California Ear Institute
Welcome to the International Center for Atresia-Microtia Repair!
Dear family,
We are thrilled that you are planning to come to the CEI Medical Group’s International Center for Atresia-Microtia Repair. We hope that your stay in California is filled with wonderful memories and joyful experiences.
We have compiled the following packet of information for use during your stay. It includes directions to our office, local restaurants, things to do nearby, activities for kids, & many other things.
Once again: welcome. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of caring for your child! We hope you enjoy your time with us.
Warmly, The Team at the California Ear Institute
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES 3
PUBLIC/OTHER TRANSPORTATION 4
DIRECTIONS 5 DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: CALIFORNIA EAR INSTITUTE 5 DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 6 DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 7 DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 8 DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: OFFICE OF DRS. REINISCH/TAHIRI 9
FOOD & RESTAURANTS 11 COFFEE & TEA | CAFÉS 11 RESTAURANTS 13 DESSERTS 19
OTHER STORES 20 GROCERY & DEPARTMENT STORES 20 DRUGSTORES & PHARMACIES 21 ETHNIC GROCERY STORES 22 FARMERS MARKETS 23
LOCAL ACTIVITIES 25 << PALO ALTO, CA >> 25 << SAN FRANCISCO & GREATER BAY AREA >> 29
MISCELLANEOUS 30 Other Attractions 30 Parks & Outdoor Activities 30 Music & Theater Venues 31 Sporting Teams 31 Shopping Beyond Palo Alto 31 Beyond the Bay Area 32
2
IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
California Ear Institute 1900 University Circle Suite 101 East Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 494-1000
Reinisch Plastic Surgery
250 North Robertson Boulevard Suite 506 Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 385-6090
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: www. atresiarepair.com
3
PUBLIC/OTHER TRANSPORTATION
1. On-Demand Ride Companies
“On-Demand Ridesharing” companies such as Uber and Lyft provide a service that arranges one-time shared rides on very short notice. Customers can use smartphone apps to request a ride from wherever they are, and a contracted driver will meet you at your location. You can download these apps on your smartphone through the app store.
2. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) BART connects the San Francisco Peninsula with Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and other cities in the East Bay providing access to downtown San Francisco, sporting and entertaining venues, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. For information on BART schedules, fares and tickets visit: https://www.bart.gov/.
3. Caltrain Caltrain services the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley from 4th and King streets of downtown San Francisco in the North down to Gilroy in the South with many stops in between, including Palo Alto. Check out schedules, fares, and ticket information at http://www.caltrain.com.
4
DIRECTIONS
DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: CALIFORNIA EAR INSTITUTE
DIRECTIONS | Estimated Time to Destination: 10 min START: Patient AM House (323-325 Waverley St, Menlo Park, CA 94025)
1. Head east on Waverley Street toward Kent Place (0.2 mi) 2. Turn left on Willow Road (0.2 mi) 3. Turn right onto Middlefield Road (387 ft) 4. Take immediate left onto Woodland Avenue (0.7 mi) 5. Turn right to stay on Woodland Ave (0.7 mi)
5 6. Turn left into University Circle office complex 7. Take immediate left turn after entering the complex and arrive at CEI office 8. NOTE: p lease park in spots labeled with CEI logo END: California Ear Institute (1900 University Circle #101, East Palo Alto, CA 94303)
DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DIRECTIONS | Estimated Time to Destination: 45 min – 1 hr 25 min START: Patient AM House (323-325 Waverley St, Menlo Park, CA 94025)
