Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

San Jose , United States

Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

1h - 2h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Are you looking for a way to see Stanford University without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Get to know the university’s hidden corners and little-known stories including the custom where university band members carry a wooden casket across campus
• Hear from producer Move and Listen, an independent production studio in sunny California
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Stanford's Art and Architecture: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

You don’t need to be a student at Stanford University to relish its art, architecture and history. Stanford is one of the largest universities in the States, and its campus is a must-see for anyone visiting San Francisco or the Bay Area. On this walking tour starting at the Stanford Oval, I’ll point out the campus’ major landmarks and show you a few hidden gems off the beaten tourist path.

Our walk passes the Memorial Court. Along the way, you’ll learn about the university’s history, including founders Amasa Leland and Jane Stanford, hear about some popular student traditions, and see a few great pieces of architecture and art.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to see some great Auguste Rodin sculptures including Burghers of Calais and Gates of Hell.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to discover the backstory behind Stanford’s Memorial Church and how it became a center for student religious life.

Our walk passes the Stanford Art Gallery. You'll hear all about it while we walk.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to find out about the Soviet dissident and novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who lived in Hoover Tower on the campus.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to see the Stanford Clock Tower and its antique-style pendulum clock mechanism.

Our walk passes the White Memorial Fountain. You'll hear all about it while we walk.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to browse through the Stanford University Bookstore.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the university’s history, including founders Amasa Leland and Jane Stanford, hear about some popular student traditions, and see a few great pieces of architecture and art.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to stroll around the hidden Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to feel like a giant roaming between planets in space thanks to Alicja Kwade’s Pars Pro Toto artwork in the Science & Engineering Quad Courtyard.

Our walk ends in the Rodin Sculpture Garden. You'll hear all about it while we walk.

On this tour, you’ll have a chance to see some great Auguste Rodin sculptures including Burghers of Calais and Gates of Hell.

What's not included

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food/Drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About San Jose

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, a bustling city known for its technological innovations, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural surroundings. It offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure, making it a compelling destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Top Attractions

San Jose Museum of Art

The San Jose Museum of Art is a renowned institution showcasing contemporary and modern art. It features a diverse collection of works by local, national, and international artists.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a family-friendly amusement park and zoo that offers a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike. It features a variety of rides, animal exhibits, and play areas.

Family/Entertainment Half-day to full-day Moderate ($20-$40 per person)

Computer History Museum

The Computer History Museum is a fascinating institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of computing and technology. It features a wide range of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a beautiful natural area that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a historic mercury mine and features scenic trails and views.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum is a unique institution that houses a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, and hieroglyphic texts. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of ancient Egypt.

Museum 1-2 hours Moderate ($10-$20)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gourmet Pizza

San Jose is home to a variety of pizzerias offering gourmet and artisanal pizzas with unique toppings and high-quality ingredients.

Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Mexican Cuisine

San Jose has a large Mexican community, and the city is known for its authentic and delicious Mexican food, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Sushi

San Jose is home to a thriving sushi scene, with many high-quality sushi restaurants offering fresh and innovative dishes.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Surfing Kayaking Whale watching Spa treatments Beachcombing Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This period offers pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Time Zone)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Jose is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their safety, such as being aware of their surroundings and keeping valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit or deserted areas

Getting there

By air

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport • 6.4 km (4 miles) from city center
San Francisco International Airport • 64 km (40 miles) from city center

By train

San Jose Diridon Station

By bus

Downtown San Jose Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The VTA Light Rail system is a convenient and affordable way to get around San Jose and the surrounding areas. It consists of multiple lines that connect key destinations within the city and beyond.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown San Jose Willow Glen Cisco Systems Campus Almaden Valley

Day trips

Santa Cruz

48 km (30 miles) • Full day

Santa Cruz is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historic boardwalk, and outdoor activities. It offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors of all ages.

Monterey

113 km (70 miles) • Full day

Monterey is a historic coastal city known for its beautiful coastline, marine life, and cultural attractions. It is home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium and offers a variety of outdoor activities and scenic drives.

San Francisco

72 km (45 miles) • Full day to overnight

San Francisco is a vibrant and diverse city known for its iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique neighborhoods. It offers a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors of all interests.

Festivals

San Jose Jazz Festival • August San Jose Earthquakes Matches • March to October San Jose Pride • August

Pro tips

Visit the Tech Museum of Innovation to learn about the latest technological advancements and innovations in Silicon Valley.
Explore the diverse culinary scene in San Jose, with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.
Take a day trip to nearby destinations, such as Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Francisco, for a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
Check out local events and festivals, such as the San Jose Jazz Festival or San Jose Pride, for a unique and culturally rich experience.
Use public transportation, walk, or bike to get around the city, as it is an affordable and convenient way to explore San Jose.