Outdoors
Scenic viewpoints near Palo Alto
30 named scenic viewpoints within 37 miles, nearest first, with a map and directions.
Scenic viewpoints within 37 mi
30
Closest
4.5 mi
Bobcat Point
Within 10 miles
5
Highest
2,497 ft
Mission Peak
Worth the drive
Map
Map of 30 places loads as you scroll.
All scenic viewpoints, nearest first
- 4.5miBobcat Point
- 5.2miArbolejo Overlook
- 7.4miWindy Hill
- 9.1miAllen Lookout2,323 ft
- 9.4miTop of the World
- 10.4miHunters Point
- 10.7miMaisie's Peak1,181 ft
- 11.3miPise Lookout
- 11.6miLen Turner Memorial Vista Point
- 12.7miSempervirens Point
- 13.6miRussell Point
- 13.9miEmily Smith Observation Point
- 14miGoat Rock Overlook
- 14.4miLookout Point
- 15.2miMission Peak2,497 ft
- 15.8miSeal Rock Viewpoint
- 17.1miLexington Vista Point
- 18.5miAlameda Creek Overlook (formerly Little Yosemite)
- 18.5miSierra Road Vista Point
- 18.9miKalkhoven Overlook
- 19miVista Grande Overlook
- 19miBear Creek Road Vista Point
- 19miCerro Este Overlook
- 19.3miBerry Creek Falls viewpoint
- 19.4miMount McAbee Overlook1,739 ft
- 21.3miPortola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay
- 29.1miTop of the Mark
- 29.7miCoit Tower292 ft
- 29.8miHamon Tower
- 33.5miGolden Gate Bridge Vista Point
Straight-line distance from the center of Palo Alto; driving and trail distances are longer.
Before you go
Views are clearest and warmest in the hour after sunrise and before sunset; haze builds through the afternoon.
Cliff edges crumble, especially after rain. Keep kids and dogs back from unfenced drop-offs.
Some overlooks sit on park roads that close at dusk or in winter.
HikingWeather by monthDay tripsBeaches near Palo AltoWaterfalls near Palo AltoLakes near Palo AltoCaves near Palo AltoHot springs near Palo Alto
Questions
What is the closest scenic viewpoint to Palo Alto?
Bobcat Point, about 4.5 miles from the center of Palo Alto.
How many scenic viewpoints are near Palo Alto?
30 named scenic viewpoints are within 37 miles, 5 of them within 10 miles.
What is the highest viewpoint near Palo Alto?
Mission Peak, at about 2,497 feet, 15.2 miles away.
Sources: Wikidata and OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked 2026-11-08; photos from Wikimedia Commons under the licenses shown. Access, fees and conditions change; check before visiting.