Palo Alto Vacation Rentals, California: house rentals & more

Find the perfect place for your stay in Palo Alto by choosing from 99 houses, 138 apartments, and other vacation rentals. Whether you’re staying in a vacation home with your kids and pets or just with friends, you'll have the best amenities for spending time at your home away from home, which might include WiFi and a pool. Whatever you're looking for, you'll be sure to find a rental that has what everyone needs, including a place that is accessible or non-smoking.

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Stanford University

Find the best place to stay - Palo Alto

2 Bedrooms, Peaceful Neighborhood, Great Bay Area Location

Sleeps 4 · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom

Top rated rentals - Palo Alto

Clean cozy studio/ADU near downtown North Palo Alto

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All the privacy of home
Enjoy full kitchens, laundry, pools, yards and more
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More space, more privacy, more amenities — more value
A place for everyone
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Settle into Silicon Valley

Palo Alto welcomes many business travelers thanks to the city’s prime location in Silicon Valley and status as the home of Stanford University. A Palo Alto vacation rental is a great choice for business travelers and families alike, offering more space and freedom as well as giving you every chance to get out and explore Palo Alto’s upscale dining opportunities. Palo Alto enjoys a vibrant cultural and arts scene too, as well as family-friendly attractions and plenty of green spaces to explore.

Palo Alto arts and culture

The Cantor Arts Center has amassed some wonderful treasures over its more than 100 years of history, including a collection of Rodin sculptures, on display in the center and its Rodin Sculpture Garden. If you’re staying at your Palo Alto vacation rental with kids, a visit to Palo Alto’s Junior Museum and Zoo will keep them entertained – the more than 50 species on display here include bats, birds, bobcats, and tortoises. Or, in summer, head to the city’s Rinconada Park where, under the shade of redwood and oak trees, you’ll find Palo Alto’s municipal swimming pool, picnic areas, children’s playgrounds, and walking trails.

Visit Stanford campus at Palo Alto

This lively university town has great shopping, dining, and entertainment to explore in 2 downtown areas: along University Avenue and along California Avenue. Both boast many independent and refined restaurants, featuring authentic international cuisine and award-winning dining. The Stanford University campus is home to many of Palo Alto’s main attractions, including the Hoover Tower, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hanna House, and the Stanford Theater, an independent movie theater. Take a guided tour led by student volunteers to explore the campus, or head to Hoover Tower to enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountain at its foot, and panoramic views from the top.

Back to nature near Palo Alto

In addition to those at Rinconada Park, you’ll find miles of trails and panoramic views across the Bay Area around Palo Alto’s landmark radio telescope, the Stanford Dish. To the east, Baylands Nature Preserve is one of the largest tracts of undisturbed marshland remaining in San Francisco Bay. Its unique mixture of tidal and fresh-water habitats make it a prime bird-watching area on the west coast. Canoes, kayaks, and sailboards are welcome on its peaceful waters. To the southwest of your Palo Alto vacation rental, the forests and flower-filled grasslands of Foothills Park and the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve have hiking and biking trails worth exploring.

Transportation options to and around Palo Alto

Fly into San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), the closest airport, located 18 mi (29 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 12.7 mi (20.5 km) away.

If you prefer train travel, make your way to California Ave Station or Palo Alto Station to see more of the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular type of vacation rental accommodation in Palo Alto?

Apartments are the most popular style of vacation rental in Palo Alto, according to our data. Even if you have a different idea in mind, Vrbo has properties in a variety of sizes and shapes. Browse our many options to find your perfect fit.

How much does it cost to rent a vacation rental in Palo Alto?

Season, property type and length of stay are among the factors that can influence the price of a vacation home. Simply enter your dates of travel to find your ideal escape. From cozy cabins to sprawling luxury villas, all Vrbo vacation rentals provide incredible value.

How much does it cost to rent a beach house in Palo Alto?

When you travel and the style and size of the property will influence the cost of your beachside stay. Enter your Palo Alto travel dates to see all your options on Vrbo. Can't live without a hot tub? Use the filters to choose the features and amenities you want.

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Palo Alto?

With 139 properties that allow pets, your furry buddy can also come along on your Palo Alto break. Use our filter tool to browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals and find the pawfect pad on Vrbo.

Can I rent a house with a pool in Palo Alto?

Add an extra element of fun to your getaway by booking one of the 22 houses with a private pool in Palo Alto. Use our search filter to find the kind of property you want on Vrbo, and then spend your days frolicking in a swimming pool that's for your exclusive use.

What are popular rental amenities in Palo Alto?

When it comes to rental amenities that guests are looking for in Palo Alto, tennis, a firepit and a swimming pool are at the top of the list. With Vrbo vacation homes, you'll have options to match your style and taste, whether you're going away with your partner, your friends or even pets.

Are there large group vacation rentals in Palo Alto?

Pick from eight properties in Palo Alto that can accommodate a group of 10 or more guests. Whether you're planning a family vacation or an event like an anniversary, there's plenty of room to get your group together under one roof.

Are there vacation rentals in Palo Alto that welcome kids?

Bring the entire group together for an adventure in Palo Alto at one of our 138 family-friendly vacation homes. These stays come with amenities that are great for getaways with youngsters, such as kitchens, multiple bedrooms and outdoor spaces. Simply click on the "Properties good for families" filter and pick out your favorite.

What are the top attractions for families in Palo Alto?

Keeping the kids amused during your Palo Alto vacation is child's play with these family-friendly attractions:

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Golfland USA
Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum

Are there one-bedroom vacation rentals in Palo Alto?

Take your pick from 35 one-bedroom rentals in Palo Alto. Whether you'd like an apartment or a fancy condo, our one-bedroom rentals are ideal if you don't need tons of space. One of the perks of having your own pad? You won't have to share your trip with strangers.

Can I find two-bedroom vacation rentals in Palo Alto?

Palo Alto has 34 two-bedroom vacation properties to select from. Discover a vacation home with all the privacy and comfort you're looking for at an attractive price on Vrbo.

Are there vacation rentals with WiFi in Palo Alto?

You can choose from 33 vacation rentals with WiFi in Palo Alto. If you'd like to disconnect from daily life on your break, but still want to be connected to the web, these getaways are for you. Narrow your search by applying the WiFi filter on Vrbo.