Hoover Tower, Palo Alto Travel Guide

4.5 (900)

Explore history and enjoy panoramic views from Stanford University's iconic Hoover Tower, home to the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Hoover Tower, a 285-foot structure on the Stanford University campus, houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives. Built in 1941 to celebrate Stanford's 50th anniversary, the tower offers visitors a chance to explore exhibits and enjoy panoramic views of the campus and surrounding Bay Area from its observation deck.

A brief summary to Hoover Tower

550 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, California, 94305, US
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Monday 10 am-4 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hoover Tower.

Check the Hoover Institution website for the schedule of carillon performances, as the observation deck is closed during these times.
Purchase tickets for the observation deck at the door using a credit card or contactless payment, as cash is not accepted.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the views from the observation deck.
Note that the closest visitor parking lots are a 10-15 minute walk from Hoover Tower.

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Explore Hoover Tower on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hoover Tower, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Main Quad, walk east towards Memorial Church and the Cantor Arts Center. Hoover Tower will become visible as you approach Serra Mall. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

The free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle provides access to Hoover Tower from the Palo Alto Transit Center (Caltrain station) and other points on campus. Several lines, including the C, P, and X lines, stop near Hoover Tower. Get off at the Serra Mall stop. There is no cost for using the Marguerite Shuttle.
Driving

Driving directly to Hoover Tower is possible, but parking is limited. Visitor parking is enforced Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. using the ParkMobile app. The closest visitor parking lots are near Palm Drive, a 10-15 minute walk to the tower. Parking costs $1.50 per hour. Weekends are free. Be aware of game day parking restrictions.

Discover more about Hoover Tower

Hoover Tower, a towering landmark at Stanford University, is more than just a building; it's a repository of history and a symbol of the institution's commitment to knowledge. Completed in 1941, during Stanford's 50th anniversary, the 285-foot tower was inspired by the New Cathedral of Salamanca. Herbert Hoover, a Stanford alumnus and former U.S. President, founded the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, which the tower houses. His vast collection of materials related to early 20th-century history formed the foundation of this archive, dedicated to the study of war, revolution, and peace.The tower's first nine floors are dedicated to library stacks, while the next three house offices. Visitors can explore the exhibition galleries, which showcase notable letters, photographs, and personal papers from the Hoover Institution's archival collections. The Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck, located on the 14th floor, provides stunning views of the Stanford campus, the Bay Area, and, on clear days, even the San Francisco skyline. The observation deck is also home to a carillon of 48 bells, a gift from the Belgian-American Educational Foundation. These bells, originally intended for the 1939 New York World's Fair, add a unique auditory dimension to the tower's appeal.Visitors should note that the observation deck may be closed during carillon performances. The tower is open daily, but hours may vary, and it is closed for certain university holidays and events.