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HP Garage Palo Alto

4.8
·30 reviews·Palo Alto, United States

The iconic HP Garage, the humble birthplace of Silicon Valley and a symbol of tech innovation. Viewable from the sidewalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and appreciating the site

CrowdLow
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HP Garage - Image 1

HP Garage Palo Alto

Best Time

Daytime

Best for photos and appreciating the site

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The iconic HP Garage, the humble birthplace of Silicon Valley and a symbol of tech innovation. Viewable from the sidewalk.

4.8
(30 reviews)

"It's truly meaningful to visit the HP Garage, the birthplace of Silicon Valley."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 View from the Sidewalk

The HP Garage is a private landmark. Admire and photograph it respectfully from the sidewalk.

🚗 Parking Considerations

Street parking is available, but be mindful of residential restrictions.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic HP Garage

The Historic HP Garage

367 Addison Avenue, Palo Alto, CA

The humble garage where Hewlett-Packard began, sparking the Silicon Valley revolution. A true icon of innovation.

Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Birthplace of Silicon Valley

Palo Alto, California

This unassuming garage is recognized as the genesis of the tech industry, inspiring countless startups and innovations.

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Planning Your Visit

A Glimpse into Tech History

The HP Garage is a private landmark, not a museum. You can view and photograph it from the sidewalk. It's a symbol of Silicon Valley's humble beginnings, inspiring many tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

Respect the Landmark

As the HP Garage is on private property, please be respectful of the residents and the landmark. Admire it from the sidewalk and avoid disturbing the neighborhood. It's a testament to innovation, so tread lightly.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for photos and appreciating the site
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#paloalto
@cocktuahtwins
58.5K likes • 269.2K views

📸 View from the Sidewalk

The HP Garage is a private landmark. Admire and photograph it respectfully from the sidewalk. Instagram

🚗 Parking Considerations

Street parking is available, but be mindful of residential restrictions. TikTok

📍Watercourse Way Bath House Spa in Palo Alto is a 10/10 experience! #datenight #spaday #relaxation #paloalto #bayarea #thingstodoinbayarea #fyp
@maaegs
45.6K likes • 490.3K views
If you’ve ever heard people say “well, HP started out of a garage,” this is that very garage. It’s a historical landmark in Palo Alto, CA and designated a historic place. The home it sits behind was built in 1905 and Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard signed a lease in 1938 to pursue their dream. While Bill and Dave paid $45 per month to lease the garage, a shed, and the three-room lower apartment from...
christinetechca
20 likes • 239 views

💡 Inspiration Awaits

Reflect on the incredible journey of innovation that started here. Reddit

📍 Historic Significance

Recognized as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' a must-see for tech history buffs. Instagram

SEM POLÍTICA E SEM BUROCRACIA: ISSO É RIDÍCULO EM UMA GARAGEM @bcpugli, sócia e head de operações na StartSe, durante visita à icônica ‘Garagem da HP’ em Palo Alto, no Vale do Silício, conta sobre o impacto das 11 regras da HP no negócio. “As ‘Regras da HP Garage’ capturam a essência do empreendedorismo e da inovação e fornecem um conjunto de princípios que podem ajudar os empreendedores a con...
startseoficial
82 likes • 6.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 View from the Sidewalk

The HP Garage is a private landmark. Admire and photograph it respectfully from the sidewalk. Instagram

🚗 Parking Considerations

Street parking is available, but be mindful of residential restrictions. TikTok

💡 Inspiration Awaits

Reflect on the incredible journey of innovation that started here. Reddit

📍 Historic Significance

Recognized as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' a must-see for tech history buffs. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(30 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the HP Garage a deeply meaningful historical site, recognizing its significance as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley.' While it's a private landmark and can only be viewed from the sidewalk, many are inspired by its humble beginnings and the immense innovation that stemmed from it. Some appreciate the well-preserved nature of the site, seeing it as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hewlett-Packard.

"When you hear company X was founded in a garage, you imagine a hole in the wall with a spare tire kit lying around. Well, this place is quite elegant for a garage, to be honest. I’d live in that garage if I was from 1939. I mean, this is Palo Alto. Nowadays, this garage would fetch something like, what, 2,300$/month with a shared bathroom?

Anyway, if you’re interested in tech, you should pass by this place some time. It’s a very interesting historical location, and it will be even more interesting in the future.

It’s really incredible what followed from this place, and seeing the beginning of this behemoth industry with its incredible innovation and scale makes you think how big ideas are born from humble, yet ambitious beginnings. This is a Stanford professor and his students we’re talking about, and it’s not this part that is particularly humble, but rather it’s the idea itself: a start-up in a garage developed an audio oscillator and started up the culture of Silicon Valley in its entirety. Being in the right place at the right time is important."

Abdulla Jasem

"It was truly meaningful to visit the HP Garage for the first time, especially after starting my journey with HP 18 years ago. Back then, knowing the incredible heritage of the company and growing up reading about Hewlett and Packard was deeply inspiring. Being able to visit this iconic place after all these years brought back memories of that initial excitement and reminded me how innovation often starts in the most unexpected places. Thank you, for keeping this amazing place intact! 🚀 #HPGarage #Innovation #SiliconValley

Edit: I didn’t mentioned, I’m from Costa Rica, HP was one of the first big American companies that came here"

Gabriel C.

