Birthplace of Silicon Valley: The HP Garage

Visit the Birthplace of Silicon Valley in Palo Alto, where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard launched HP and sparked a technological revolution, a landmark of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

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Birthplace of Silicon Valley

The HP Garage, located at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California, is a modest, unassuming structure with an outsized legacy: it's widely known as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley.' In 1938, Stanford graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard rented this property, using the garage as their workshop to develop their first product, the HP200A audio oscillator. This device found an early customer in Walt Disney, who used it to test sound systems for theaters showing 'Fantasia.' The company, formally founded in 1939 after a coin toss determined the name order, quickly outgrew the space, but its humble origins remain a potent symbol of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. While the garage itself is not open for public tours, visitors can view this historical landmark from the sidewalk, imagining the genesis of a technological revolution that transformed the world.

A brief summary to Birthplace of Silicon Valley

367 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, University South, California, 94301, US
Visit website

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

The HP Garage is viewable from the street only; it is not open for public tours.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Stanford University to experience the academic heart of Silicon Valley.
Check out the Computer History Museum in Mountain View for a broader perspective on the evolution of technology.

Getting There

Walking

From downtown Palo Alto or the Stanford University area, the HP Garage is easily accessible by foot. From the Palo Alto Caltrain station, it's approximately a 25-30 minute walk. Head southeast on University Avenue, turn right onto Cowper Street, then turn left onto Addison Avenue. The garage will be on your right. The walk offers a pleasant glimpse into Palo Alto's residential neighborhoods.
Public Transport

The VTA bus route 280 has stops near Addison Avenue. Check the VTA website or use a transit app for the most up-to-date schedules and connections. A single ride on VTA costs $2.50. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the garage.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palo Alto. A ride from the Palo Alto Caltrain station to the HP Garage typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on demand and traffic. Simply provide the address, 367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, as your destination.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Street parking is available, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours. Be sure to observe any parking restrictions posted on street signs. Free street parking is typically available, but time limits may apply. Check signs carefully to avoid tickets. Consider parking a few blocks away and walking if parking is scarce directly on Addison Avenue. All day parking permits are available in the downtown area for $15.00/day.

Discover more about Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined residential street near Stanford University, the HP Garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto stands as a powerful symbol of innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Silicon Valley. This unassuming, one-car garage is more than just a building; it's the recognized birthplace of the world's first high-technology region. The story begins in 1938 when two Stanford University graduates, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, embarked on their dream of starting their own company. Encouraged by their professor, Frederick Terman, who urged students to establish electronics companies locally rather than seeking opportunities in the East, Hewlett and Packard rented the ground floor of the house at 367 Addison Avenue. Crucially, the property included a garage that would serve as their initial workshop. For a mere $45 per month, the pair secured not only a workspace but also a place to live. Dave and his wife, Lucile, occupied the three-room flat, while Bill resided in a small shack located behind the garage. This humble setting became the birthplace of Hewlett-Packard (HP), a company that would revolutionize the electronics industry. Inside the 12x18-foot garage, Hewlett and Packard began developing their first product: the HP200A audio oscillator. This device, used to generate audio frequencies, proved to be a significant early success. Its precision and affordability caught the attention of Walt Disney, who purchased eight of the oscillators to test the sound systems for theaters showing his groundbreaking animated film, 'Fantasia.' This early endorsement provided HP with crucial capital and credibility. The company's name itself was determined by a coin toss, with Packard graciously conceding to place Hewlett's name first. This spirit of collaboration and innovation would become a hallmark of HP's culture. As HP's success grew, the garage quickly became too small. In 1940, the company moved to larger quarters on Page Mill Road, leaving behind the humble space where it all began. However, the significance of the Addison Avenue garage was not forgotten. In 1989, the State of California officially recognized the garage as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' cementing its place in history. HP acquired the property in 2000, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The company meticulously restored the house, garage, and shed to their 1939 condition, completing the heritage project in 2005. Today, the HP Garage is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a California Historical Landmark. While the interior is not open to the public, visitors can still experience the site's historical significance by viewing it from the sidewalk. Standing before this unassuming building, one can't help but imagine the countless hours of hard work, ingenuity, and collaboration that took place within its walls, giving rise to a technological revolution that continues to shape our world. The HP Garage serves as a reminder that even the most transformative ideas can emerge from the humblest of beginnings. It stands as a testament to the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the enduring spirit of Silicon Valley. Visiting the HP Garage offers a unique opportunity to connect with the origins of the digital age. It's a chance to pay homage to the visionaries who dared to dream big and to the place where their dreams took flight. While in Palo Alto, consider exploring other nearby attractions, such as Stanford University, the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, and the Intel Museum in Santa Clara, to gain a deeper understanding of Silicon Valley's rich history and ongoing innovation. The spirit of innovation is palpable in Palo Alto, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in technology, history, and the future.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market

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Norris House

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The Cardinal Hotel

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Telephone Co. Building (Built 1928)

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Bell's Books

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Lucie Stern Community Center

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Landmark's Aquarius Theatre

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Hostess House

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Angel of Grief

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El Palo Alto Tree - Namesake Tree of City of Palo Alto

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El Palo Alto Tree - Namesake Tree of City of Palo Alto

California Historical Landmark No. 2

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Pedro de Lemos House

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Unmissable attractions to see

Heritage Park

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The Museum of American Heritage

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Theophilus Allen House

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Masterworks Fine Art Gallery

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The Rose & Crown

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Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

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The Wine Room

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Lytton Plaza

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Main Quad

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Facebook’s First Office Plaque

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Cogswell Plaza

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Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

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Rinconada Cultural Park

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El Camino Park

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The Magic Forest

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President's Terrace

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Vino Locale

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The Patio @ Rudy's

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MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar

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Moods. Wine Bar

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Cocktailbar Santana

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Freewheel Brewing Company

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Atherton Club San Luis

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Fred's Place

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The Library & Bar

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Pool Garden Terrace at Rosewood Sand Hill

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Pool Garden Terrace at Rosewood Sand Hill

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Birthplace of Silicon Valley: The HP Garage

A brief summary to Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market

Norris House

The Cardinal Hotel

Telephone Co. Building (Built 1928)

Bell's Books

Lucie Stern Community Center

Landmark's Aquarius Theatre

Hostess House

Angel of Grief

El Palo Alto Tree - Namesake Tree of City of Palo Alto

California Historical Landmark No. 2

Pedro de Lemos House

Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy

Tootsie's at the Cantor Arts Center

Auguste Rodin - The Burghers of Calais

Unmissable attractions to see

Heritage Park

The Museum of American Heritage

Theophilus Allen House

Masterworks Fine Art Gallery

The Rose & Crown

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

The Wine Room

Lytton Plaza

Main Quad

Facebook’s First Office Plaque

Cogswell Plaza

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

Rinconada Cultural Park

El Camino Park

The Magic Forest

Essential places to dine

TAVERNA

Saint Michael's Alley

Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Thyme

Zola + BarZola

Reposado

Osteria Toscana

Ethel's Fancy

Nobu Restaurant Palo Alto

Telefèric Barcelona Palo Alto

Son & Garden

Nola

Ettan

Il Fornaio

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Cassis

Romi Boutique

Five Ten Gifts

Hudson Grace

Diptyque Town and Country

Good Vibrations Palo Alto

Blue Bin Vintage Palo Alto

United Nations Association Gift Shop

Dolma Tibetan Handicraft

Una Gift Shop

Town & Country Village

G V Palo Alto

EVEREVE

The RealReal

Ruti | Palo Alto

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Scotty's Bar & Grill

SliderBar Restaurant