Birthplace of Silicon Valley: The HP Garage

Visit the Birthplace of Silicon Valley in Palo Alto, where Hewlett-Packard began in a humble garage, sparking a technological revolution that transformed the world.

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Birthplace of Silicon Valley

The unassuming house and garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto mark the spot where William Hewlett and David Packard launched their groundbreaking company, Hewlett-Packard, in 1939. Often called the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' this humble one-car garage served as their initial workshop, research lab, and manufacturing facility. Though not open for tours, the site is a pilgrimage for tech enthusiasts eager to witness the origin of a technological revolution. Visitors can view the property from the sidewalk, imagining the innovative spirit that sparked in this quiet residential neighborhood near Stanford University. The site stands as a testament to American ingenuity and the power of entrepreneurial dreams, forever enshrined as a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

Respect the neighborhood's privacy as it's a residential area. Keep noise levels down and avoid blocking driveways.
Take photos from the sidewalk, as the property is not open to the public. Capture the essence of this historic landmark.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Stanford University to explore more of the area's academic and innovative history.

Getting There

Walking

From the Palo Alto Caltrain Station (University Avenue), the HP Garage is approximately a 25-30 minute walk. Head southwest on University Avenue, then turn left onto Middlefield Road. Continue onto Addison Avenue. The destination will be on your right. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk through a residential neighborhood.
Public Transport

From the Palo Alto Transit Center, you can take the Line 22 bus towards East Palo Alto. Get off at the Middlefield Road & Addison Avenue stop. The HP Garage is a short walk east on Addison Avenue. A single ride on the bus costs $2.50.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-share from the Palo Alto Caltrain station to 367 Addison Avenue will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for the ride.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto. Please be aware that parking in the immediate vicinity is limited to street parking and can be challenging to find, especially during peak hours. Consider parking a few blocks away and walking. Free street parking is available, but check for any posted restrictions. Several parking lots are available in downtown Palo Alto, about a 15-20 minute walk away, with all-day permits costing $15.

Discover more about Birthplace of Silicon Valley

The house and garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California, stand as a monument to innovation and the genesis of Silicon Valley. It was here, in 1939, that William Hewlett and David Packard, two Stanford graduates, began their partnership, laying the foundation for what would become the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP). This unassuming property, now a pilgrimage site for tech enthusiasts, represents the humble beginnings of a technological revolution that transformed the world. In the late 1930s, Stanford University, under the guidance of Dean of Engineering Frederick Terman, encouraged its faculty and graduates to remain in the area and cultivate a high-tech region. Hewlett and Packard were among the first to heed this call, renting the lower level flat, shed, and garage of the Addison Avenue property for a mere $45 a month. With just $538 in capital, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey, utilizing the garage as their workshop, research lab, and manufacturing facility. The HP Garage is more than just a physical location; it's a symbol of the American entrepreneurial spirit. It was within these walls that Hewlett and Packard developed their first product, the HP200A audio oscillator. This device, designed to test audio frequencies, quickly gained recognition for its superior performance and affordability. One of its earliest and most significant customers was Walt Disney Studios, which purchased eight oscillators to test and optimize the audio systems for theaters showing the groundbreaking animated film, Fantasia. The success of the HP200A propelled Hewlett-Packard forward, leading to rapid growth and expansion. By 1940, the company had outgrown the garage and moved to larger quarters nearby. However, the Addison Avenue property remained a cherished symbol of the company's origins. Over the years, it became a de facto landmark, attracting visitors from around the world who sought to witness the birthplace of Silicon Valley. In 1989, the garage was officially dedicated as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' solidifying its place in history. Recognizing the importance of preserving this heritage, HP acquired the property in 2000 and undertook a meticulous restoration project to return the house, garage, and shed to their 1939 condition. The restoration, completed in 2005, involved extensive research and careful attention to detail, ensuring that the property accurately reflected its historical appearance. 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 are welcome to view and photograph the property from the sidewalk. Standing before this modest building, one can't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration, contemplating the profound impact that Hewlett and Packard had on the world. The surrounding neighborhood of Addison Avenue is a quiet, residential area, reflecting the unassuming nature of the garage itself. Tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes create a peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling tech campuses and corporate headquarters that now dominate Silicon Valley. The HP Garage serves as a reminder that even the most transformative innovations can emerge from the humblest of beginnings. Visiting the HP Garage is a unique experience, offering a glimpse into the past and a connection to the spirit of innovation that defines Silicon Valley. It's a place to reflect on the power of dreams, the importance of collaboration, and the enduring legacy of two men who dared to change the world. While you cannot step inside, simply standing on the sidewalk, imagining the clatter of tools and the spark of ideas, is enough to ignite the imagination and inspire future generations of innovators. The legacy of Hewlett-Packard extends far beyond the walls of the Addison Avenue garage. The company's contributions to electronics, computing, and imaging technologies have shaped the modern world. From oscilloscopes and calculators to printers and personal computers, HP products have touched the lives of billions of people. The company's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service has made it one of the most respected and admired technology companies in history. The HP Garage stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the enduring legacy of Silicon Valley. It is a place where history was made, and where the future continues to be inspired. A visit to this unassuming property is a must for anyone interested in technology, innovation, or the American dream.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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The Wine Room

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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

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Book tours with entry

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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