1. Head east on Waverley Street toward Kent Place (0.2 mi) 2. Turn left on Willow Road (1.3 mi) 3. Turn left to merge onto US-101 North (16.5 mi) 4. Use the right lane to take Exit 422 toward San Francisco International Airport 5. Keep right to follow signs to International Terminal and appropriate Departure airline
6 END: San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO International Airport, San Francisco, CA 94128)
DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DIRECTIONS | Estimated Time to Destination: 45 min – 1 hr 50 min START: Patient AM House (323-325 Waverley St, Menlo Park, CA 94025)
1. Head east on Waverley Street toward Kent Place (0.2 mi) 2. Turn left on Willow Road (1.3 mi) 3. Turn right to merge onto US-101 South (14.1 mi) 4. Take the CA-87/Guadalupe Expwy exit (0.5 mi) 5. Continue onto CA-87 S (0.2 mi) 6. Use the right lane to take Exit 8 toward Mineta San Jose Int’l Airport 7. Turn right onto Skyport Drive 8. Merge onto Airport Blvd; follow signs to appropriate Departure airline
7 END: Mineta San Jose Int’l Airport (1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA 95110)
DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
DIRECTIONS | Estimated Time to Destination: 45 min – 2 hr START: Patient AM House (323-325 Waverley St, Menlo Park, CA 94025)
1. Head east on Waverley Street toward Kent Place (0.2 mi) 2. Turn left on Willow Road (1.3 mi) 3. Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto CA-84 E/Bayfront Expwy (8.3 mi) 4. Use the middle lane to continue onto Decoto Rd (0.3 mi) 5. Use the right lane to take the Interstate 880 N ramp to Oakland (0.2 mi) 6. Merge onto I-880 N (14.2 mi) 7. Take Exit 35 for 98th Ave toward Oakland Airport (0.2 mi) 8. Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto 98th Ave (1.1 mi) 9. Arrive at Oakland Int’l Airport; follow signs to appropriate Departure airline
8 END: Oakland Int’l Airport (1 Airport Drive, Oakland, CA 94621)
DIRECTIONS FROM: PATIENT AM HOUSE TO: OFFICE OF DRS. REINISCH/TAHIRI
DIRECTIONS | Estimated Time to Destination: ~7 hr START: Patient AM House (323-325 Waverley St, Menlo Park, CA 94025)
1. Head east on Waverley Street toward Kent Place (0.2 mi) 2. Turn left on Willow Road (1.3 mi) 3. Turn right to merge onto US-101 S (48.2 mi) 4. Use the 2nd from the right lane to take Exit 356 for 10th St/CA-152 E (0.3 mi) 5. Turn left onto CA-152 E/E 10th St/E Pacheco Pass Rd (40.7) 6. Use the right lane to merge onto I-5 S via the ramp to Los Angeles (0.5 mi) 7. Merge onto I-5 S; follow all signs to stay on I-5 S until see signs for I-405 S (243.7 mi)
9 8. Keep right at the fork to continue on I-405 S, follow signs for Santa Monica (18.8 mi) 9. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 53 for I-10 W toward Los Angeles/Santa Monica/Interstate 10 E (0.2 mi) 10. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-10 E/Los Angeles and merge onto I-10 E (3.3 mi) 11. Take Exit 7A for La Cienega Blvd (0.1 mi) 12. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for La Cienega Blvd N and merge onto La Cienega Blvd (1.8 mi) 13. Turn left onto Gregory Way (0.1 mi) 14. Turn right onto S Stanley Dr (0.2 mi) 15. Turn left onto Wilshire Blvd (0.3 mi) 16. Turn right onto N Robertson Blvd; destination will be on the right (0.2 mi)
END: Reinisch Plastic Surgery (250 N Robertson Blvd, Suite 506, Beverly Hills, CA 90211)
10
FOOD & RESTAURANTS
IN AND AROUND PALO ALTO: FOOD & RESTAURANTS
COFFEE & TEA | CAFÉS
Hanahaus – Blue Bottle Coffee $$ Coffee & Tea, Pastries 456 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Blue Bottle Coffee is a renowned coffee purveyor with multiple cafes in SFO, LA, NYC, and Japan. They roast and serve a wide selection of international coffees, as well as a variety of espresso drinks. The café also boasts a beautiful outdoor courtyard space that is an excellent place to sit in fair weather.
Philz Coffee $$ Coffee & Tea, Breakfast 101 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Philz Coffee is a San Francisco-based coffeehouse chain that specializes in fresh brewed drip coffee only (no espresso), as well as teas, baked goods, and light bites.
