Stanford University, in the heart of Palo Alto, is one of the iconic campuses in the world, with its palm-lined ways, Rodin sculpture gardens, and red tile roofed sandstone buildings. About a mile from the commercial center of Palo Alto, the Olmsted-designed campus makes for a very pleasant run.

We’ve put together a 4.5 mile loop here, incorporating the campus highlights: the 1-mile Palm Drive, which leads up to the expansive green oval Main Quad; sculpture garden; main quad with its gorgeous green, red-roofed buildings, and ornate Memorial Church; a loop around the running track at Angel Field; and some of the paths in the Arboretum Grove.

Another option is the 3.8 mile Campus Drive Loop. Wonderful add-on options include some of the lovely residential areas near the campus, including the ‘Professorville’ neighborhood, or a jaunt up to the Stanford Dish at the western edge of campus.