

Architecture at Stanford

LBRE offers two self-guided tours that highlight architecture and landscape across campus. Each tour should take about 60-120 minutes depending on the number of stops and your personal interest. The tour can be completed in half the time on a bike and can be split into shorter segments as well.

Arch. & Landscape at Stanford 1990-2005 and Architecture at Stanford 2000-2020 

Each self-guided tour is available as a printable 11x17 pdf or via mobile app.

Stanford and the 1906 Earthquake Self-Guided Walking Tour

Amidst the physical destruction to the Stanford campus from the 1906 earthquake rose the resolve of the young university to rebuild. Though far from the total “Destruction of Great Stanford University” that was reported in the newspapers of the day, Stanford's buildings did suffer tremendous damage. While most buildings of the inner Quad survived, Memorial Church was almost completed destroyed as were the newly built Library and Gymnasium. See the online Quake '06 Centennial Walking Tour , or download the pdf map below.

Trees of Stanford

These maps enable one to visit and get acquainted with particular trees and learn their names. A major step on the path to familiarity is learning a name; thus armed, the explorer can look up information and talk to others about discoveries.

Memorial Church

Stone carvings, mosaics, and stained glass make Stanford Memorial Church the University’s architectural crown jewel. It was one of the earliest, and is still among the most prominent, interdenominational churches in the West.

Memorial Church will be open to families for self-guided tours on Friday, February 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Limited Docent-Led Tour A limited docent-led tour will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Denning House

Denning House is the convening space for Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University. Denning House is an award-winning, gorgeous timber-framed facility overlooking Lake Lagunita on the Stanford campus. 

Limited Docent-Led Tours Friday, February 23, 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 - 1:30 p.m.: Limited to 15 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive on time; latecomers will not be admitted. Meet at 580 Lomita Drive for the guided tour.

The d.school (Hasso Plattner Institute of Design) wants to co-design our tour with you! We want to know what you want to know. Come by for an interactive prototype of our new tours program, rebooted since the pandemic shut it down. We'll run you through a bit of history, our new programs, and show you what we love about the school - would love to see you there.

Limited Docent-Led Tours Saturday, February 24, 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. The d.school is located in Building 550 on Panama Mall . Please enter through either of the doors marked with red stars on this map and join us in the Atrium. Our capacity is 45 people per tour. The first 45 people to check in will get a sticker. Please arrive around 5 minutes early.

Visit the Arts

Experience the creativity and imagination of the arts at Stanford. See information about self-guided arts tours, limited student and docent-led tours and more. 

David Rumsey Map Center at Green Library

The David Rumsey Map Center, opened in April 2016, combines world-class collections of historic and rare maps and atlases with modern digital cartographic technologies. Tour the Center with a curator and view the historic architecture of the Bing Wing of Green Library.

Limited Docent-Led Tour A limited docent-led tour will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tour capacity: 30 people. Meet at the Bing Wing entrance of Green Library by 11 am, entrance facing Memorial Church ( Green Library, 459 Lasuen Mall )

SVA: Silicon Valley Archives/Hohbach Hall at Green Library

The Silicon Valley Archives/Hohbach Hall at Green Library are the world’s greatest repository of materials related to the history and development of Silicon Valley. Even in a place where so much attention is focused on the future, it is important to value the past. Also included will be a tour of the newly opened Hohbach Hall.

Limited Docent-Led Tour A limited docent-led tour will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 11:35 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tour capacity: 30 people. Meet at the Bing Wing entrance of Green Library by 11 am, entrance facing Memorial Church ( Green Library, 459 Lasuen Mall )

Campus Walks

Enjoy the campus and its surrounding area with a number of themed walks or trails on the Community Engagement website.

Stanford Dish

See gorgeous views of campus and the bay on this 3.5-mile trail. No pets or animals allowed within the Dish Area except trained service animals. The Dish is a special area to both Stanford and the surrounding communities, and it serves many purposes. The Dish itself is a radio telescope that is still in use. Other research and teaching programs also use the dish area. 

Hours during Family Weekend: 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. See the Dish website for current status. You can also walk the dish virtually with this self-guided virtual field trip .

Please note that on Sunday, February 25 the dish trail will be closed from 6:30 a.m - 12:00 p.m. for the  annual Stanford Dish Run . The Dish Run is open to all but registration is required , and the cost to participate for general public is $35, students $30.

O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm

The O'Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm is Stanford's living laboratory for hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture. If you would like to experience the farm, we encourage you to visit during our general operating hours on Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower is the historic home of the Library & Archives and the Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck and Carillon. Visitors can view portions of the collection in the ground floor exhibition galleries and see the historic Belgian carillon on the 14th floor observation deck, which also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The central floors of the tower contain offices and purpose built stacks which hold part of the Library & Archives collections, but are closed to the public.

