Part 1: Palo Alto
▼
Part 1: Palo Alto
UA 61
10:55
Melbourne (MEL)
✈
14h 10m · 787-9
Jun 9
8:05 AM
San Francisco (SFO)
Conf# B9V1D4
Basic Economy
AUD 3,895.02
Row 45
T: Vegan Meal ✅
Atherton Park Inn, Redwood City
~45 min from SFO · Near Palo Alto / Stanford
Agoda #XXXXXX5567
Pending
3 adults booked
9Tue
Arrive SFO
▼
Tue
Arrival
8:05 AM: Land SFO. Collect bags, head to Palo Alto (~45 min).
Afternoon: Check in, rest, recover from 14h flight. Explore neighborhood.
Evening: Casual dinner. Early night.
📋 View enriched day plan
8:05 AM — Arrive SFO
Immigration + bags (~45-60 min). Head to Tesla pickup.
9:30 AM — Coffee & Fuel Up
Philz Coffee ↗ (2625 Broadway, Redwood City) — 5 min from hotel. Mint Mojito Iced Coffee is iconic. Oat milk, pastries, shaded outdoor seating.
Grab water bottles at Trader Joe's ↗ next door.
🍽️ 10:30 AM — Brunch
Annapurna Cuisine V ↗ (2832 El Camino Real) — South Indian vegetarian dosas & thali. 3 min from hotel. -18/pp
Long Life Vegi House V ↗ (2340 E Capitol Expy, San Jose) — Buddhist vegetarian Chinese, famous for mock meats, kung pao, stir-fries, dim sum. Naturally Jain-safe. -18/pp. ~20 min from hotel.
12:00 PM — Afternoon Adventure (Pick One)
🌊 Option A: Half Moon Bay Coastal Drive ↗ ✅ Recommended — 30 min via Hwy 84 (Woodside Rd), twist through redwood forests, emerge at the coast. Main Street HMB ↗, Poppy Bank Beach. Sam's Chowder House ↗ for ocean-view lunch. Supercharger available. ~2-2.5h round trip.
🌲 Option B: Stanford Campus Preview ↗ — Palm Drive ↗, Rodin Sculpture Garden ↗ (free, ~30 min), Hoover Tower ↗ observation deck, University Avenue Palo Alto ↗ walkable strip.
🏞️ Option C: Shoreline Lake Mountain View ↗ — flat 1-mile loop walk, bay views, kite surfers. Drive past Googleplex ↗ (Android statues photo op). Easy, relaxed.
💤 Option D: Pure Recovery — skip activities, nap at hotel, order delivery. No shame after 14h!
3:00 PM — Indian Grocery Stock-Up
India Cash & Carry ↗ (2301 El Camino Real) — 3 min from hotel! Ready-to-eat meals, snacks, chai, spices.
Whole Foods ↗ (2555 El Camino Real) — fresh produce, prepared foods, organic snacks. 3 min.
Trader Joe's ↗ (2822 El Camino Real) — budget trail mix, frozen veg meals. 4 min.
3:30-5:30 PM — Rest & Reset
Max 90 min nap (longer = worse jet lag). Or shower, unpack, chill. Set an alarm!
5:30 PM — Sunset Activity
Downtown Redwood City ↗ — Courthouse Square, Broadway murals, Lytton Plaza. 5 min walk. Often live music.
Edgewood Park ↗ (10 min drive) — gentle 1-mile nature trail through oak woodland.
Purisima Creek Redwoods ↗ (20 min drive) — short easy trail among towering redwoods. Magical first-day experience.
🍽️ 7:30 PM — Dinner
Oren's Hummus Shop ↗ (262 University Ave, Palo Alto) — Israeli/Middle Eastern, fresh hummus, falafel, salads, pita. Quick and satisfying. -15/pp.
Amber India ↗ (335 Bryant St) — upscale sit-down. 5 min walk downtown.
Vegetarian House V ↗ (511 N 6th St, San Jose) — Buddhist vegetarian Chinese, dim sum, congee, vegetable dishes, mock duck. Very popular, cash only. -15/pp. ~15 min from hotel.
Jet Lag Tips
☀️ Sunlight is medicine — get outside, especially late afternoon. Resets your circadian clock.
💧 Stay hydrated — cabin air dehydrates. Drink water all day.
⏰ Push to 9-10 PM local bedtime — the #1 rule for beating jet lag.
💊 Melatonin (optional) — 3-5mg at 9 PM. Available at Whole Foods/Trader Joe's.
10Wed
🛍️ Shopping Day
▼
Wed
Pick Your Shopping Adventure
🏷️ Option A: Gilroy Premium Outlets — 145+ stores, 30–70% off retail. ~45 min south via Hwy 101.
🛍️ Option B: Santana Row + Westfield Valley Fair — Upscale outdoor mall + massive indoor mall. ~25 min. Full-price luxury.
🏷️ Option C: Great Mall + Santana Row — Outlet deals + luxury in one day. ~1 hr total driving. Best of both worlds!
Evening: Relax, dinner near hotel.
📋 View enriched day plan
🍽️ 8:00 AM — Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — included at Best Western. Fuel up before shopping!
🏷️ Option A: Gilroy Premium Outlets (~45 min south)
Gilroy Premium Outlets ↗ (895 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy) — 145+ stores, 30–70% off retail. Outdoor outlet village with wide walkways. Free parking.
🛍️ Key Stores: Nike, Levi's, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Banana Republic, Polo, Adidas, Under Armour, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, KitchenAid, Vera Bradley, Cole Haan, Samsonite, Columbia, Crocs, Carter's, OshKosh.
🕐 Timeline:
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel (Hwy 101 south — straight shot)
• 10:50 AM — Arrive Gilroy, start at north end
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at food court (veggie pizza, salads, or bring snacks)
• 2:00 PM — Continue shopping south end
• 4:00 PM — Head back
• 4:50 PM — Back at hotel
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel (Hwy 101 south — straight shot)
• 10:50 AM — Arrive Gilroy, start at north end
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at food court (veggie pizza, salads, or bring snacks)
• 2:00 PM — Continue shopping south end
• 4:00 PM — Head back
• 4:50 PM — Back at hotel
💡 Tips: Go early to beat crowds and find better sizes. Bring a tote bag for multiple stores. Check the Gilroy outlet directory for current deals.
🛍️ Option B: Santana Row + Valley Fair (~25 min)
Santana Row ↗ (377 Santana Row, San Jose) — Upscale open-air lifestyle centre with European village feel. Beautiful landscaping, fountains, pedestrian-friendly.