Coupa Café $$ Coffee & Tea, Breakfast, Desserts
11 538 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 111 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Coupa Café has two separate locations in downtown Palo Alto, both of which serve a selection of coffees and teas, breakfast, lunch items, and pastries/desserts. A great place to get a light bite to eat or relax with a cup of coffee or tea. Starbucks Coffee $$ Bakeries, Coffee & Tea 376 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 863 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025 643-693 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Starbucks is a worldwide American coffeehouse chain. Founded in Seattle, WA in 1971, Starbucks has over 23,000 locations worldwide. They are one of the premier specialty coffee roasters in the world.
Tut’s Bakery & Cafe $$ Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch 535 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Tut’s is a friendly neighborhood café serving baked goods, pastries, light breakfast options, soups, and sandwiches. They also sell coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other beverages.
Peet’s Coffee & Tea $$ Bakeries, Coffee & Tea 436 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 153 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 899 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Peet’s is a locally-based coffeehouse founded in Berkeley, CA in 1966. They offer roasted coffee beans; rich, dark coffee blends; and espresso drinks, as well as a selection of teas, coffee-based beverages, and small bites.
12 RESTAURANTS
Lyfe Kitchen $ Modern American, Vegetarian 167 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Lyfe serves modern comfort food that is both healthy and sustainable. They create “craveable classics” with a contemporary twist, and source local, organic produce whenever possible.
Café 220 $ Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish 220 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Café 220 offers a wide selection of authentic Turkish dishes, including marinated meat kebabs, gyros, salads, falafel, vegetarian options, and other traditional Middle Eastern plates.
California Pizza Kitchen $$ Pizza, American 136 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304
CPK is a casual-dining restaurant located at Stanford Shopping Center, and serves a variety of dishes, such as pizza, salad, pasta, entrees, soup, and sandwiches.
The Cheesecake Factory $$ American, Bakery, Steakhouse 375 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
The Cheesecake Factory offers an extensive menu with a large variety of classic American fare, with options to satisfy almost any diner. Unsurprisingly, they also serve a large selection of decadent cheesecakes, along with other desserts.
13 The Counter – Palo Alto $$ American, Burgers, Vegetarian 369 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
The Counter allows you to create custom gourmet burgers using a checklist-style clipboard menu, which are served on a bun or on fresh salad greens. Salads, sandwiches, milkshakes, and vegetarian options are also available.
Crepevine $$ Creperie, American 367 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
The Crepevine uses fresh, healthy, and local ingredients to create food that appeals to all ages. Although they specialize in French-style crepes, they also offer various pastas, sandwiches, salad, omelettes/scrambles, and other breakfast plates.
Sushirrito $$ Sushi, Asian Fusion, Japanese 448 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Sushirrito’s name is a combination of the concepts of both “sushi” and “burrito.” They serve made-to-order, hand-held sushi burritos in delicious Asian and Latin flavor combinations.
Da Sichuan Bistro $$ Chinese 3781 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Da Sichuan Bistro is a local restaurant serves traditional Sichuan Chinese favorites in a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
14 Dohatsuten $ Japanese, Ramen 799 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Dohatsuten specializes in ramen, including one featuring pork belly. They also serve fried rice dishes and an assortment of other Japanese small plates & appetizers.
NOLA $$ Cajun/Creole, American 535 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
NOLA is a personality-filled restaurant & bar located in the historic Ramona Street Building of downtown Palo Alto that serves Creole, Cajun, and Southwestern cuisine. The restaurant itself spans 3 floors high within the building, and has 7 different dining spaces. NOLA also has one of the largest collections of southern folk art on the West Coast.
Hong Kong Restaurant $$ Chinese, Cantonese 3690 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Hong Kong Restaurant serves traditional, homestyle Cantonese and Chinese specialty dishes in an informal, family-friendly space.
Patxi’s Chicago Pizza $$$ Pizza, Italian, Salads 441 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Patxi’s is a pizzeria chain that serves creative deep-dish and thin-crust pizza pies in a stylish, contemporary setting. Note: deep dish pies take 45 minutes to cook, but it’s worth the wait!
