Activities in the Bay Area

Set against the picturesque peninsula hills, Stanford not only provides housestaff with unmatched clinical and research opportunities – it is also a great place to enjoy personal and family time.

Get outside

Whether an evening surf session, lounging on a beach, a mountain bike ride, trail running, hiking or rock climbing in the local hills is your outlet of choice, these activities are all possible on a day off or even after work.

Be social

Palo Alto is a bastion of social life, with an immense variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Enjoy the city

Just forty-five minutes north is the beautiful city of San Francisco, with its diverse, fun, and quirky neighborhoods, museums, theaters, restaurants, and music.

Beautiful areas to enjoy the outdoors also abound, including Big Basin State Park, Pinnacles National Park, Big Sur, and Yosemite National Park

Watch local sports

Sports activities range from college and intramural programs on campus to professional sporting events in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. Season tickets to Stanford football games are discounted for housestaff.

Get active

Elite athletic training facilities are accessible to housestaff. Go for a swim in the aquatic center or hit the links on the world-class Stanford golf course.

Get a taste

Wine tasting is just minutes away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, or, in two hours, you can find yourself in the famous Napa and Sonoma Valleys.