🛍️ Key Stores — Fashion: lululemon, Nike, Madewell, Marine Layer, Vince, Tommy Bahama, Arc'teryx, Bonobos, Suitsupply, Todd Snyder, TravisMathew, PAIGE, Sézane, Athleta, LOFT, Chico's, 7th Avenue, Fjällräven, Brandy Melville, BYLT Premium Basics.
🛍️ Key Stores — Accessories & Beauty: Sephora, Bluemercury, Kendra Scott, Mejuri, Warby Parker, Sunglass Hut, Le Labo (fragrance), Tumi (luggage), Away (luggage), Yeti.
🛍️ Key Stores — Home & Tech: Crate & Barrel, CB2, Herman Miller (Aeron chairs!), Tesla showroom, Rivian Automotive showroom, Casper, Kohler, The Container Store.
💅 Wellness: Burke Williams Day Spa, Gents Barber Club, Kitchen Nail Bar, Hot 8 Yoga, Solidcore, Barry's HIIT.
🎬 Bonus: CineArts independent cinema, Sugarfina candy, Vintage Wine Merchants, MaiDo Japanese stationery.
🕐 Timeline:
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel
• 10:30 AM — Arrive Santana Row, start shopping
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Santana Row (plenty of on-site restaurants)
• 1:30 PM — Walk to Westfield Valley Fair ↗ (next door, 200+ stores)
• 3:30 PM — Head back
• 4:00 PM — Back at hotel
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel
• 10:30 AM — Arrive Santana Row, start shopping
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Santana Row (plenty of on-site restaurants)
• 1:30 PM — Walk to Westfield Valley Fair ↗ (next door, 200+ stores)
• 3:30 PM — Head back
• 4:00 PM — Back at hotel
💡 Santana Row dining options: Amber India, Left Bank, Pizza My Heart, and many more on-site.
🏷️ Option C: Great Mall + Santana Row (~1 hr total drive)
Combine outlet discounts with upscale luxury in one day! Less driving than Gilroy.
Great Mall of the Bay Area ↗ (447 Great Mall Dr, Milpitas) — Northern California's largest indoor outlet mall. ~80 stores including Nike Clearance Store, Levi's Outlet, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, GNC, H&M. Also has AMC cinema, Dave & Buster's, food court.
🕐 Timeline:
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel (~25 min via I-880 north)
• 10:30 AM — Arrive Great Mall, shop 2 hrs (outlet deals)
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Great Mall food court
• 1:30 PM — Drive to Santana Row (~15 min via I-880/101 south)
• 1:50 PM — Arrive Santana Row, shop 2.5 hrs (luxury browsing)
• 4:30 PM — Walk to Westfield Valley Fair ↗ (next door, 1 hr)
• 5:30 PM — Head back (~25 min)
• 6:00 PM — Back at hotel
• 10:00 AM — Leave hotel (~25 min via I-880 north)
• 10:30 AM — Arrive Great Mall, shop 2 hrs (outlet deals)
• 12:30 PM — Lunch at Great Mall food court
• 1:30 PM — Drive to Santana Row (~15 min via I-880/101 south)
• 1:50 PM — Arrive Santana Row, shop 2.5 hrs (luxury browsing)
• 4:30 PM — Walk to Westfield Valley Fair ↗ (next door, 1 hr)
• 5:30 PM — Head back (~25 min)
• 6:00 PM — Back at hotel
💡 Route: Hotel → I-880 north → Great Mall (Milpitas) → I-880/101 south → Santana Row (San Jose) → I-280/101 north → Hotel. Total ~1 hr driving, 20 min less than Gilroy route.
🍽️ 7:30 PM — Dinner
Villa Spicewood V ↗ (4126 El Camino Real, Palo Alto) — ⚠️ Italian = heavy garlic/onion base — not Jain-safe. Consider Merit Vegan or Amber India instead.
Merit Vegan Restaurant V ↗ (548 Lawrence Expy #2, Sunnyvale) — Indian/Chinese/Thai vegan fusion. 4.5★. Jain-safe. ~$30/pp. 20 min.
Evvia Estiatorio ↗ (420 Emerson St) — ⚠️ Greek = heavy garlic/onion base — not Jain-safe. Consider Chaat House (Mountain View) or Amber India instead.
Amber India V ↗ (335 Bryant St, RWC) — reliable North Indian near hotel. ~$20-30/pp.
Tips
🏷️ Gilroy = biggest outlet selection. Santana Row = luxury ambiance. Great Mall + Santana Row = outlet deals + luxury, least driving. Pick your vibe!
🚗 Parking is free at both locations.
📱 Download the outlet mall apps for extra coupons.
11Thu
Pre-Commencement Events
▼
Thu
Events
CS Department & School of Engineering pre-Commencement events. See 📋 enriched plan for confirmed schedule + pre-booking checklist.
📋 View enriched day plan
Confirmed events from commencement.stanford.edu + CS Dept email (as of May 24). CS Dept ceremony ✅ CONFIRMED — Sun Jun 14, 12:45 PM, Frost Amphitheater. See 📄 full reference doc for all events + pre-booking checklist. Full commencement details saved to stanford-commencement.md.
Thu Jun 11 — Confirmed Events
Office of Military Affiliated Communities Celebration — 5:00–6:30 PM, Faculty Club. (if applicable)
Senior Dinner on the Quad — 7:00–11:00 PM, Main Quadrangle. By invitation only — graduating seniors only. Parents cannot attend.
CS Department events — ❌ NOT YET POSTED. Expected at Gates Building. Cronjob monitoring.
Daytime — Explore Palo Alto
Bell's Books ↗ (536 Emerson St) — California's oldest independent bookstore.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden ↗ (1431 Waverley St) — free public garden, roses, herbs, Japanese garden.
University Avenue ↗ — window shopping, gelato at Gelato Classico.
Shiok Singapore Kitchen ↗ (625 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park) — authentic Singaporean/Malaysian. Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, roti canai, char kway teow. 4.1★, 535 reviews. Asian-owned. ~10 min from hotel. Google Maps ↗
🍽️ 12:30 PM — Lunch
Shiok Singapore Kitchen ↗ (625 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park) — try the laksa, roti canai, or char kway teow. Ask for no shrimp paste on noodle dishes. -25/pp. Walkable from University Ave.
🍽️ 7:30 PM — Dinner
Junoon V ↗ (427 University Ave, Palo Alto) — modern Indian, creative tasting menu. -40/pp.
Din Tai Fung ↗ (432 Stanford Shopping Center) — world-famous soup dumplings. Veggie options. -25/pp.