15 Pluto’s $ American, California, Salads 482 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pluto’s features build-your-own salads & sandwiches in a casual setting. Diners select their salad toppings from an extensive toppings bar, and watch it be tossed before them in the dressing of their choice. Freshly grilled tri-tip and roasted turkey are also available.
Sancho’s Taqueria $$ Mexican 491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Sancho’s Taqueria is a Mexican restaurant specializing in Baja style fish tacos, carnitas burritos, and other traditional Mexican dishes. Other popular dishes include their tacos, nachos, and other plates.
So Gong Dong Tofu House $$ Korean 4127 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
So Gong Dong Tofu House is a simply, clean, and family-friendly Korean eatery featuring classic soups, stews, and rice dishes with tofu or meat, in addition to wonderful side dishes.
Lemonade $$ American 151 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
A Los Angeles, CA based chain, Lemonade is known for casual, healthy Californian comfort fare served in a choose-your-own cafeteria style. They have ample outdoor seating for sunny days, and plenty of types of lemonade (and desserts!) to go with your meal.
16 Sweetgreen $$ Salad, Vegetarian 581 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Sweetgreen boasts farm-to-table food made casual and quick. They serve a seasonal set menu featuring build-your-own bowls and salads, incorporating organic ingredients from local producers.
Mediterranean Wraps $ Middle Eastern, Mediterranean 433 S California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Mediterranean Wraps sells deliciously quick and convenient Mediterranean fare. Popular items include the shawarma wraps, falafel, and assorted sweets, as well as other traditional dishes such as hummus & soups.
Bangkok Cuisine $$ Thai Food 407 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Bangkok Cuisine offers a traditional Thai menu with a broad selection of options. A smaller, cozy restaurant off the main strip, Bangkok Cuisine also features a cozy back patio for outdoor dining.
Palo Alto Creamery $ American, Contemporary 566 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Owned and operated by the same family since its opening in 1923, the Creamery is a well-known local destination for retro-style American food. Though well-known for its milkshakes, the Creamery boasts a full menu of classic American fare.
17 Pizzeria Delfina $ American, Contemporary 651 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pizzeria Delfina’s original location in San Francisco was an instant SFO hotspot. Their Palo Alto location opened in 2014, and gained equal popularity. Their menu focuses on Neapolitan-style pizzas with innovative toppings, salads, and wines.
True Food Kitchen $ American, Vegan, Vegetarian 180 El Camino Real, Suite 1140, Palo Alto, CA 94304
True Food Kitchen is a relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health conscious fare, including vegan options. This location is at the Stanford Shopping Center.
Russian Family Restaurant $$ Russian 2086 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94063
Unique in its own right, the Russian Family Restaurant is one of few restaurants in the Palo Alto area serving traditional Russian and European cuisine. It is a cozy, family-run business with outdoor dining, traditional dishes, and European beers.
18 DESSERTS
Yogurtland $ Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream 494 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Yogurtland offers self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings in a modern yet casual space. Classic flavors range from plain tart yogurt to chocolate, peanut butter, and more.
Cream $ Dessert, Ice Cream Sandwiches 440 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Cream serves ice cream sandwiches made with your choice of flavored cookies, ice cream, and toppings. They also have gluten free cookies and soy ice cream for those with dietary restrictions. Other offerings include milkshakes, sundaes, and ice cream by the scoop.
Sprinkles Cupcakes $$ Bakeries, Desserts, Cupcakes 393 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Sprinkles is a cheerful cupcake bakery located in the Stanford Shopping Center. They have both classic and unique flavors, including seasonal favorites such as chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, red velvet, and more. They have vegan cupcake options as well!
Scoop Microcreamery $$ Desserts, Ice Cream 203 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Scoop dishes up inventive flavors of ice cream that are made using liquid nitrogen. This freezes the ice cream base instantly, and results in a smoother, denser, and richer cup!
