Stanford University: A Legacy of Innovation and Learning
Explore Stanford University: A world-renowned center for innovation, education, and history in the heart of Silicon Valley. Discover the Farm!
Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, stands as a testament to the vision of its founders, Leland and Jane Stanford, who established it in 1885 in memory of their son. The university opened its doors on October 1, 1891, with a mission to promote public welfare by influencing humanity and civilization. The campus, often called "the Farm" due to its location on the former Palo Alto Stock Farm, spans 8,180 acres and is located on the ancestral land of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. The architecture, characterized by local sandstone buildings with red-tiled roofs, surrounds a cloistered quadrangle with the iconic Memorial Church at its center. The Main Quad, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, provides a matrix of arcades and quadrangles intended to dissolve barriers between people, disciplines, and ideas. Stanford's history is intertwined with the rise of Silicon Valley. In 1951, the university developed Stanford Research Park to house innovative firms, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The campus is home to numerous landmarks, including Hoover Tower, the Cantor Arts Center, and the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden. Visitors can explore the campus through guided tours, self-guided walks, and virtual experiences. Today, Stanford continues to be a leading research university, attracting top students and faculty from around the world. Its commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and public service makes it a must-see destination for anyone interested in higher education and the history of Silicon Valley.
Local tips
- Take a guided walking tour from the Visitor Center to learn about Stanford's history and campus highlights.
- Visit the Cantor Arts Center and Rodin Sculpture Garden for free admission to world-class art.
- Explore the campus by bike, utilizing the extensive network of bike paths.
- Check the Stanford Athletics website for sporting events happening on campus.
- Utilize the free Marguerite Shuttle to get around campus and connect to public transportation.
A brief summary to Stanford University
- 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, California, 94305, US
- +1650-723-2300
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Palo Alto Transit Center (Caltrain/bus hub), transfer to the free Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. Several lines serve different parts of campus; check the schedule for your destination. Alternatively, walk or bike from the transit center; it's approximately 1 mile to the Main Quad. Caltrain GoPass is free for eligible Stanford affiliates.
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Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at designated locations on campus. A ride from downtown Palo Alto to the Main Quad will typically cost $10-$15, depending on demand and traffic. Be prepared for slightly higher fares during peak hours.
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Driving
From Highway 101, exit onto University Avenue and head west towards Palo Alto. Continue onto Palm Drive to enter the campus. Visitor parking is available in several lots, including near the Visitor Center. Parking is enforced, and visitors must use ParkMobile to pay for parking. Hourly rates are around $1.50/hour.