Garden Fresh V ↗ (1922 El Camino Real, Mountain View) — Buddhist vegetarian Chinese, mock meats, stir-fries, dim sum. Naturally Jain-safe. -18/pp.
12Fri
Photo Shoot → Chris Piech → SF
▼
Fri
📸 8:30–10:30 AM — Graduation Photography Session
Why this morning? Fri Jun 12 is the dedicated photo session morning — campus is less crowded than Sat/Sun, and golden hour light (8:30–9:30 AM) is stunning.
🕐 Suggested Route (2 hours, walking):
• 8:30 AM — The Oval + Palm Allee — start here. Classic wide shots with Hoover Tower in the background.
• 8:50 AM — Memorial Church — front steps for the quintessential Stanford graduation portrait.
• 9:15 AM — Main Quad Arcades — covered walkways for portraits with depth and shadow play.
• 9:30 AM — Rodin Sculpture Garden — artistic shots with *The Thinker* and other Rodin bronzes.
• 9:50 AM — Hoover Tower — photos from the base. Observation deck opens 10 AM.
• 10:10 AM — Green Library Steps — grand staircase. Perfect "holding diploma" pose.
• 10:20 AM — Arizona Cactus Garden (bonus) — 10-min walk from Quad.
• 8:30 AM — The Oval + Palm Allee — start here. Classic wide shots with Hoover Tower in the background.
• 8:50 AM — Memorial Church — front steps for the quintessential Stanford graduation portrait.
• 9:15 AM — Main Quad Arcades — covered walkways for portraits with depth and shadow play.
• 9:30 AM — Rodin Sculpture Garden — artistic shots with *The Thinker* and other Rodin bronzes.
• 9:50 AM — Hoover Tower — photos from the base. Observation deck opens 10 AM.
• 10:10 AM — Green Library Steps — grand staircase. Perfect "holding diploma" pose.
• 10:20 AM — Arizona Cactus Garden (bonus) — 10-min walk from Quad.
🎓 Gown pickup — confirm with student when/where to collect cap & gown. Stanford Bookstore or department office 1–2 days before.
📱 Tips: Fully charged phone/camera + portable charger. Free campus WiFi. Light jacket (~55°F mornings). Sunscreen after 9 AM.
📋 View enriched day plan
🍽️ 7:30 AM — Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — included at Best Western. Fuel up early!
Philz Coffee (2625 Broadway, RWC) — grab coffee on the way. Map ↗
Fri Jun 12 — Confirmed Events
Markaz x MSU Graduation Celebration — 3:00–5:30 PM, Ballroom, Clubhouse 2nd floor. ✅ CONFIRMED.
FLI Graduation Celebration — 4:00–6:00 PM, McCaw Hall. ✅ CONFIRMED.
Black Graduation Celebration — Reception 5:00 PM, Ceremony 6:30–8:30 PM, Memorial Auditorium. ✅ CONFIRMED.
Commencement Organ Concert — 7:30–8:30 PM, Memorial Church. ✅ FREE.
Phi Beta Kappa Initiation — 8:00–10:00 PM, Bing Concert Hall. By invitation only.
🕐 Late Morning — Stanford Bookstore → Chris Piech
Stanford Bookstore ↗ — swing by after the photo session for Stanford gear, gifts, or cap & gown pickup if needed.
Then visit Chris Piech on/near campus. Time and location TBD — coordinate with student.
🌉 Afternoon — San Francisco + Meet Shaurya
Drive to SF — ~45 min from Redwood City / Palo Alto via US-101 N. Map ↗
Meet Shaurya — time & location TBD.
💡 Head back by ~5 PM to catch any evening campus events (see Confirmed Events below).
🍽️ Lunch
In SF — grab lunch while meeting Shaurya. Plenty of veg-friendly options in the city.
📋 All Confirmed Commencement Events (Jun 11–14)
📌 TICKET DEADLINE: Thu Jun 11 at 11:59 PM — Student must register guests via commencement.stanford.edu/ticketing
📌 Accessibility requests — due Mon May 25. Already passed.
Thu Jun 11:
• Military Affiliated Communities — 5:00–6:30 PM, Faculty Club
• Senior Dinner on the Quad — 7:00–11:00 PM. Seniors only
• Military Affiliated Communities — 5:00–6:30 PM, Faculty Club
• Senior Dinner on the Quad — 7:00–11:00 PM. Seniors only
Fri Jun 12:
• Nuestra Graduación — 12:00–3:00 PM, Memorial Auditorium. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Markaz x MSU Graduation — 3:00–5:30 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• FLI Graduation — 4:00–6:00 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Black Graduation — Reception 5:00 PM, Ceremony 6:30–8:30 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Phi Beta Kappa — 8:00–10:00 PM. By invitation
• Organ Concert — 7:30–8:30 PM. ✅ FREE
• Nuestra Graduación — 12:00–3:00 PM, Memorial Auditorium. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Markaz x MSU Graduation — 3:00–5:30 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• FLI Graduation — 4:00–6:00 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Black Graduation — Reception 5:00 PM, Ceremony 6:30–8:30 PM. ✅ CONFIRMED
• Phi Beta Kappa — 8:00–10:00 PM. By invitation
• Organ Concert — 7:30–8:30 PM. ✅ FREE
Sat Jun 13:
• Baccalaureate — 10:00 AM, Frost. 🎟️ Tickets required
• 🔔 Carillon Performance — 11:00–11:20 AM, Hoover Tower. Free
• Asian American Graduation — 1:00–4:00 PM. RSVP /person
• President's Reception — 2:00–4:00 PM. ✅ No RSVP
• Baccalaureate — 10:00 AM, Frost. 🎟️ Tickets required
• 🔔 Carillon Performance — 11:00–11:20 AM, Hoover Tower. Free
• Asian American Graduation — 1:00–4:00 PM. RSVP /person
• President's Reception — 2:00–4:00 PM. ✅ No RSVP
Sun Jun 14:
• Main Commencement — 9:00 AM, Stadium. Speaker: Sundar Pichai
• CS Dept Ceremony — 12:45 PM, Frost. 🎟️ Tickets via Tassel
• Main Commencement — 9:00 AM, Stadium. Speaker: Sundar Pichai
• CS Dept Ceremony — 12:45 PM, Frost. 🎟️ Tickets via Tassel
Commencement Week Tips
🅿️ Parking is brutal — arrive 45+ min early.
👕 Comfortable shoes + layers — mornings 55°F, afternoons 75°F.
🪑 No chairs at Frost — strict clear bag policy. Sealed water ≤32oz OK.
