Hoover Tower, San Francisco Peninsula Travel Guide

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Explore Hoover Tower at Stanford: panoramic views, historical archives, and the sound of the Belgian carillon await!

Hoover Tower, a 285-foot landmark on the Stanford University campus, houses the Hoover Institution Library and Archives. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the campus and surrounding Bay Area from the observation deck and explore exhibits detailing Herbert Hoover's life and legacy.

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 carillon performance schedules, as the observation deck is closed during these times.
Purchase observation deck tickets 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.
Visitor parking is enforced Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closest visitor parking lots are a 10-15 minute walk from Hoover Tower.
Take advantage of the free Marguerite Shuttle to reach Hoover Tower from other points on campus or from the Palo Alto Transit Center.

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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 the tall tower, passing Memorial Church and the Cantor Arts Center. The main entrance faces 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 campus locations. 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.

Discover more about Hoover Tower

Completed in 1941 to commemorate Stanford University's 50th anniversary, Hoover Tower was designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr., drawing inspiration from the tower of the New Cathedral of Salamanca. The tower serves as a repository for the Hoover Institution Library and Archives, founded by Herbert Hoover to preserve materials related to war, revolution, and peace in the 20th century.The first nine floors contain library stacks, while the next three house offices. The 14th floor features the Lou Henry Hoover Observation Deck, offering visitors stunning vistas 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 with 48 bells, a gift from the Belgian-American Educational Foundation, symbolizing peace and freedom.Visitors can explore the Hoover Institution Library & Archives exhibition galleries on the ground floor, which showcase documents and artifacts from Herbert Hoover's life and career. The tower stands as a symbol of Stanford University and a center for research and education.