19
OTHER STORES
IN AND AROUND PALO ALTO: OTHER STORES
GROCERY & DEPARTMENT STORES
Trader Joe’s $$ Grocery 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 720 Menlo Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Trader Joe’s is a California-based grocery store chain that offers quality grocery items under “Trader Joe’s” name branding, which helps to lower costs. A local favorite, “TJ’s” employees wear Hawaiian-theme shirts and have excellent, friendly service.
Safeway $$ Grocery 525 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Safeway is an American supermarket chain that offers a comprehensive selection of goods. Sections include fresh produce, dairy, meats, bakery, frozen foods, pharmacy, snacks, flowers, liquor, and more.
20 The Willows Market $$ Grocery, Beer, Wine & Spirits 60 Middlefield Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025
The Willows Market is a small, neighborhood grocery store offering produce, meat, and a huge selection of craft beers and wine. Though slightly more expensive, they are located conveniently close to the AM House.
Whole Foods $$$ Grocery, Health Markets, Organic 774 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Whole Foods is a grocery chain that emphasizes natural & organic grocery items, houseware, bath & body items, and more. Although comparatively more expensive, they have great options for specific dietary restrictions.
Target
$$ Department Store, Grocery
538 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Target is an discount retailer that provides high-quality, on-trend merchandise at affordable prices. They have a decent selection of grocery goods, but also stock home goods and other items, including clothing, furniture, medicine, toiletries, games, and more.
DRUGSTORES & PHARMACIES
CVS Pharmacy $$ Drugstore, Pharmacy
21 352 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Walgreens $$ Drugstore, Pharmacy
300 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
CVS and Walgreens are two separate drugstore & pharmacy chains that sell beauty products, personal hygiene items, wellness products, over-the-counter medicines, snacks, other small items. They also have in-store pharmacies that are able to fill prescription-only medication orders.
ETHNIC GROCERY STORES
Ranch 99 Market $$ Grocery, Asian, Seafood Market 1350 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040
Ranch 99 is one of the largest Asian supermarket chains in the United States. They offer typical Asian groceries, and have a bakery, seafood & meat market, and a hot deli. Dishes include congee, dim sum, dumplings, noodles, soup, and more.
Mi Pueblo Food Center $$ Grocery, Japanese 143 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
Mi Pueblo is a Latin American supermarket that stocks freshly butchered meats, seafood, produce, snacks, and other goods. They also have a cremería and tortillería.
The Milk Pail $ Grocery, Fruits & Veggies, Cheese 2585 California St, Mountain View, CA 94040
22 The Milk Pail is an open-air European market known for its domestic & imported cheeses (>300 types!) and other artisanal products. They also have reasonably priced seasonal produce from local farmers, as well as meats, breads, and other fresh foods.
Samovar Deli
$$ Grocery, Eastern European 1077 Independence Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043
Samovar Deli offers European goods from several countries, including Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and more. Their hot deli serves items made from scratch daily (~11:30 AM and 5 PM) such as borscht, pelmeni/vareniki, piroshkis, and cabbage rolls.
Nijiya Market $$ Grocery, Japanese 143 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040
Nijiya is a Japanese supermarket chain that offers typical grocery goods, as well as hot and cold items and an in-store eating area. Popular items include sushi, ramen, bento boxes, udon, curry, and more.
FARMERS MARKETS
Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market $$ Saturdays, 8 AM - 12 PM Noon Gilman St at Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
This is a seasonal market open Saturdays from the 2nd Saturday in May through the 2nd Saturday in December. They sell the freshest seasonal organic produce, allowing customers to buy directly from the farmers themselves.
23 California Avenue Farmers Market $$ Sundays, 9 AM - 1 PM California Ave at El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
This market is open each Sunday year round, rain or shine. Local farmers sell a broad selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural goods. Several food trucks and fresh-made food stands offer a variety of hot food options from different ethnic cuisines.
Menlo Park Farmers Market $$ Sundays, 9 AM - 1 PM Santa Cruz Ave at Menlo Ave, Menlo Park, CA 94025
The Menlo Park market likewise sells fresh produce and hot food every Sunday year-round. Seasonal products include fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats & seafood, eggs, honey, dried fruit, nuts, olive oil, and more.