📸 Photo spots: Hoover Tower, Rodin Garden, Main Quad, Memorial Church, the Oval.
🎓 Graduation photos with gown — this morning! 8:30–10:30 AM.
📍 Top 20 Graduation Photo Locations
The Classic Must-Haves
1. 🏛️ Hoover Tower — Map ↗
2. 🌴 The Oval + Palm Allee — Map ↗
3. ⛪ Memorial Church — Map ↗
4. 🎨 Rodin Sculpture Garden — Map ↗
5. 🏫 Main Quad Arcades — Map ↗
6. 🌵 Arizona Cactus Garden — Map ↗
Campus Landmarks
7. 📚 Green Library Front Steps — Map ↗
8. 🏰 Sandstone Archways (Lasuen Mall) — Map ↗
9. 🌊 Lake Lagunita — Map ↗
10. 🪨 Andy Goldsworthy "Stone River" — Map ↗
11. 🌸 Inner Quad Courtyard — Map ↗
12. 🧱 Old Union — Map ↗
13. 🏛️ Herbert Hoover Memorial Pavilion — Map ↗
14. 🌳 Engineering Quad (Huang Center) — Map ↗
15. 🎭 Dinkelspiel Auditorium — Map ↗
Nature & Art
16. 🚲 Campus Bike Circle — Map ↗
17. 🏊 Avery Aquatic Center Plaza — Map ↗
18. 🌺 Lou Henry Hoover Garden — Map ↗
19. 🖼️ Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden — Map ↗
20. 🌄 Stanford Dish Trail Overlook — Map ↗
💡 Best timing: 6–8 AM for golden hour. Quad gets crowded after 9 AM.
📌 Pre-Booking Checklist
🎫 TICKET REGISTRATION — DEADLINE: Thu Jun 11, 11:59 PM
Student registers guests at commencement.stanford.edu/ticketing
Student registers guests at commencement.stanford.edu/ticketing
♿ Accessibility requests — due Mon May 25. Already passed.
🎯 Asian American Graduation — Sat Jun 13. RSVP /person. Undergrad RSVP / Grad RSVP
President's Reception — Sat Jun 13. ✅ No RSVP needed.
CS Dept ceremony — ✅ Sun Jun 14, 12:45 PM, Frost. Tickets via Tassel.
13Sat
Baccalaureate + Reception
▼
Sat
Events
10:00 AM — Baccalaureate at Frost Amphitheater ↗ 🎟️ Gates 9 AM · Photo ID req · Clear bag policy · Non-transferable QR ticket
Speaker: Lerone Martin, MLK Jr Research & Education Institute
11:00 AM — 🔔 Carillon Performance at Hoover Tower ↗ — 48 bronze bells played live from the tower. Free, 20 min. Beautiful campus atmosphere.
2:00–4:00 PM — President's Reception at Lou Henry Hoover House ↗
Evening: Free time.
📋 View enriched day plan
🍽️ 7:30 AM — Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — included at Best Western.
Coupa Café V (538 Ramona St, Palo Alto) — pick up pastries and chai latte on the way to campus.
9:00 AM — Arrive at Frost Amphitheater
Frost Amphitheater ↗ is an outdoor venue nestled in the hills. Gates open at 9:00 AM — arrive early for seating, first-come, first-served. Entry not guaranteed if capacity reached (overflow livestream indoors).
🪪 Photo ID required for all guests 18+. QR code ticket must be presented at gate (printed or mobile).
🎒 Clear bag policy — no luggage or bag check available. Only approved clear bags allowed. Leave large bags at hotel.
Bring sunscreen and a hat — limited shade. June sun can be intense even at 10 AM.
Parking: Use Via Ortega lot or Galvez Field and walk (~10 min). Marguerite shuttle available.
10:00 AM — Baccalaureate Ceremony
Interfaith celebration with music, reflections, and the featured speaker.
Speaker: Lerone Martin — MLK Jr Research & Education Institute. Expect an inspiring, thought-provoking address. ~90 min.
📸 Photo opportunity: The amphitheater hillside backdrop is beautiful. Take photos before it gets too crowded.
🍽️ 12:00–2:30 PM — Lunch with Cathy (Mountain View)
Cathy — lunch at Cathy in Mountain View, 12–2:30 PM (after Baccalaureate).
2:00–4:00 PM — President's Reception
Lou Henry Hoover House ↗ — the university president's residence. Beautiful historic home on campus.
Light refreshments and mingling with other families. A lovely, intimate Stanford tradition.
Check if tickets/RSVP were required — this may be invite-only for certain groups.
4:30 PM — Afternoon Free Time
Stanford Shopping Center ↗ — last-chance shopping before leaving the area. Tesla showroom, Apple Store.
Facebook/Meta campus — 5 min drive. The hacker square and sign are visible from the road. Quick photo op.
Return to hotel & rest — save energy for tomorrow's big day!
🍽️ 7:30 PM — Dinner (Pre-Commencement)
Annapurna Cuisine V ↗ (2832 El Camino Real, RWC) — your go-to South Indian near the hotel. Masala dosa, uttapam, thali. -18/pp.
Source V ↗ (387 S 1st St, San Jose) — trendy vegan restaurant with Chinese-inspired dishes: bao buns, lo mein, orange "chicken". Great atmosphere. -25/pp. ~25 min from hotel.
Cha Cha Cha ↗ (corner of University Ave & Cowper) — Caribbean tapas, great veggie options: plantains, black bean soup. Lively atmosphere. -25/pp.
Evening
Early night recommended — tomorrow is the big day! Set alarms, lay out clothes, charge devices.
If energy allows: The Oracle Arena area or catch a late movie at AMC Mercado 20 in Santa Clara.
14Sun
🌟 Main Commencement
▼
Sun
Commencement
9:00 AM — Main Commencement at Stanford Stadium ↗
Speaker: Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet
Afternoon: School-specific ceremonies, photos, celebrations.
President: Jonathan Levin · 135th Commencement · Jain dining available
📋 View enriched day plan
🌟 The Big Day!
This is what the whole trip is about. Sundar Pichai is speaking at Stanford's 135th Commencement. Plan to be there all day.
🍽️ 6:30 AM — Early Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — included at Best Western. Get there when it opens!
Pack snacks — granola bars, fruit, water. It'll be a long day on campus.
7:30 AM — Depart for Stanford Stadium
Leave NO LATER than 7:30 AM. Traffic will be insane. Parking fills by 8 AM.
Parking strategy: Via Ortega lot, Stock Farm, or remote lots. Follow signage + Stanford Commencement app.