Self-guided tours are available on Friday, February 23, 2024 and Satuday, February 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No reservations required.

Stanford Libraries

Stanford Libraries are home to many interesting collections and exhibits. Please note that access during the weekend may be limited, see the Stanford Libraries page for more information. You can also visit virtually and explore the vast collection of online exhibits and resources. 

Stanford Visitor Center

Meet with staff at the Stanford Visitor Center. The Visitor Center will be open from Tuesday, February 20 through Friday, February 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The staff will be available to help provide information on how to tour the campus on your own, whether navigating via our self-guided tour map or any of the many resources available under the  "Explore Campus" tab  on the Stanford visitor website at:  visit.stanford.edu/explore-campus .

The Oval and Palm Drive

The Oval and Palm Drive mark the gateway to the University. The Oval serves as a relaxing spot for students, faculty, and community members to have picnics, play volleyball, and enjoy the California weather. Palm Drive, lined with roughly 150 Canary Island palm trees, leads to University Avenue and downtown Palo Alto.

Stanford Bookstore

Purchase some Stanford gear while on campus. Visit the  bookstore website  for open hours and more information.

Arizona Cactus Garden

The garden, also known as the Cactus Garden, was designed for Jane and Leland Stanford by landscape architect Rudolf Ulrich between 1881 and 1883. During the early years of the university, the Cactus Garden became the meeting place for many courting Stanford students.  Visit this iconic campus destination.

Main Quad & Memorial Court

Frederick Law Olmsted planned and designed the Quad in Richardson Romanesque and Mission Revival architectural style. The Quad holds Stanford’s 12 original classrooms from its opening in 1891. Today it houses the School of Humanities & Sciences and is home to many Stanford traditions, such as Senior Dinner on the Quad for graduating seniors. Memorial Court is the main entrance to the Main Quad from Palm drive and features several sculptures by Auguste Rodin.

Lake Lagunita

Lake Lagunita is still a beautiful pace to go for a run, walk or just enjoy the view. 

Stanford Family Mausoleum and Angel of Grief

Visit the Stanford Mausoleum Area  to see the Stanford Family Mausoleum; the Stanford Family statue; the Angel of Grief.

Terman Fountain

Visit a new fountain on campus. This is a popular location for students to wade and relax in while on campus.

Meyer Green

Stanford's newest open space features curving walkways and gentle grassy slopes surrounded by groves of eucalyptus and cedar. Read about the opening of Meyer Green.

Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden

This garden contains 40 wood and stone carvings of people, animals, and magical beings that illustrate creation stories and cultural traditions. Ten artists from the inland Sepik River area created the sculptures on-site during a five-month visit in 1994. Visit this iconic campus destination.

Garden Tour

Discover the location of each garden on campus, including descriptions of the history, features, and notable plants.

Virtual Campus Walk

Follow the path for a virtual self-guided walking tour featuring photos and information about many sites of central campus.

Student-narrated 360° tour

Take a 360° guided video tour of the Stanford University campus.

University Archaeology Collections

The Stanford University Archaeology Collections (SUAC) is Stanford's home for hands-on artifact study. SUAC presents original, rotating exhibits of artifacts and photographs from our cultural heritage collections, spanning disciplines, periods, and global cultures.

See  SUAC's Events Page  for details about exhibits currently on view at the Archaeology Center. See the  Archaeology Center's Events Page  for information about talks, conferences, and other events held there. 

Cultivating Community Through Campus Planning

A virtual tour of the past, present, and future of Stanford architecture, landscape, and planning. Discover popular and unseen parts of the campus and the thought processes and values behind their evolution.

School of Humanities and Sciences Virtual Tour

The School of Humanities and Sciences, encompassing 23 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs, is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. This virtual video tour will give you a taste of our beautiful spaces and offerings.

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve

Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve (JRBP) is located near Stanford University's campus in the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Experience this beautiful preserve virtually and learn how the field station provides undergraduate educational experiences and plays an active role in educating the general public. Please note: Jasper Ridge is not open to the public during Family Weekend.

Sidewalk Safari | Part-time Travel Blog

What to see at stanford university: 10 cool spots on campus.

1. Great Chemistry

2. Hoover Tower

3. Memorial Church

4. Time Capsules

5. Tressider Union

6. Birdwatching

7. Lake Lagunita

8. Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden

9. The Gates of Hell

10. Solar Charging Stations

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Things to do near Stanford University on a Campus Visit

Are you planning a Stanford campus visit? Congratulations on getting to this point in your college journey and best of luck with the challenging process ahead. Stanford University has a stunning campus that will certainly entice you or your student to throw his/her/their hat in the ring for a chance at a coveted admission spot.

While touring the Stanford campus is going to be your main priority, make sure you check out some of the other fun things to do near Stanford while you are in town. After all, if you end up a Stanford Cardinal, you will be spending a lot of time in Palo Alto.

