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When you think of Palo Alto, a few things probably spring to mind… Stanford University, Silicon Valley startups, and charming, nature-filled neighborhoods. But there’s more to this city than tech geniuses and tree-lined streets. Palo Altans also know how to spend time outdoors. From serene lakes perfect for lazy afternoons to scenic trails that will make you want to lace up your hiking boots, this city offers outdoor escapes for just about every mood. When you look at a map of Palo Alto neighborhoods, you'll see the city is nestled between the bay and the mountains, offering a rare blend of natural beauty and geographic diversity. Whether you’re chasing a birdwatching adventure, planning a family picnic, or simply looking for a little fresh air between Zoom calls. Palo Alto, CA is never short on things to do!
Ready to explore? Here’s our guide to some of the best parks that Palo Alto has to offer, and trust us, you’ll want to add these Palo Alto attractions to your weekend plans.
Boronda Lake at Foothills Nature Preserve, Palo Alto
Foothills Nature Preserve (Foothills Park): A Nature Lover’s Escape
Tucked into the eastern foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains bordering Los Altos Hills and formerly known as “Foothills Park”, the Foothills Nature Preserve is one of Palo Alto’s greatest highlights. Covering nearly one-tenth of the city’s land area, the preserve offers an expansive natural landscape perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Bordered by Page Mill Road, the Arastradero Preserve, and the Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, Foothills Nature Preserve boasts over 15 miles of hiking trails, a large grassy field for picnics and activities, and Boronda Lake. This park is ideal for fishing, rowing, and canoeing.
Until 2020, the preserve was accessible only to Palo Alto residents and their guests. Today, it’s open to everyone! Even longtime Bay Area residents who previously couldn't visit can now explore and enjoy this beautiful outdoor space. For many, it’s almost like a brand new park has opened up!
For those who enjoy camping under the stars, Towle Campground offers eight tent-only campsites available from May through October. The campground includes picnic tables, barbecues, food lockers, and portable toilets, with full restroom facilities located a short drive away.
The city of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department also organizes many annual events and camps at Foothills Nature Preserve, so if you see large groups of children involved in recreational activities in the summer, now you know why!
Whether you're seeking a challenging hike, a relaxing day by the lake, or a weekend camping trip, Foothills Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination.
Palo Alto's Baylands Nature Preserve at dawn
Baylands Nature Preserve: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Bordering Mountain View and East Palo Alto, the Baylands Nature Preserve spans 1,940 acres of untouched marshland, making it one of the largest remaining tracts in the San Francisco Bay Area. With 15 miles of multi-use trails, visitors can explore tidal and freshwater habitats that attract a stunning variety of wildlife.
The Baylands are especially beloved by birdwatchers, offering one of the best birding experiences on the West Coast. As a major migratory stopover on the Pacific Flyway, the preserve teems with bird species throughout the year.
Originally purchased in 1921, the Baylands has evolved from plans for recreational development to a protected natural sanctuary, thanks to community advocacy. Today, it includes landmarks like the Nature Interpretive Center, Mundy Marsh, Renzel Wetlands, and Byxbee Park Hills.
The Baylands Nature Preserve is also a popular running and jogging destination for locals from Palo Alto, Atherton, Los Altos, and surrounding areas. Runners enjoy the views and the slightly cooler temperature due to the surrounding water. Especially in the morning hours, this preserve can feel like a small marathon race! Don’t worry, however, there is always still plenty of space for those simply wanting to go on a relaxing walk.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve: Trails for Every Adventurer
For those who prefer hiking, biking, or horseback riding, the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve offers over 10 miles of scenic trails. On the border with Los Altos Hills and open year-round, with some trails closed temporarily during wet weather to protect the landscape, the preserve provides a peaceful escape just minutes from the heart of Palo Alto. Hikers love this preserve as there are many incredible views of the mountains and bay to enjoy, often from one of the many benches installed in the park!
Arastradero Lake, about a 20-minute hike from the parking lot, is open for fishing all year long (following California Fish and Game regulations). You aren’t allowed to swim in this lake, but you can enjoy its peaceful tranquility. It’s a great place for a picnic!
Trail etiquette is important here. Bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to equestrians, ensuring the preserve remains a harmonious haven for all nature lovers.
It's not uncommon to spot wildlife such as deer, bobcats, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds at Palo Alto’s Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, so keep your eyes open for any local critters!
Overall, Pearson-Arastradeo Preserve is a wonderful place to spend some time, relax, return to nature, and remember what’s most important in life.
Mitchell Park: A Hub for Family Fun
First opened in 1957, Mitchell Park was ahead of its time, with a visionary design that aimed to provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages. In some ways, it was the “Mid-Century Modern” of parks!
The park was the work of renowned landscape architect Robert Royston, a pioneer in modern park planning, whose innovative approach emphasized community interaction, creative play, and multi-generational use. His design included imaginative and memorable features such as above-ground “gopher holes” for children to crawl through, a miniature freeway system where kids could ride bikes or toy cars, a roller skating circle, and dedicated areas for bocce ball, tennis, shuffleboard, and other activities, each space intentionally crafted to encourage movement, exploration, and social engagement.
In the 1990s, the park underwent major revitalization to restore its original character and functionality while incorporating modern updates. These efforts helped preserve Royston’s legacy while ensuring the park continued to meet the evolving needs of the Palo Alto, CA community.
Today, Mitchell Park remains a vibrant and cherished community hub. Whether you're meeting friends for a picnic, attending a local event, playing sports, or simply enjoying a walk through its beautifully maintained grounds, the park continues to offer something for everyone. It stands as a lasting example of thoughtful, inclusive public space design that has served generations and continues to do so with charm and purpose.
Rinconada Park: A Historic Gem
One of Palo Alto’s oldest and most cherished green spaces, Rinconada Park was established in 1922 and has deep roots in the city's history. Originally known as "Waterworks" due to its location near a functioning well and reservoir that served the area, the park quickly became a central gathering spot for early residents. In 1924, the community came together to rename the park through a public contest, ultimately choosing the name "Rinconada", Spanish for "corner." This name was a fitting tribute to the region’s heritage, referencing the original Mexican land grant known as Rancho Rinconada de Los Gatos, which once encompassed parts of the area.
Over the years, Rinconada Park has evolved into a vibrant, multi-use space that blends recreation, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. The park offers sprawling grassy fields perfect for informal play or lounging, two playgrounds designed for different age groups, shaded picnic areas ideal for family gatherings, and the historic Rinconada Pool, one of the city’s oldest public swimming facilities. The park is also uniquely situated next to the Palo Alto Art Center and the Junior Museum & Zoo, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day of outdoor fun, creativity, and discovery all in one place!
Palo Alto has over 40 parks and preserves
Final Thoughts
With over 40 parks and nature preserves and almost 4,000 acres of open space, Palo Alto is a special place to be. Residents here get to enjoy the idyllic balance of suburban streets and economic opportunities matched with natural beauty all year round. You almost can’t go a few blocks in Palo Alto neighborhoods and not encounter a park, preserve, garden, or even just the beautiful landscaping of a neighbor. It truly is a natural paradise! As a result of this incredible lifestyle offering, homes for sale in Palo Alto regularly sell for high prices and often receive multiple offers. Buyers looking for Palo Alto real estate understand the immense value that Palo Alto homes provide in terms of lifestyle, location, and potential resale value. Palo Alto modern homes, historic Eichlers, traditional ranch-style homes, and more are represented by Palo Alto real estate agents. People know that whether it's for work or play, there's always something to do in or near Palo Alto, California.
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