Alternatively: Park at hotel and take an Uber/Lyft to campus. Drop-off zones near the stadium.
8:30 AM — Find Your Seats
Stanford Stadium ↗ holds 50,000+. General admission for guests — seating is first-come in guest sections.
Bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, phone charger (portable). Stadium is open-air, no shade.
Pick seats in the east side if possible — faces west, less direct morning sun.
9:00 AM — Main Commencement Ceremony
Processional of all graduates. The pageantry alone is incredible — thousands of students in cap and gown filling the stadium field.
Speaker: Sundar Pichai — CEO of Google & Alphabet. One of the most anticipated commencement speakers of 2026! Expect themes of technology, AI, responsibility, and the future. ~30-45 min address.
President Jonathan Levin will also address the graduates. Conferring of degrees.
📸 Photo tip: The stadium backdrop with Palm Drive beyond is iconic. Take photos of the field filled with graduates.
Duration: ~2-2.5 hours. Typically ends ~11:30 AM.
🍽️ 11:30 AM — Lunch
Campus Food — Stanford sets up food courts across campus during Commencement. Look for Jain/vegetarian stations. Often included for families with graduates.
Food Trucks — multiple food trucks near the stadium and department ceremony locations. Diverse options.
Brown Bag — pack a lunch from hotel if you want to avoid lines and stay close to your next ceremony.
1:00 PM — School-Specific Ceremonies
After the main ceremony, each school holds its own individual ceremony where students cross the stage and receive their diploma.
Locations vary by school: Engineering, Business, Law, Medicine, etc. Check the Commencement schedule for exact times and venues.
These are more intimate and personal — names are read, students walk across stage. This is the emotional highlight for families.
📸 Photo tip: Find out where graduates exit the stage area — that's the best spot for candid photos as they walk back to seats.
3:00–5:00 PM — Celebrations & Photos
Iconic photo locations: The Oval with Palm Drive, Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, Rodin Sculpture Garden (The Thinker!), Main Quad arcades.
Throw caps! — the traditional cap toss happens after school ceremonies. Great photo/video moment.
Walk around campus one last time. Soak it in.
🍽️ ~7:00 PM — Celebration Dinner
✅ Dinner with Emily — Fixed plan after commencement. Seb, Angela, Emily & Joseph. ~7:00 PM (after ceremonies end ~6:30 PM). Celebrate together!
📐 Restaurant options below if needed as backup:
Evvia Estiatorio ↗ (420 Emerson St, Palo Alto) — acclaimed Greek. ⚠️ Not Jain-safe (garlic/onion base). -50/pp.
Aqui ↗ (206 Castro St, Mountain View) — Cal-Mex, burritos, enchiladas, salads with lots of veggie options. Fresh and flavorful. -18/pp. Book ahead!
Amber India ↗ (335 Bryant St, RWC) — reliable backup if everywhere else is booked. Excellent food always. -30/pp.
Villa Spicewood V ↗ (4126 El Camino Real) — ⚠️ Italian = not Jain-safe (garlic/onion base).
Survival Tips
🅿️ Parking: Arrive by 8 AM or Uber. This is non-negotiable. 50,000+ people descend on campus.
☀️ Sun protection is critical — stadium has zero shade. SPF 50+, wide-brim hat, sunglasses.
💧 Stadium allows sealed water bottles — bring 2 per person. Refill stations inside.
📱 Download the Stanford Events app — live schedule, maps, ceremony times, parking info.
👔 Dress code: Business casual for guests. Comfortable shoes — you'll walk 5+ miles on campus. Layers for morning chill.
🪑 No stadium seats for guests — you sit on bleachers. Consider a stadium seat cushion (small, portable).
15Mon
Free Day
▼
Mon
Options
Mountain View (Googleplex), Santana Row (San Jose), Half Moon Bay (coastal drive), or revisit Stanford.
📋 View enriched day plan
Last full day in the Bay Area! Pick one adventure or mix and match. Tomorrow is a red-eye — no early wake-up.
🍽️ 8:00 AM — Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — included at Best Western.
Coupa Café V (538 Ramona St) — one last Stanford-area chai latte!
9:00 AM — Pick Your Adventure
🌊 Option A: Half Moon Bay + Coastal Drive ✅ Recommended if you haven't done it
• Take Hwy 84 (Woodside Rd) through redwoods → arrive at coast in 30 min
• Main Street HMB ↗ — boutiques, galleries, coffee shops. Charming coastal town.
• Pillar Point Harbor ↗ — watch fishing boats, sea lions sometimes on the docks
• Maverick's Beach — famous big-wave surf spot. Even when flat, the coastline is stunning.
• Supercharger available at 530 Cape Cod Dr for Tesla top-up
• Return via Hwy 1 north to Pacifica, then Hwy 35 (Skyline Blvd) for ridge-top views. ~3-4 hr total.
🚗 Option B: Santana Row ↗ + San Jose
• Santana Row ↗ (San Jose) — outdoor luxury shopping/dining district. European village feel. ~25 min drive.
• Valley Fair Mall — attached to Santana Row. Largest mall in the area. Apple, Tesla, luxury brands.
• San Jose Rose Garden — free, 5+ acres of roses. Peak bloom in June. Beautiful and peaceful.
• Winchester Mystery House ↗ — famous 160-room Victorian mansion with staircases to nowhere. Quirky, unique. /person.
🌳 Option C: Muir Woods ↗ + Marin Headlands
• Muir Woods ↗ — towering ancient redwoods. Reservations required! Book at recreation.gov. ~60 min drive via Golden Gate Bridge.
• Marin Headlands ↗ — drive up Conzelman Rd for the most iconic Golden Gate Bridge photo op. Free.
• Sausalito ↗ — waterfront town, houseboats, gelato. ~75 min total drive from hotel.
🏠 Option D: Relax & Revisit Favourites
• Sleep in! You earned it after Commencement weekend.
• Revisit any Stanford spots you loved, do some last-minute shopping.
• Pack at a leisurely pace.
🍽️ 12:30 PM — Lunch
Sam's Chowder House ↗ (4211 N Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay) — if doing the coastal drive. Ocean views, clam chowder (check for veg options), fish & chips. -30/pp.
Pizza My Heart ↗ (421 Main St, HMB) — casual pizza on Main Street. Quick, cheap. -18/pp.
Mezcal La Gringa ↗ (Main St, Half Moon Bay) — Mexican, great veggie tacos and enchiladas. Casual, colorful. -18/pp.
Eureka! (Santana Row) — if doing Santana Row. Veggie burgers, salads. -20/pp.
