Why “Geaux”?
‘Geaux’ is a playful Louisiana / Cajun-French-style spelling of ‘go,’ often used by LSU and New Orleans sports fans. Here it means: get out there, explore, eat well, and enjoy the Peninsula.
Fun Facts
A little local context and lagniappe to drop at dinner.
Lagniappe
Lagniappe means a little something extra. In this guide, lagniappe picks are bonus ideas that might not fit the main plan but are worth knowing about.
San Carlos: "The City of Good Living"
That's the official nickname, and it fits. San Carlos keeps a genuinely small-town downtown feel while sitting right between San Francisco and the heart of Silicon Valley — which is exactly why it's such a comfortable home base for a week.
There's an airport (and a great museum) in town
San Carlos Airport and the Hiller Aviation Museum give the city a real aviation streak. Hiller is a fun, easy local stop — especially for families or anyone who likes engineering, flight, and Bay Area history.
Everything downtown happens on Laurel Street
Downtown San Carlos is centered on Laurel Street, a walkable corridor of restaurants and independent shops. It's the lowest-effort way to feel like you've actually experienced the town.
Palo Alto is where Silicon Valley got going
Palo Alto is tied up with the rise of Silicon Valley — Stanford research, garage startups, and the venture capital on Sand Hill Road. Stanford isn't just a campus here; it's one of the engines of the whole regional innovation ecosystem.
Stanford was founded in memory of a son
Leland and Jane Stanford founded the university in memory of Leland Stanford Jr. Look for the sandstone arcades, the palm-lined entrance on Palm Drive, Hoover Tower, the Rodin Sculpture Garden, and the Cantor Arts Center.
The Dish is a telescope and a workout
The Stanford Dish is a real radio telescope and the region's favorite walking loop. It's the easiest way to get into the Stanford hills and see the Peninsula spread out below you.
Town & Country is the parents' clubhouse
Town & Country Village, right across from campus, is the convenient parent-friendly stop for casual food, coffee and shopping before or after campus activities.