"Great souvenirs, It was m'y first company and an Amazing professional experience!!!"

pierre delivet

What People Like

Symbol of innovation
Birthplace of Silicon Valley
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Cannot enter garage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The HP Garage is located at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California. It's best accessed by car, with street parking available nearby. Public transport options are limited for direct access to this specific landmark. Instagram

Yes, it's a well-known historical landmark. Look for the house at 367 Addison Avenue; the garage is part of that property. Instagram

While Palo Alto has public transport, reaching the HP Garage directly might require a walk or a short ride-share from a bus stop or Caltrain station. TikTok

Plan your visit during daylight hours to best appreciate the site and take photos from the sidewalk. Instagram

Palo Alto and the surrounding Silicon Valley area are home to many tech company headquarters and historical sites, though many are not publicly accessible. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required as the HP Garage is a private landmark. You can view and photograph it from the sidewalk. Instagram

The HP Garage itself is not open for public tours as it's on private property. Visitors can see it from the exterior. Instagram

There are no official visiting hours as it's a private residence. It's best to visit during daylight hours to view it from the sidewalk. Instagram

No, there is no admission fee to view the HP Garage from the sidewalk. Instagram

No, the HP Garage is on private property and is not open for interior tours. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The best place for photos is from the sidewalk directly in front of the property at 367 Addison Avenue. Instagram

While you can photograph the exterior from the sidewalk, be mindful of the private property and residents. Instagram

It's a historically significant site, representing the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' making it a compelling subject for tech and history enthusiasts. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted over private residential properties. It's best to avoid it to respect privacy and local regulations.

You can capture the exterior of the historic garage and the house it's associated with, symbolizing a pivotal moment in tech history. Instagram

🎫 💡 Tech History & Inspiration

It's known as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley,' where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded Hewlett-Packard in 1939, launching a tech revolution. Instagram+1

Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, who were Stanford University students at the time, founded Hewlett-Packard in this garage. Instagram+1

Hewlett-Packard was founded in the garage in 1939. Instagram+1

They initially produced electronic testing equipment, starting with an audio oscillator. InstagramReddit

Its humble beginnings demonstrated that groundbreaking innovation could emerge from small, ambitious ventures, setting a precedent for countless startups. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍💻 Tech Enthusiasts & Entrepreneurs

For those passionate about technology and entrepreneurship, the HP Garage is a must-visit. It's a tangible link to the origins of Silicon Valley and a powerful symbol of how big ideas can start small. Standing outside the garage, you can reflect on the journey of Hewlett-Packard and the countless innovations that followed. InstagramReddit

Consider this visit as a source of inspiration. It's a reminder that with vision, determination, and a bit of luck, even the most ambitious dreams can take root and flourish. Many find it a motivating experience, encouraging them to pursue their own entrepreneurial ventures. Instagram

🌍 International Visitors

If you're visiting from abroad and interested in the history of technology, the HP Garage offers a unique glimpse into the foundational moments of the digital age. It's a key site in understanding the rise of Silicon Valley and its global impact. Instagram

While it's a private landmark, the ability to see where a company like HP began provides a powerful narrative. It's a simple yet profound stop that connects you to the innovative spirit that has defined California and the tech industry worldwide. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Genesis of Silicon Valley

The HP Garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto is more than just a building; it's a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit that defined Silicon Valley. Founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, this modest garage was the crucible where a global technology giant, Hewlett-Packard, was born. Their initial venture, an audio oscillator, was a testament to their ingenuity and ambition, laying the groundwork for a technological revolution. Instagram+1

This humble beginning is widely recognized as the 'Birthplace of Silicon Valley.' The story of HP's garage startup inspired a generation of innovators, proving that groundbreaking ideas could emerge from anywhere, even a small rented space. It fostered a culture of innovation and risk-taking that continues to shape the tech landscape today. Instagram+1

While the garage is on private property and not open for tours, its historical significance is undeniable. Visitors can still view the exterior from the sidewalk, offering a tangible connection to the origins of the modern tech industry. It serves as a powerful reminder of how big ideas can stem from ambitious beginnings. InstagramReddit

Visiting the HP Garage: What to Expect

Visiting the HP Garage is a pilgrimage for many tech enthusiasts and history buffs. It's important to understand that this is not a traditional museum with exhibits and guided tours. Instead, it's a private landmark, meaning you can only view the exterior from the sidewalk at 367 Addison Avenue. Instagram

When you arrive, you'll see the historic house and the garage. The experience is about appreciating the historical context and imagining the early days of Hewlett-Packard. Many visitors find it inspiring to stand where such a monumental industry began. The surrounding neighborhood is residential, so maintaining a respectful demeanor is crucial. Reddit

Parking is typically available on the street, but be aware of any local parking regulations. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to get clear views and take photographs. While you can't go inside, the visit offers a profound sense of connection to the roots of Silicon Valley and the spirit of innovation. Instagram

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