3:00 PM — Afternoon
Return from your adventure. Or continue exploring — no rush today.
If you haven't yet: charge the Tesla at a Supercharger for the return to SFO tomorrow.
🍽️ 7:00 PM — Farewell Bay Area Dinner
Cha Cha Cha ↗ (University Ave & Cowper, PA) — Caribbean tapas, plantains, sangria (non-alc). Lively send-off dinner. -25/pp.
Villa Spicewood V ↗ (4126 El Camino Real) — ⚠️ Italian = not Jain-safe. Use Merit Vegan or Din Tai Fung instead.
Din Tai Fung ↗ (Stanford Shopping Center) — one last soup dumpling fix before NYC. Join waitlist online before you go. -25/pp.
Evening
Start packing! Tomorrow evening you fly to NYC.
💰 Settle hotel incidentals.
🔋 Charge all devices for the red-eye.
16Tue
Palo Alto → NYC (Red-Eye)
▼
Tue
Activities
Day: Free time, pack, prepare for red-eye.
📋 View enriched day plan
🍽️ 8:00 AM — Breakfast
Hotel Breakfast — last included breakfast at Best Western!
9:00 AM — Final Packing
Checkout is typically 11 AM — double-check with the front desk.
Final checklist:
☐ All chargers & cables (wall adapters too — US uses Type A/B, same as the Bay Area)
☐ Passport & boarding passes (digital + printed backup)
☐ Stanford souvenirs packed safely
☐ Check hotel room drawers, closet, bathroom
☐ Settle hotel bill (incidentals, parking)
☐ Return room key
10:00 AM — Free Time Before Airport
Return the Tesla — check Turo return instructions. Allow 30 min for the process. Fuel/charge to the agreed level.
If you have a few hours after checkout and before heading to SFO:
• SF Mission District ↗ — vibrant murals, taquerias, Clarion Alley. ~45 min drive from PA.
• Golden Gate Park ↗ — Japanese Tea Garden (), Conservatory of Flowers, bison paddock. ~50 min.
• Fisherman's Wharf ↗ — touristy but classic. Pier 39 sea lions, sourdough bread bowl (Boudin Bakery). ~45 min.
• Downtown SF / Union Square ↗ — last-minute shopping, cable car ride. ~40 min.
🍽️ 12:30 PM — Lunch
In SF — if exploring the city before the airport. Tons of options in Mission, Union Square, or Ferry Building.
Millennium Restaurant V ↗ (SF) — upscale vegan, one of the best in the US. Last chance for fine plant-based dining! -40/pp.
SFO Airport Food — Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has great options. International Terminal has the best selection.
7:00 PM — Head to SFO
Red-eye departs at 11:59 PM. Aim to arrive at SFO by 9:00 PM (2.5 hrs early for international check-in + security).
Drive time from Palo Alto: ~40 min. From SF: ~30 min. Add buffer for traffic!
Tesla return: if not returned yet, drop off before going to the airport. Most Turo hosts are near SFO.
Tesla Supercharger near SFO: Millbrae (761 El Camino Real) — charge up before return if needed.
9:00 PM — At SFO Airport
United Airlines at Terminal 3 (or I terminal for some flights — check your ticket).
Bag drop: Basic Economy allows 1 personal item only. 1st checked bag is /person — pay online in advance to save time at the airport.
Security: TSA PreCheck if you have it. Otherwise allow 45 min for the line.
Grab dinner at the airport — terminal restaurants stay open late.
11:59 PM — UA 2416 Departs
Red-eye to Newark (EWR). ~5.5 hours. Arrives 8:22 AM Jun 17.
Red-eye survival:
💤 Window seat — lean against the wall to sleep
🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones + eye mask
🧣 Neck pillow + warm layer (planes get cold at night)
💊 Melatonin (5mg) after takeoff to help sleep
💧 Drink water, avoid caffeine after 10 PM
Bay Area Recap
🏆 Highlights: Stanford Commencement with Sundar Pichai, Half Moon Bay coast, redwoods, world-class Indian food.
📱 Don't forget to: Download all photos to a backup, post your favorites, update socials.
Next stop: New York City! 🗽
UA 2416
11:59 PM
San Francisco (SFO)
✈
Red-Eye
Jun 17
8:22 AM
Newark (EWR)
Conf# JRYCZE
Basic Economy
1st bag /person
TECHSPO Silicon Valley 2026 was planned for Jun 16–17 at Grand Hyatt SF. On hold — can be re-added if timing works.
Part 2: New York City
▼
Part 2: New York City
🏨 Hotel Edison, Times Square — CONFIRMED ✅
228 West 47th Street, Times Square, New York, NY 10036 · +1 (212) 453-4032
Agoda #XXXXXX7357
✅ Confirmed
Marquee 2 Queen Bed · 4 Adults · 1 Room
⚠️ No breakfast included
Facilities fee (pay at property)
Free cancellation before Jun 14
📍 Heart of Times Square / Theater District. Walking distance to Broadway theaters, TKTS booth (130m), Penn Station (5 min for Amtrak), Port Authority, Rockefeller Center. The Rum House (legendary cocktail bar + live jazz) is in the lobby! ❌ Park Central bookings #XXXXXX5659 & #XXXXXX5714 — CANCEL THESE
17Wed
Arrive + Midtown (Easy Day)
▼
Wed
Arrival
Morning: Arrive EWR 8:22 AM. Transfer to Hotel Edison (228 W 47th St) ↗, check in / drop bags.
🚗 EWR → Manhattan transfer — With 3 big luggages + 3 passengers, UberXL (~$80-100, 45-60 min). ⚠️ Rideshare pickup moved to Terminal C Garage (effective Jun 10) — do NOT wait at curbside. Baggage Claim → Terminal C Garage (covered walkway, ~3 min) → elevator UP to Level 2/3 → Uber/Lyft signs with numbered lanes.
Times Square ↗ — you're staying right in the heart of it!
TKTS Booth ↗ (130m from hotel) — discounted Broadway tickets.
Late Morning — 🥯 Apollo Bagels → 🚌 Big Bus
🥯 Apollo Bagels — 335 W 45th St (Hell's Kitchen) ↗ — 10 min walk from hotel. Ying's pick! Everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. Open from 6 AM.
🚌 Big Bus — Red Route — Nearest stop: W 42nd St & 7th Ave (Port Authority) ↗ — 5 min from Apollo. Top deck, right side. Hop on/off all day. Sizzler pass US$99 (Red + Blue + Night Tour + cruise). 4 pax = US$396. See Considerations for full route + must-hop-off stops.