First and foremost, there are a few things you should know about visiting Stanford:

• You need to pre-register if you want to take a Stanford campus tour or attend an information session. No walk-ins are allowed.
• No more than four people for party are allowed on Stanford campus tours.
• Make sure you check tour availability before planning your trip to Palo Alto (especially if you are flying.)
• Visitors can otherwise take a self-guided tour.

What to See on a Stanford Campus Visit 

Whether you’re walking in or driving to campus, I recommend entering Stanford from Palm Drive . This scenic stretch leads into the Stanford Ova l revealing a postcard worthy view of the historic quad and Hoover Tower .

The first of several possible campus encounters with French sculptor Auguste Rodin is just outside the quad. The six figures known as the Burghers of Calais cast quite a presence. In fact, they often appear in visitor Instagram feeds and selfies. 

If you’d like more Rodin in your day, I have good news for you. The Rodin Sculpture Garden is just a 10-minute walk from this spot. The left wing of the adjacent Cantor Arts Center houses 170 more pieces. Stanford has the largest Rodin collection outside of France.

If you enjoyed your outdoor art experience with Rodin, it might interest you to know that there are 80 more outdoor art works around campus including the spectacular Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden .  

Stanford has a lot of eateries to choose from but, I have three favorites. You simply can’t beat the location of Tootsie’s at the Cantor !  Overlooking the Rodin Sculpture Garden, there is nothing like a leisurely lunch on the café terrace.

The Coffee House , often referred to as the CoHo, is a favorite student hangout. Located in the Student Union, the place is packed whenever there’s live music or a game on the TVs.

The Treehouse is a great place to give prospective students a peek at campus life. This go-to spot is an ideal place to study while filling up on thick crust pizza and Mexican food. 

If you are taking a guided tour, you will want to head to the Visitor Center . If you are taking a self-guided tour, in addition to the spots mentioned above, you may want to follow these self-guided tour itineraries .

Things to do Near Stanford University Campus 

Whether visiting a student or simply touring the storied university, you’ll find many fun things to do near Stanford University. Referred to as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto wasn’t always all about tech.

Palo Alto was once known for its orchards and agriculture. In fact, Stanford University was founded on what was once the Stanford family farm. Here are some suggestions for things to do in Palo Alto on a Stanford University college visit.

Hewlett-Packard Garage

Remember when I mentioned that Palo Alto is the birthplace of Silicon Valley? The exact location of that birth is on Addison Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. The iconic Hewlett-Packard Garage is where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard launched HP and inspired every garage-based tech startup afterwards.

You can’t go inside any longer and tucked behind a quaint home, it can only be seen from the sidewalk. However, there’s a sizeable historical marker detailing its history out front.  It may not seem like much but, it represents hallowed history in these parts. 

The Stanford Theatre

While bustling University Avenue is filled with upscale shops, it also has a classic movie palace. The Stanford Theatre offers a movie-going experience befitting of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Younger establishments around it have come and gone yet this 1920’s theater still features classic films. Time your visit for a show accompanied by the Wurlitzer organ. 

Palo Alto Farmer’s Market

Another unexpected stop is the Palo Alto Farmers Market . It’s set up every Saturday behind the post office. The all-volunteer run effort gives its annual revenues to a non-profit organization helping seniors. The Farmer’s Market has been operating for 40 years!

Downtown has numerous fine dining spots perfect for spoiling a student existing on campus fare. Despite this, you may be been in for an education on Sushiritto or Ramen Nagi.

University Avenue Restaurants

Downtown Palo Alto is walkable district centered on University Avenue and bounded on the west by El Camino Real, on the east by Middlefield Road, on the north by Lytton Avenue, and on the south by Homer Avenue. My personal favorite downtown brunch spot is Local Union 271 . The atmosphere is relaxed, and the dishes contain all farm-sourced ingredients.  

Other favorites are Tamarine , a modern Vietnamese restaurant, Reposado , a high-end Mexican restaurant, and Oren’s Hummus , an affordable authentic Israeli restaurant.

Stanford Shopping Center

Located alongside Stanford University, the toney Stanford Shopping Center is the ultimate in retail therapy.  An open-air mall with vibrant flower gardens, there are more than 140 stores and an array of restaurants to explore. Don’t forget to treat yourself while you’re picking up basics for your college student! Why do we moms always seem to forget that? 

Drive Worthy Things to do in or Near Palo Alto  

If you can take some time away from your student or college visit to explore the area, plan on hiking the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Reserve . The largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay, this gem near Highway 101 is easily missed. Enjoy 15 miles of trails that wind their way past unique tidal and freshwater habitats.  

Continuing south on Highway 101, the Googleplex is about a 10-minute drive away in neighboring Mountain View.  The Google Store is a fun stop. Located on the Google campus, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the Android themed sculpture garden.

