The Stanford Mausoleum isn't just another landmark--it's a glimpse into the heartfelt origin story…read moreof an entire campus and the Leland family that founded Stanford. The marble structure and shifted sphinxes are subtle but meaningful. With the cactus garden and Angel of Grief nearby, it's a beautiful, quiet place to reflect. A small campus site that leaves a lasting impression.

A buddy & his 10-yr-old son are visiting from LA & he wanted to tour the university with the boy,…read moreyou know, motivate him to get good grades & hopefully attend Stanford in 8 yrs. I brought them to the mausoleum As part of the tour. The boy showed some interest but his dad thought it wholly creepy. I suggested we come back at night fall for the after dark special

This fountain goes by different names including White Memorial Fountain and The Claw. The sculpture…read morewas created by Aristides Demetrios in 1964 and commissioned to honor two former Stanford students, a pair of brothers who passed away in separate accidents prior to graduating. The artist's work meant to present a constantly changing form based on the viewer's angle and the stream of water. Just like the lake I had visited prior on campus, this display was flowing with water this past weekend, the sculpture and fountain as well as the surrounding environment full of life on a Sunday afternoon. With plenty of trees, grass, and open seating in the area, it's a lovely site to just relax and appreciate the view.

Its also known as the White Memorial Fountain. Created in 1964 by Aristides Demetrios, this bronze…read moreand copper structure sits across from the entrance to the Stanford Bookstore in the White Memorial Plaza The fountain, also know as 'The Claw" was commissioned to memorialize two brother who died in accident before they were able to graduate from the University. The artist wanted to tell the story of the students unrealized potential "The tragedy of someone dying so young is that you never know what he/she might have become. The fountain is a metaphor for that. It starts in bronze-which is firm, durable and set in place. It terminates in water patterns that are diaphanous and mutable-the very reverse of anything solid. It speaks to what they might have become." The fountain is a popular spot for both visitors and student. You can find jugglers, Tai Chi Classes, and other activities going on. It also can get crowded given that it kind of the center for student life being right by the Bookstore, The Post Office, The Tressider Union, and the Old Union. As with many things on the campus, its more of a stop than a destination and is better grouped as part of a walking tour.

TOWER: 5 stars! The…read moretower is beautiful and the views are breathtaking. Truly a special place to visit. STAFF: 1 Star! The staff working on Saturday are older and should probably reconsider if this is where they want to be. When we walked in the lady checking bags yanked a young man from the back and and scolded him to wait his turn. The young man was polite and was thrown off by her reaction. We were thrown off too because it was a little excessive. She noticed our group saw what she did and she looked embarrassed. Then came the older man by the elevators. We had a group of 8. Only 4 could go up at a time. We were waiting for our group to come down, but we didn't have to wait for long as he kicked us out. Told us it was a private space despite us having our tickets and standing quietly. If staff can be a little more kind and show a little joy this place would be amazing!

I visited the exhibition galleries on Monday afternoon. Staff was friendy, and offered to answer…read moreany questions, but guests are able to explore at their own pace. On one side was the Herbert Hoover exhibit, which contained a range of displays demonstrating Herbert Hoover's dedication to freedom, peace, and economic opportunity, his accomplishments, and his impact on the First World War, as well as his history as a Stanford student. Quite informative. On the other side was the temporary exhibit, The Battalion Artist: A Sailor's Journey through the South Seas, about Natale Bellantoni of the US Navy Seabees. This was pretty interesting because unlike many sailors and military soldiers trained in combat and technical skills, Nat specialized in art and design. He was assigned to build military bases during WW2, and this exhibit showcases his life before and during the war, including displays of letters written to his family as well as impressive artworks he created and photographs he took detailing the war and his experiences. He also worked on a stained glass window for a chapel and contributed to the batallion's newspaper. There's a large interactive screen inside the room that allows for digital viewing of the exhibit (to view Nat's photographs and sketchbook) where visitors can even do puzzles of his art pieces. Guests are also invited to share their own stories and artwork about the journeys that have impacted their lives, using pencil and paper. With changing exhibits at the Hoover Tower, there is always something interesting to learn about here. Entry is free, and parking at the nearby Stanford Visitor's Center lot, less than a 10 minute walk to the tower, can be paid via parkmobile app online (note, parking on campus is free on weekends and after 4pm M-F).