24
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
IN AND AROUND PALO ALTO: LOCAL ACTIVITIES
<< PALO ALTO, CA >>
1. Stanford Dish Loop Trail Stanford Dish, Stanford Ave at Junipero Serra Blvd, Stanford, CA 94305 Open daily 6:30 AM until sunset, year-round
The Dish is a popular paved-trail recreational area for hiking and jogging and is open to the public from approximately sunrise to sunset year-round. The main loop circles the Dish itself, which is a radiotelescope that is still in use, and is about 3.7 miles in length. The path is fairly hilly and takes about 1 hr 15 min to walk without stops. Of further interest, Stanford’s Conservation Biology Program directs a program of environmental restoration in the Dish area, which includes use of native grasses and other plants. Portions of the dish area are also
25 devoted to special efforts to enhance habitat for the California tiger salamander, including the development of new breeding ponds. Parking is available on Stanford Ave near the entrance.
2. Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tues - Sat 10 AM - 5 pm; Sun 1-4 PM; Closed Mondays
Kids can come explore, discover, create, and play in the museum’s hands-on science exhibits complete with more than 50 species of animals. Though free, there is a suggested $5 donation. The museum’s play area and zoo may not rival that of the large zoos in the area, but is a great way to entertain younger children that is close to Palo Alto. NOTE: current renovation of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo has resulted in the museum moving to a temporary location, which has substantially limited public access to the animals. Please understand that the advertised experience may be significantly different from the actual experience while the museum is being renovated until Summer 2020.
3. Baylands Nature Preserve Ranger Station: 2500 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Open daily year-round from 8 AM until sunset
The Baylands Nature Preserve is one of the largest undisturbed marshlands remaining in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many have considered it one of the top areas for bird watching on the west coast. Fifteen miles of flat trails provide a great opportunity for walkers, runners, or cyclists to take in the area’s marshes and wildlife.
26 4. Stanford Shopping Center 660 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304 M-F 10A-9P, Sat 9A-9P, Sun 10A-8P
Stanford Shopping Center is Northern California’s premier open-air shopping and dining destination. The mall is located centrally in Palo right next to Stanford University, and offers more than 140 world-class specialty stores, ranging from luxury brands to local favorites. Shoppers can enjoy food from a wide variety of restaurants; admire the sculptures, fountains, and meticulously groomed flowers; see the latest Mac products at the Apple store; and purchase clothing, home goods, athletic wear, cookware, and more. The Stanford Shopping Center hosts thousands of international visitors every year.
5. Stanford University 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 Open daily year-round
Stanford University is a private institution that was founded in 1885 by the Stanford family after their son died of Typhoid Fever at age 15. After his death, the Stanfords decided to use their wealth to do something for “other people’s” children. Today, Stanford is one of the highest-ranking universities both nationally within the United States and globally overall. The campus attracts over 100,000 visitors annually, and conducts Campus Tours in English. However, the Visitor Center has brief self-guided tours available in French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, Italian, and Korean that cover the primary historic areas of campus. Many campus attractions, such as the Cantor Arts Center, Memorial Church, and outdoor sculpture garden do not require knowledge of English to be visited, viewed, and appreciated.
27 6. YMCA 550 Bell St, East Palo Alto, CA 94303 M-Th 6A-9:30P, F 6A-8P, Sat 7A-5P, Sun 12-5P
The Bay Area offers nearly 30 YMCA’s with access to hundreds of programs, classes, and activities. Facilities typically include weight rooms, exercise machines, swimming pools, basketball courts, and rooms for group classes. Childcare or kids club programs are frequently provided at no additional cost. Please visit http://www.ymcasv.org for more information on the YMCA locations in the area. Day Pass rates for the East Palo Alto YMCA are as follows: Adults, $10; Teens, $4; Children 6-12, $2.
7. Movie Theaters CineArts at Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Century Theater Mountain View, 1500 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043 Century Theater Redwood City, 825 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
There are several movie theaters in the area that offer American films in English. Please see their websites online for further information on currently showing films and viewing times.