Caffe Paradiso ↗ — Brown Butter Latte, cozy NoMad cafe. NYC must-try (Ying).
Grand Central Terminal ↗ — iconic Beaux-Arts concourse, ceiling constellation mural (~1.1 km, 15 min walk). ✅ Free guided tour Fri 12:30 PM — check schedule at grandcentralterminal.com. Whispering gallery, ceiling secrets, history. ~45 min.
NY Public Library ↗ — Rose Main Reading Room. ✅ Free guided tours Mon–Sat at 11 AM & 2 PM. Meet in Astor Hall. ~1 hr.
Bryant Park ↗ — green oasis, great people-watching.
🍽️ Breakfast
Included at Hotel Edison (Grab & Go for 2)
Afternoon
Central Park ↗ — The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields. ✅ Free guided walks by Central Park Conservancy on select dates — themes include history, wildlife, architecture. Check centralparknyc.org/events.
Evening
💤 Jet lag rest — 1–2 hr nap or downtime at hotel. Red-eye recovery is real. Don't fight it.
Rockefeller Center ↗ — plaza, art installations, and Channel Gardens. ✅ Free self-guided — download the Top of the Rock app for an audio walk. 10 min from hotel.
Times Square ↗ — stroll, soak it in. You're staying right here.
🍽️ Lunch
Le Pain Quotidien ↗ (1131 Madison Ave at 85th) — organic salads, tartines, bowls.
Peacefood Cafe V ↗ (460 Amsterdam Ave at 82nd) — fully vegan, sandwiches, pastries. ⚠️ Heavy allium use — skip for Jain diet.
Dirt Candy V ↗ (430 E 9th St, East Village) — vegetable-forward tasting menu, one of NYC's best. Naturally Jain-friendly — no allium-heavy base sauces. ~$35-50/pp.
🍽️ Dinner
Candle 79 V ↗ (154 E 79th St) — NYC's top-rated vegan, upscale organic.
Avant Garden V ↗ (21 E 6th St, East Village) — upscale vegan small plates, natural wine. No onion/garlic issues with most dishes. Jain-friendly option.
🚶 Free Tours by Foot — tip-based walking tours covering all your Day 1 Midtown spots (Times Square → Grand Central → NYPL → Bryant Park). Book at freetoursbyfoot.com. Pay what you want (~$10–20 tip recommended). Runs daily. Great alternative to hop-on hop-off buses — same route, on foot, much cheaper.
18Thu
🏀 Knicks Parade Day (Flatiron + Midtown)
▼
Thu
🏀 Knicks Championship Parade
Thursday Jun 18 — Starts 10:00 AM. Canyon of Heroes route along Broadway from Battery Park to City Hall. First-ever Knicks ticker-tape parade. Up to 5M expected. Major disruptions across Lower Manhattan all day.
🚇 Transit alert: Avoid Wall St & City Hall stations. Use Fulton St or Rector St and walk.
💡 Strategy: Stay north of City Hall all day. Verci in Flatiron morning, parade spectating afternoon near Union Square. Zero Lower Manhattan stress.
🎒 Tips: Pack water & snacks, no large bags/coolers, wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated.
Morning (Flatiron)
Verci Coworking ↗ — 45 E 20th St, Flatiron District. N/R/W to 23rd St from Times Square (~15 min). Book visit ahead at verci.com. Plan 2–3 hours.
Madison Square Park ↗ — lovely green space, Flatiron Building photo op, Shake Shack (veg options available).
Union Square ↗ — farmers market (Sat morning), greenmarket, people-watching. 5 min walk from Flatiron.
Afternoon (Parade!)
🏀 Knicks Parade Spectating — head to Broadway between 14th–23rd St for prime viewing. You're already in Flatiron — perfect spot! Parade moves north along Broadway. Soak in the energy of 5M people.
After parade passes (~1–2 PM): wander Flatiron/Gramercy, window shop, relax.
🍽️ Lunch
Eataly Flatiron ↗ (200 5th Ave) — Italian marketplace near Verci. Dedicated veg stations, dairy-free gelato.
🍽️ Dinner
Junoon ↗ (239 5th Ave, Flatiron) — upscale Indian, excellent vegetarian menu. More Jain-friendly. ⚠️ Request no onion/garlic.
19Fri
St. Patrick's → 5th Ave → Best Buy → NYPL → Morgan Library → 9/11 → Chinatown Dinner → Brooklyn Bridge Night Walk
▼
Fri
Pre-Opening (Midtown — Southward Flow)
9:00 AM — ⛪ St. Patrick's Cathedral — 5th Ave at 51st St ↗ — ~5 min walk from Hotel Edison. Stunning Gothic Revival interior, opens 6:30 AM. Free. ~15 min
9:20 AM — 🚶 5th Ave Stroll — walk south down 5th Ave past Saks, Tiffany & Co, Bergdorf Goodman, Cartier — beautiful window shopping, even if just browsing. ~35 min
Mid-Morning (Stores & Museums)
10:00 AM — Best Buy ↗ — 520 W 42nd St (near 9th Ave). Opens 10 AM. ~10 min walk from 5th Ave. Quick errand. ~15 min
10:15 AM — 🚶 Walk to NYPL — pass by the iconic lion statues ↗ and Bryant Park ↗ for photos. ⚠️ NYPL is closed today (Juneteenth federal holiday). ~15 min photos
Late Morning (Lunch)
10:30 AM — Lunch at Sweetgreen ↗ — 245 E 35th St (between 3rd & 2nd Ave). Fresh salads, Jain-friendly options. ~30 min
Midday
11:45 AM — 🏛️ Morgan Library & Museum — 225 Madison Ave at 36th St ↗ — 1 min walk from Sweetgreen. Opens 10:30 AM. **FREE 5-8 PM on Fridays!** ($25 otherwise). J.P. Morgan's original library — stunning. Current exhibitions: Hujar, Declaration of Independence rare Americana, Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing, Luminous Color. ~1.5 hrs → 1:15 PM
Afternoon (Lower Manhattan)
1:30 PM — Financial District & Wall Street ↗ — subway from Morgan to Fulton St (~15 min). Quick walkthrough, Charging Bull photo. ~20 min
3:00 PM — 👫 9/11 Memorial & Museum — ↗ — ~10 min walk from Wall St. Meet family here. Museum is powerful and worth the time. ~2 hrs
Evening (Chinatown)
5:00 PM — Subway to Chinatown ↗ (~10 min from 9/11 Memorial).