The Almaden Winery Community Center (AWC) is located at the Old Almaden Vineyards site which was…read moreCalifornia's oldest winery* (est.1852). Here Charles LeFranc made the first commercial planting of European Wine Grapes in Santa Clara Country from cuttings he had brought over from his native France. Almaden Vineyards still exists today but it has relocated to Madera, CA (go to http://www.almaden.com for more info). The Community Center Building is the old residence building and the actual winery itself is still there, but is fenced off and unavailable for tours, at this time. The AWC received California Historical Landmark status in 1953. The AWC isn't open for anyone to just saunter into despite the "Community Center" moniker; it's only available for party and event rentals (please see my tip or the CSJ website for rental info). The grounds surrounding the AWC have a relatively well-manicured garden; interesting architecture; and a children's park (http://www.yelp.com/biz/almaden-winery-park-san-jose) There are also some picnic tables on-site if you want to enjoy a meal at the Vineyards. I visited the AWC during the Winter but need to definitely come back in the Spring; there's a Rose Garden and Grape Vines that would be really neat to see in full bloom. Unless you've been lucky enough to have hosted, or been invited, to an event at the AWC I would still recommend for you to come down here on a Spring day and enjoy this hidden, and historical gem. The whole thing can be done in about an hour and I recommend you bring a lunch. *CA State Historical Landmark #505

Great venue here for our Nurse's Day for Santa Clara County Public Health Nurse. The amenities are…read moreawesome..full kitchen and great hall! . Garden and brick structure. The place has 283 maximum occupancy. WiFi works !!

I love exploring the free art on campus (as Stanford has a lot), and this is just one of many…read morethought-provoking pieces of historical significance. This marble statue is a restored monument marking the grave of Jane Stanford's youngest brother. It is a replica of a memorial in Rome created by sculptor, William Wetmore Story, for his wife after she died, and represents the hurt experienced following the death of a loved one. But the artwork can be something different for those who visit, perhaps a place of meditation or to let out general feelings of distress or heartache. As of my recent visit (July 2024), there was a row of 5 tree stumps situated in front of the gated art piece, creating an ideal spot for viewing the sculpture, sitting underneath the shade of trees in a peaceful atmosphere among nature, plenty of squirrels scampering around, but otherwise hardly anyone in sight on a Sunday afternoon. It was an inspirational visit for me this past weekend, feeling what that angel seemed to be feeling collapsed upon the sculpted altar. I'm glad I was able to spend a few moments here to admire this lovely piece.

So lets get real for a second. The whole Stanford University is built on tragedy. From the son…read moredying young to the wife being murdered. The Angel of Grief is one of many such art installations on the campus. Located in the Eucalyptus grove in what would have been the giant Stanford Mansion had it been completed, It is one part of what I refer to the triangle of tragedy. The other is a family memorial and the actually mausoleum/crypt where the Stanford's still reside. While the sculpture is well done, the relentless tragic reminders takes away any impact it would have otherwise. It can be access by walking or bike and sits alongside a paved trail. It also in in easy walking proximity of the Cantor, lots of eateries, and other art installations. There are nearby services but little exist in this area. It also is part of that This is better part of a larger walking tour as opposed to a stand alone destination.

I love this place. It has a huge history, and you can read about it's history on various signs put…read moreup in the cemetery. The only thing is that there is unfortunately trash scattered about the cemetery, and there are homeless people that sleep on some of the graves.

It's about as nice as a cemetery can get, really. Aside from the homeless people camping out there…read morenow and then, and honestly I don't blame them for gravitating to it. It's in a very pretty location, and there's a lot of history to be found there. My only concern is the girl with her hand stuck in the wall by the street. Someone should go ask if she's okay.

I've been coming here for the past few weeks and I cannot get enough. This is one of the few…read morelocations on the San José State University campus that is so powerful. I recommend coming any day and taking the statue in for yourself. Go up to the statue and read the plaque in the front that gives a little of the history of these amazing folks; Tommie Smith and John Carlos. These two olympians raised their fists while getting awarded their Gold and Bronze medals at the Mexico City Olympics. This was a true act of power, activism, and advocacy. The story of their work and the repercussions during the Olympics is one to read and tell. I'm glad they were honored and given their glory. Come by and feel the power by laying on the lawn and relaxing under the summer sun.

I knew this statue was located on the San Jose State University Campus and it was really tall but…read moreit took us a bit to locate ( and directions from a few friendly students) Just around the bend from the student union, nestled in between buildings in a grassy area stands the 23' tall historical statue of the protest at the podium at the 1968 Olympics. San Jose State student athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood on the podium after winning gold and bronze in the 200m With their fists raised in leather gloves, black socks with their shoes off in a silent protest in the civil rights movement. A very powerful statement. The statue is beautiful and so well done, a definite stop when visiting San Jose.

"Just Don't Try to Visit on the Weekend"…read more This locomotive is well worth seeing. It is part of the official San Jose history park. Here's the problem: The History Park is closed on the weekends. That's right, the very time that people want to visit is the very time that they keep it closed. The locomotive is very close to the perimeter fence, so you can actually get a good look at it outside the park. It helps if you're really tall. There is free parking close by, in a dilapidated parking lot.