Tourists and First-time Visitors

The Stanford campus offers a wealth of sightseeing and educational opportunities.  We hope these resources will be helpful as you plan your visit to campus. 

Stanford’s Campus

Visit our historic Main Quad with its distinct Richardsonian Romanesque and California Mission Revival architecture or see our new Science and Engineering Quad, which beautifully incorporates modern and technological elements with timeless, elegant aesthetics and an abundance of outdoor space.

• Pick up a self-guided tour map and walk around campus at your leisure, or take a one-hour, student-led Campus Walking Tour at 11am or 3:15pm.
• See a panoramic view of the area from the Hoover Tower observation platform, 285 feet above Stanford’s campus.
• Enjoy a meal at one of our many campus eateries or dining halls.
• Stop in at the Herbert Hoover Memorial Exhibit Pavilion.

Go on other campus tours:

• Memorial Church
• Hanna Honeycomb House
• Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve
• Athletic Facilities
• Cantor Arts Center

Art

Art enthusiasts will enjoy touring the galleries at the Cantor Arts Center and the Thomas Welton Stanford Art Gallery, strolling through the Rodin Sculpture Garden, visiting the student art gallery or walking around campus to view our 42 freestanding outdoor sculptures.

History

If you are interested in history, visit the collection on the Stanford family and University history in the Cantor Arts Center or venture out to our Historic Red Barn. Constructed in 1878-79, the Red Barn is one of the few surviving structures on campus that predates the University’s establishment and is a Registered Historical Landmark.

Sports

Sports aficionados should visit our premier athletic facilities such as the Avery Aquatic Center, Cobb Track and Angell Field, and our Athletic Hall of Fame.

Outdoor Activities

Have a picnic in the Oval; take a self-guided Outdoor Sculpture Walk, Tree Walk , or Spring Plant Walk; visit the Mausoleum and Angel of Grief or Cactus Garden; explore the Stanford Foothills with a hike to The Dish; walk, bike or run on miles of scenic paths.