The nearby Computer History Museum provides a fascinating timeline of computing technology through the ages. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Stanford Engineering graduate to understand it!.

San Jose is another 20 minutes south on 101. The largest city in Northern California, San Jose is a sprawling metropolis. It’s home to three professional sports teams, the Tech Interactive museum and the quirky Winchester Mystery House . It also has a colorful downtown nightlife with lots of unique restaurants and live music venues to enjoy.  

Where to Stay While Visiting Stanford University 

It’s easy to headquarter yourself close to Stanford University. There’s a trio of Palo Alto hotels between two university gates. All are only a 15-minute walk to campus. They’re also a 20-minute stroll from the heart of downtown Palo Alto’s main drag, University Avenue. Parking is challenging in both these areas so walkability can save a lot of time. 

The Westin Palo Alto offers a mid-range option for those who like luxury without straining their budget. Sheraton Palo Alto has a garden-style layout with an enclosed courtyard should you need to “take a minute.”  (Trust me, college tours have that effect on moms!) The splurge-worthy Clement Hotel is an all-inclusive retreat which makes for a more pampered experience. 

Getting Ready for College? Read these…

• College packing list for guys
• Things to do before college

Visiting Other Schools? Find out how to plan a visit to…

• University of Michigan Ann Arbor
• Case Western Reserve University
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Wisconsin Madison

Kristine lives in Mountain View, CA. She recently launched a mechanical engineering major from the nest. When she isn’t angling to visit her college student, she’s planning her next travel adventure and writing about it. She currently contributes to Trekaroo and the Hilton Suggests Travel Blog. Follow her on Instagram @kdworkin.

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Connecting Stanford and its neighbors as we stay home

 "As we all get through this unprecedented time together, Stanford University is pleased to share some of our favorite opportunities to experience campus virtually. We hope the links below help you maintain connections with the campus, and our many avenues for learning, reflection, and hope."

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Stanford Arts shares concerts and museum tours to enjoy while you’re stuck at home.

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Stanford will resume requiring either the SAT or the ACT for undergraduate admission, beginning with students applying in fall 2025 for admission to the Class of 2030. Stanford will remain test-optional for students applying in fall 2024 for admission to the Class of 2029.

Test scores represent only one part of a holistic review of each applicant to the university, for which academic potential is the primary criterion for admission. Performance on standardized tests is an important predictor of academic performance at Stanford, a review by the faculty Committee on Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid has confirmed. The renewed testing requirement will allow Stanford to consider the fullest array of information in support of each student’s application.

Stanford paused its testing requirement in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with students applying to the Class of 2025. Since then, undergraduate applicants to Stanford have been welcome to submit test scores but have not been required to do so.

The university is reinstating the test requirement in a manner that will allow all students enough lead time to plan and prepare for testing. Scores from the SAT or ACT will only be required beginning with students applying in fall 2025 for admission to the Class of 2030.

Stanford will continue to review applicants in context, and to consider each piece of an application as part of an integrated and comprehensive whole. More specifically, the university evaluates academic achievement and potential in the context of each student’s background, educational pathway, work and family responsibilities, and other factors. Additional information is available on the Undergraduate Admission website .

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Images courtesy Neuromuscular Biomechanics Lab, Christophe Wu, and Linda A. Cicero, Stanford University, and Oleksandr/stock.adobe.com. Wound-healing icon by Servier https://smart.servier.com/ is licensed under CC-BY 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ (Uncovering the pathways that lead to scarring or regeneration News Article) 

Students stage pro-Palestinian walkout at Stanford commencement

Hundreds of students streamed out of commencement at California's Stanford University on Sunday as part of the spring wave of pro-Palestinian protests on American college campuses.

The students stood and exited at the beginning of a speech by outgoing university President Richard Saller, who read: “Don’t let your convictions shut out your ability to listen and learn.”

Videos verified by NBC News showed the commencement as students in black robes and Cardinal-red trim calmly marched away from their seats on the field at Stanford Stadium.

The would-be graduates were cheered on by cohorts at the stadium. The institution did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

A group called Stanford Against Apartheid in Palestine organized an "alternative graduation" set to take place after the official commencement, according to a post on its Instagram page.

The event just off-campus, in Menlo Park, was organized to support fellow students it said were prohibited from Sunday's campus ceremonies after they were arrested at previous pro-Palestinian protests.

"Join us TODAY to celebrate and honor our arrested comrades who will have their degrees withheld for fighting against genocide," the group's post said.

More than a dozen protesters were arrested June 5 after they briefly took over the president’s office at Stanford, authorities said.

Some were suspended from school, they said.

The participants were part of pro-Palestinian protests calling for the institution to divest from Israel amid its war with Hamas.

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.