Things to Do at Hewlett Packard Garage

The HP Garage, located at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, California, is widely recognized as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. In 1938, Stanford University graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard rented this modest one-car garage for $45 per month and began their electronics company with just $538 in capital. Their first product, an audio oscillator, was developed right here, with Walt Disney Studios becoming one of their first major customers, purchasing eight units for the production of Fantasia. Designated as California Historical Landmark No. 976 in 1987, this unassuming garage represents the humble beginnings of what would become one of the world's largest technology companies and sparked the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Silicon Valley today. The garage has been carefully preserved and restored to its 1930s appearance, complete with period-appropriate tools and equipment that tell the story of innovation, determination, and the American dream.

The HP Garage is located at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto, easily accessible by car via Highway 101 or El Camino Real. Street parking is available but limited in this residential area. Public transportation options include Caltrain to Palo Alto station (about 1 mile walk) or VTA buses. The location is also bike-friendly with nearby bike racks. Note that this is in a quiet residential neighborhood, so visitors should be respectful of residents and property boundaries.