Cogswell Plaza: A Downtown Oasis
A peaceful downtown Palo Alto park with shaded benches, flower beds, and a rich history.
Cogswell Plaza is a small, peaceful park in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, offering a tranquil escape with shaded benches, flower beds, and a walking path. Named after Elinor Cogswell, a former editor of the Palo Alto Times, the park provides a green space for relaxation and informal gatherings.
A brief summary to Cogswell Plaza
- Palo Alto, Downtown North, California, 94301, US
Local tips
- Enjoy a quiet lunch break on one of the shaded benches.
- Visit the Memorial Grove to honor the fallen Palo Alto Police Department officers.
- Check local event listings for occasional concerts or community gatherings at the plaza.
Getting There
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Walking
Cogswell Plaza is located in downtown Palo Alto, easily accessible on foot from nearby locations. From the Palo Alto Caltrain Station, walk north on Alma Street, turn right onto Lytton Avenue, and continue for a few blocks. The plaza will be on your right, adjacent to City Hall. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
Several VTA bus lines serve the downtown Palo Alto area. Check the VTA website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Palo Alto Transit Center, walk east along Lytton Avenue to reach the plaza. A single VTA bus fare is $2.50.
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Ride Share
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Palo Alto. A short ride from the Palo Alto Caltrain Station or Stanford University to Cogswell Plaza typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on demand and traffic. Palo Alto also offers Palo Alto Link, a city-run rideshare service, costing $4, or $2 for disabled, low-income, and senior riders.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to 264 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto. Limited street parking is available. Several parking garages are nearby, including the Bryant/Lytton Garage (Lot S/L) at 445 Florence Street. Parking in downtown Palo Alto is free for two hours in city-owned lots and three hours in garages during weekdays; parking is free on weekends. After the time limit, you cannot re-park in the same 'color zone' for the rest of the day. Metered street parking typically costs $0.25 per 12 minutes, with a two-hour time limit.
Discover more about Cogswell Plaza
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market
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Hostess House
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El Palo Alto Tree - Namesake Tree of City of Palo Alto
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California Historical Landmark No. 2
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Lucie Stern Community Center
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Menlo Park Historical Association
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Unmissable attractions to see
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The Wine Room
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Lytton Plaza
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Masterworks Fine Art Gallery
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El Camino Park
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The Museum of American Heritage
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Heritage Park
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El Palo Alto Park
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Birthplace of Silicon Valley
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Main Quad
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Stanford Mausoleum
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Theophilus Allen House
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Arizona Garden
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Burgess Park
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Crepevine Restaurants
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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