28 << SAN FRANCISCO & GREATER BAY AREA >>
Rated by U.S. News Travel as the #6 place to visit in the world, San Francisco is a city like no other. Popular attractions include fine museums, culturally rich destination neighborhoods like Chinatown and Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Alcatraz, and the iconic landmark, Golden Gate Bridge. Being that San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, tours of the city are offered by foot, bike, cable car, boat, Segway, and double decker bus, among others. There is something for everyone to enjoy in the City by the Bay. Here are some of the top attractions with kids in mind (please look up websites to find address, hours of operation, contact info, and more):
1. California Academy of Sciences 2. The Exploratorium 3. San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures 4. Children’s Creativity Museum 5. Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose 6. Marrakech Magic Theater 7. Fisherman’s Wharf 8. Pier 39 9. Aquarium of the Bay 10. San Francisco Zoo 11. Chuck E. Cheese 12. Malibu Grand Prix
29
MISCELLANEOUS
Other Attractions
Other attractions in the Bay Area, not necessarily geared towards children, but fitting for family adventure include:
1. Alcatraz Island and Alcatraz Cruises 2. Filoli Estate & Gardens 3. Hiller Aviation Museum 4. The Tech Museum 5. Cable Car Museum 6. Walt Disney Family Museum 7. Palace of Fine Arts 8. Asian Art Museum
Parks & Outdoor Activities
Despite being a heavily populated metropolitan area, there are an extraordinary number of ways to enjoy the beauty of Northern California. Some parks & outdoor activities in the Bay Area include:
1. Golden Gate Bridge 2. Golden Gate Park 3. Marin Headlands 4. Lands End 5. Crystal Springs Regional Trail 6. Muir Woods National Monument
30 Music & Theater Venues
Local venues offering musical and performing arts performances include:
1. San Francisco Symphony 2. San Francisco Opera House 3. HP Pavilion San Jose 4. Orpheum Theatre
Sporting Teams
The Bay Area is home to world-class professional teams in baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer. Search teams online to discover the latest news, schedules, and ticket availability:
1. San Francisco Giants (Major League Baseball, MLB) 2. Oakland Athletics (MLB) 3. San Francisco 49ers (National Football League, NFL) 4. Oakland Raiders (NFL) 5. Golden State Warriors (National Basketball Association, NBA) 6. San Jose Sharks (National Hockey League, NHL) 7. San Jose Earthquakes (Major League Soccer)
Depending on the time of year, Stanford University also hosts college sporting events, including football, men and women’s soccer, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, and water polo just to name a few. Visit www.gostanford.com for a complete list of sports and schedules.
Shopping Beyond Palo Alto
There are various other malls & stores in the Bay Area that offer excellent shopping, including:
1. Hillsdale Mall 5. Gilroy Outlets 2. Valley Fair Mall 3. Santana Row 4. Union Square
31 Beyond the Bay Area
Day trips and short excursion opportunities abound in Northern California. Within a short distance by car, one can reach the famous California wine country areas of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, the beautiful Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Parks, and the picturesque coastal towns of Santa Cruz, Carmel, and Monterey along Highway 1. Some of these destinations make for great day trips from Palo Alto, while others would be more thoroughly enjoyed over the course of several days. For more information on California tourism upon your arrival, be sure to check out the nearest California Welcome Center located on the first floor of the Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo, just a short drive from Palo Alto. There, staff can help coordinate anything and everything you may want to do, not only in San Francisco, but throughout California.
32 CEI Office & Emergency Contact Info
For all emergencies NOT pertaining specifically to your care at the California Ear Institute (such as fires, poison ingestion, etc.), please immediately call: 9-1-1
For URGENT questions DURING CEI clinic hours, please call: (650) 494-1000 Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 4 PM (PST), Friday 8 AM - 2 PM
For URGENT questions AFTER CEI clinic hours (see above) or on weekends, please call: (650) 494-1000 Yo u will be directed to the on call line.
All questions regarding NON-URGENT medical issues, visas, scheduling, and billing should be emailed to: [email protected]
NOTE: no correspondence through social media will be answered by staff. Thank you!
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