Palo Alto vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Palo Alto

Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite
Townhouse in Palo Alto
Palo Alto Treehouse in the Birthplace of Silicon Valley
Drink a glass of wine on the private deck at this light-filled, modern haven surrounded by beautiful homes on tree-lined streets. Head out for an evening stroll to explore the local wine bars, restaurants, galleries, farmer's market and boutiques. One of the most sought after locations, just across from the HP Garage, a national landmark and the birthplace of Silicon Valley! This home is on the ground floor of a three-story Professorville home. We're surrounded by beautiful homes on tree-lined streets (a walker's paradise). We offer private driveway parking. Because you can walk to University Avenue, there are no parking or permit hassles. In our neighborhood you'll find cafes, boutiques, wine bars, the best restaurants and indie/vintage movie theaters. Major tech companies and Sandhill Road are minutes away. The entire house was remodeled in 2017, with new furniture throughout. There are three bedrooms, all of which have Casper mattresses. (If you haven't heard of them before, trust us when we say you'll have a great night's sleep). There is a fireplace in the living room, a wetbar with wine fridge, a private deck with Adirondack chairs and chaise lounges, and a fully-stocked kitchen. (I was a chef in New York City--so if you need something exotic, I'm bound to have it.) Guests can have full access to a washer/dryer as well as our electric car charger. We've published a 24-page full-color guide book with restaurant reviews (including kid-friendly spots), a must-have map for travelers' necessities and a list of things to do in Palo Alto. We'll tell you everything you need to know, from the best places to hike, activities for art lovers or artists, farmers' markets, nearby parks, where to find a great dry cleaner or who brews the best cup of coffee. We live in the top two floors (entirely separate) and are available anytime to share all of our local knowledge. Professorville is a registered historic district in Palo Alto. Today it is home to some of the world's biggest tech executives. Tree-lived streets are perfect for walking. Here you’ll get to see the private HP Garage, which is closed to the public. This is the best part. You won't need a parking pass, much less a car to access the lively downtown area. CalTrain is a 10-minute walk, where you can take the Baby Bullet train to San Francisco in less than 45 minutes. The same train can take you to AT&T Park to see the Giants or to Levi's Stadium to see the 49ers. Both SFO and SJO are a 30-minute drive from our home and SFO is also accessible by train. Stanford Shopping Center and the Stanford campus are a 5-minute drive, although we'd recommend the walk down Palm Drive because it is so beautiful.
Oct 15 – 22
$572 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Palo Alto
⭐Spacious and quiet, near downtown PA and Stanford
In an exclusive area of town, our house is a short 15 minute walk to downtown Palo Alto and 1.1 miles from Stanford University. This spacious, well appointed and renovated basement unit is bright with 10' high ceilings, large windows and its own entrance and patio. The bedrooms have king and queen beds, and the living room has a 65” TV, large sectional sofa and a desk area. The kitchenette has a large refrigerator, DW, Nespresso, cooktop and microwave. Great for families and business travelers.
Mar 22 – 27
$181 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 108 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
Palo Alto Modern Retreat
This 3 bed, 3 bath Modern craftsman in the very heart of Silicon Valley is an easy 5 minute walk to the shops, restaurants and offices that dot University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto. Arriving and departing CalTrain's Palo Alto University Avenue station is easily done with a 10 minute walk. You really don't need a car but the driveway easily handles 3 cars. Rest assured, you'll sleep in quiet comfort. ----- Note: This house has a no parties or events policy. No outdoor noise after 9:30 PM.
Feb 6 – 13
$675 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Popular amenities for Palo Alto vacation rentals

Stay near Palo Alto's top sights

Googleplex313 locals recommend
Stanford University537 locals recommend
Computer History Museum255 locals recommend
Century Cinema 16109 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market341 locals recommend
Stanford Stadium17 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Palo Alto

Guest favorite
Apartment in Palo Alto
Private Studio Apartment with private entrance.
Oct 17 – 24
$128 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 134 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Emerald Hills
Elegant retreat in Redwood City
Aug 24 – 31
$106 per night
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Palo Alto
Classic Private Victorian Cottage/Coach House
May 24 – 31
$204 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 270 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
Classic cottage
Apr 11 – 18
$259 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 196 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Redwood City
Quiet , Private Studio / Cottage
Feb 23 – Mar 2
$98 per night
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 374 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
Remodeled SFH (1 Blk/Stanford) - Alum. Family Run
Aug 26 – Sep 2
$266 per night
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
5.0* Luxurious Palo Alto/Stanford House
Aug 14 – 21
$575 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 156 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Palo Alto
Light-filled apartment in heart of Palo Alto
Nov 18 – 25
$351 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 137 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Menlo Park
Menlo Park, private, quiet bungalow with parking
Oct 10 – 17
$123 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 202 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Palo Alto
Studio 875, beautiful design, private & serene
Nov 5 – 12
$90 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Atherton
Charming Cottage near Stanford in Lovely Garden
Sep 16 – 23
$162 per night
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Menlo Park
New studio apt--walk to Stanford
Nov 16 – 23
$92 per night
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Other great vacation rentals in Palo Alto

Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Menlo Park
Cozy Garden Studio in Menlo Park
Apr 9 – 16
$95 per night
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 30 reviews
Guest favorite
Apartment in Palo Alto
Private Apartment Home by Stanford, Gooogle, Apple
Jun 8 – 15
$104 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviews
Guest favorite
Townhouse in Palo Alto
Cozy Room with "Private" Entrance, quiet neighbhd
Jul 25 – Aug 1
$92 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 82 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Palo Alto
Newly Constructed Guest House
Jul 19 – 26
$191 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Menlo Park
Charming Cottage & Work Space - Walk to Stanford
Oct 1 – 8
$225 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 75 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
EXQUISITE PALO ALTO HOME | LOVELY ENGLISH GARDENS
May 27 – Jun 3
$872 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 98 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Palo Alto
Casita Palo Alto - 2 Bed 2 Bath / Private Back Yar
Jan 31 – Feb 7
$667 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Los Altos Hills
Beautiful home Pool/spa 4bd/4ba Los Altos Hills
Jun 2 – 9
$966 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 49 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Menlo Park
New, Modern Guesthouse
Apr 22 – 29
$203 per night
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Palo Alto
Modern Cottage in Palo Alto (Near Stanford Meta)
$115 per night
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Emerald Hills
Cozy bedroom in the heart of Silicon Valley
Sep 3 – 10
$63 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 41 reviews
Guest favorite
Cottage in Palo Alto
Charming studio in PA
Aug 9 – 16
$142 per night
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 62 reviews

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Palo Alto

Total rentals

2.1K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

1.2K properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

390 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

430 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

780 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

62K reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Palo Alto?

    Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach 80°F (27°C), while winter months can dip to 45°F (7°C). Occasional rainfall occurs from November to April. It's advisable to pack layers as evenings can get cool, even in summer.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Palo Alto?

    In Palo Alto, you can explore the Stanford University campus, enjoy nature in the Stanford Dish or Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, or engage in a bit of retail therapy at the Stanford Shopping Center. The city's vibrant Downtown and California Avenue areas are also great to explore, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Palo Alto?

    The most popular time to visit Palo Alto is from June to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm. The Palo Alto Festival of the Arts in August and Stanford Homecoming Weekend in October are two popular local events that attract many visitors.

  • What are the best places to stay in Palo Alto?

    Downtown Palo Alto is a popular area to stay, with its variety of eateries and close proximity to Stanford University. The California Avenue area is another great option, known for its lively farmer's market and boutique shops. The Stanford area is often recommended for its proximity to the university and shopping center.

  • What are the best places to visit in Palo Alto?

    Palo Alto has several noteworthy places to visit. The Stanford University campus, including the Stanford Art Museum and Hoover Tower, is frequently suggested. Nature lovers may enjoy visiting the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve or the Stanford Dish. For shopping enthusiasts, the Stanford Shopping Center and University Avenue are popular.

  • What are some hiking trails in Palo Alto?

    Several scenic hiking trails can be found in and around Palo Alto. The Stanford Dish trail and Baylands Nature Preserve offer trails with beautiful views and wildlife sightings. For a more challenging hike, the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, located a short drive away, is often recommended.

  • What are some family activities to do in Palo Alto?

    Palo Alto has several family-friendly activities. The Junior Museum and Zoo is often recommended for kids, as is the Magical Bridge Playground. Families can also explore the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve, enjoy picnics at local parks like the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, or rent bikes for a ride around Stanford University.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Palo Alto?

    For a day trip from Palo Alto, San Francisco, about 35 miles (56 km) north, is often recommended for its iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. The coastal town of Half Moon Bay, located 28 miles (45 km) west, is another popular option for its beaches and seafood restaurants. The vineyards of Napa Valley, approximately 80 miles (129 km) away, also make for a great day out.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Palo Alto?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Palo Alto. Choose from more than 430 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Palo Alto?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 1,200 vacation rentals in Palo Alto featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore