Weekend playbook · family-made
A NOLA-flavored Peninsula playbook for Stanford move-in week
Live the next week like it’s Mardi Gras — just with better weather, earlier brunch, and a Caltrain schedule.
Staying in San Carlos for Stanford move-in? It’s Geaux Time with the Fralicks — a slightly biased local guide to food stops, hikes, downtown strolls, coastside drives, sports bars, family meetups, and easy Peninsula wins while you’re here.
Everything within a few minutes of campus: the classic walk, the Dish, and food that won't take an hour.
Narrow it down
When
What
Mood & effort
7 ideas
Campus / Architecture
Stanford
Why go?
Palm Drive, the Main Quad, Hoover Tower and the Rodin garden — the classic campus loop.
Medium Walk
Stanford / Palo Alto
Why go?
The iconic paved loop in the Stanford hills — exercise plus a great view.
Burgers / Casual
Palo Alto
Why go?
Burgers, fries and shakes at Town & Country, right across from Stanford.
College Sports / Stanford
Stanford / Palo Alto
Why go?
Look for Stanford home games or campus sports while visiting for move-in.
Stanford college sports. Check gostanford.com for home games while you’re on campus.
Shopping / Casual Food
Palo Alto
Why go?
The parent-friendly stop across from campus: coffee, food, and last-minute dorm errands.
Sports Bar
Palo Alto
Why go?
Revived Palo Alto sports bar with deep Stanford and local sports-bar history.
Classic game-day sports bar — NFL Sundays and college football.
Mediterranean / Casual
Palo Alto
Why go?
Fast, fresh Mediterranean near campus — great vegetarian option.