Palo Alto
The Eucalyptus Grove at Stanford is the site each Mother's Day weekend of the Stanford Powwow, a 3-day celebration of Native American culture. Clad in colorful costumes, tribal members perform exhibition dances and compete in dance contests.
Stanford's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is on Sand Hill Road. The research facility, which includes what is said to be the world's longest building, is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory. Ninety-minute guided tours of the lab include a visit to the 2-mile linear accelerator. Tours are offered twice per month, typically on a Friday at 1 and 2:30, and are open to ages 12+ with advance online registration. Phone (650) 926-4931 for information.
Visitor Centers
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St. Palo Alto, CA 94301. Phone:(650)324-3121
Shopping
Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are the anchor stores at Stanford Shopping Center, on Sand Hill Road adjacent to Stanford University. This upscale, open-air mall includes some 140 retailers, restaurants and services in a setting beautified by lots of blooming plants, ornamental shrubs and whimsical sculptures.