A panorama taken from the Oval of Stanford University.

The Oval - Palo Alto visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'The Oval' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from California.

The Oval of Stanford University is at the end of Palm Drive. The large lawn here has become a site of relaxation for students and staff. The Oval has served Stanford University for over 100 years. It was added to plans for the university in about 1886 by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also added Palm Drive at the same time (then called University Avenue). Olmsted intended that visitors would arrive down a dense arboretum that bordered Pal Drive which would obscure most of The Oval, focussing attention on the large Memorial Arch. Most of the rest of the University would be obscured from view until The Oval was reached.

In 1900 there was a monument at the centre of the Oval, and a large memorial arch at the southern end. These are no longer there, but The Oval remains the main focal point for those arriving at the university down Pal Drive. From here people pass through Memorial Court to the Main Quad and Memorial Church. Off to the left of The Oval is the Hoover Tower, from which there are fantastic panoramic views of Stanford Unverstiy.

Bus: The Palm Drive Commuter Express runs to and from the Palo Alto train Station to the campus Oval during the commute times.

Car: From San Fransisco take the 101 towards Palo Alto for about 30 miles. Take the exit 404B onto Willow Road, then left at Middlefield Road and right onto University Avenue. This becomes Palm Drive and enters the university Campus terminating at The Oval.