Explore Chinatown — Columbus Park ↗, Canal St markets, Mott St shops, temples. ~30 min
🍽️ Lunch
Sweetgreen ↗ (245 E 35th St) — fresh salads & grain bowls, Jain-friendly. Quick service right near Morgan Library.
🍽️ Dinner (with family)
Buddha Bodai V ↗ (5 Mott St) — 100% vegetarian dim sum & Chinese, Buddhist-style mock meats.
Vegetarian Dim Sum House V ↗ (24 Pell St) — all-veg dim sum.
Night (Brooklyn Bridge Skyline Walk)
~7:00 PM — 🌅 Brooklyn Bridge walk — ↗ — walk from Manhattan side toward Brooklyn (~45 min). Sunset at ~8:30 PM in June — perfect timing for golden hour + city lights coming on. Manhattan skyline views from the bridge are stunning at dusk.
~7:45 PM — DUMBO ↗ — Pebble Beach ↗ (Manhattan skyline + bridge lit up), Washington St ↗ iconic photo. ~30 min
Ferrara ↗ — gelato in Little Italy on the way back (optional).
20Sat
Met + Friends + High Line + Broadway
▼
Sat
Morning
The Met ↗ — plan 2.5–3 hours (not 4 — it's a packed day). Focus on highlights: Temple of Dendur, European paintings, Arms & Armor.
Afternoon
Friends Filming Locations (Greenwich Village ↗)
90 Bedford St ↗ (Friends apartment exterior) → Washington Square Park ↗ → Lucille Lortel Theatre
🍰 Magnolia Bakery ↗ — 401 Bleecker St. Famous for cupcakes & banana pudding.
Late Afternoon
High Line ↗ — elevated park through Chelsea. Walk the southern half (Gansevoort St to 18th St, ~30 min). Beautiful skyline views.
Chelsea Market ↗ — food hall right under the High Line. Miznon (cauliflower pita), Green Fig (bowls), lots of options.
Evening
🎭 Broadway Show (book NOW or try rush/lottery). Hotel Edison is IN the Theater District ↗ — most theaters within 5–10 min walk!
🍽️ Lunch
abcV V ↗ (18 E 17th St, Flatiron) — Jean-Georges' award-winning vegetarian. One of NYC's best. ⚠️ Request no onion/garlic.
Dirt Candy V ↗ (430 E 9th St, East Village) — vegetable-forward tasting menu. Naturally Jain-friendly. ~$35-50/pp.
🍽️ Dinner
Indian Accent ↗ (111 Madison Ave, Flatiron) — acclaimed modern Indian, excellent Jain menus available. Walk-in or book. ~$40/pp.
The Rum House ↗ (ground floor of Hotel Edison) — legendary NYC cocktail bar, live jazz, Spanish/Mediterranean small plates. Perfect pre-/post-show spot right in your lobby!
21Sun
NYC → Boston
▼
Sun
Morning
🥯 Liberty Bagels Midtown ↗ — 260 W 35th St, opens 6am, ~10 min walk from Hotel Edison. #1 rated bagel spot in Manhattan.
Easy 5 min walk to Penn Station ↗ from Hotel Edison — grab Amtrak with luggage (no stress!)
🚂🚌 NYC → Boston Transport Options (4 pax, 3 big luggages)
Option A: Amtrak Northeast Regional ✅ Recommended
Penn Station → South Station. ~3.5–4h. –80/pp. Book early at amtrak.com.
Comfortable seats, power outlets, cafe car, spacious luggage. Best with 3 big bags.
Penn Station → South Station. ~3.5–4h. –80/pp. Book early at amtrak.com.
Comfortable seats, power outlets, cafe car, spacious luggage. Best with 3 big bags.
Option B: FlixBus / Greyhound
Port Authority → South Station. ~4–4.5h. –45/pp. Book at flixbus.com / greyhound.com.
⚠️ Tight with 3 big luggages. Less legroom, no cafe car.
Port Authority → South Station. ~4–4.5h. –45/pp. Book at flixbus.com / greyhound.com.
⚠️ Tight with 3 big luggages. Less legroom, no cafe car.
Option C: Megabus / Peter Pan
Various NYC locations → South Station. ~4.5–5h. –35/pp. Book at megabus.com / peterpanbus.com.
⚠️ Cheapest but basic amenities, limited luggage space.
Various NYC locations → South Station. ~4.5–5h. –35/pp. Book at megabus.com / peterpanbus.com.
⚠️ Cheapest but basic amenities, limited luggage space.
Afternoon (Boston)
Arrive Boston South Station, Red Line to Kendall Square ↗. 🚇 Red Line South St → Kendall Sq ~15 min. Hotel is 2 min walk from station. Check-in from 4 PM — drop bags or explore Harvard Square first.
Late Afternoon
Harvard University ↗ — Harvard Yard, John Harvard Statue, Widener Library, Harvard Square. 🚶 15 min walk from hotel, or 🚇 1 stop on Red Line
Evening
Harvard Square ↗ — street performers, bookshops, cafes. 🚇 1 stop from Kendall Sq (~3 min)
👥 Meet up with Ms Zeng
🍽️ Lunch (Boston)
Clover Food Lab V ↗ (5 Cambridge Center) — veg fast-casual, daily seasonal menu. –10.
Life Alive Organic Cafe ↗ (415 Main St) — plant-based grain bowls, smoothies. –16.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe ↗ (318 Third St) — Mediterranean sandwiches, salads, pastries. –15.
🍽️ Dinner
Clover Food Lab V ↗ (Harvard Square) — beloved Cambridge veg institution. Affordable. Must-visit.
Tatte Bakery ↗ (Harvard Square) — Israeli-owned, beautiful pastries, excellent veg sandwiches.
📋 NYC To-Dos
Book Broadway show tickets
Buy NYC attraction passes (CityPASS / Sightseeing Pass / individual)
Buy US SIM card / eSIM (T-Mobile / Mint Mobile / Airalo eSIM)
Book NYC → Boston transport (Amtrak recommended, or FlixBus/Greyhound/Megabus)
❌ Cancel Park Central bookings: #XXXXXX5659 (Jun 17–20) + #XXXXXX5714 (Jun 20–21)
❌ Cancel Hotel Edison Signature #XXXXXX9744 — replaced by Marquee #XXXXXX7357
Part 3: Boston / Cambridge
▼
Part 3: Boston / Cambridge
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Cambridge
Walking distance to MIT, Biohub, Broad Institute · Red Line to Harvard
Agoda #XXXXXX3195
✅ Paid
Larger Studio · 2 Queen + Sofa bed
Check-in 4:00 PM
22Mon
MIT + Biohub + Transfyr
▼
Mon
Morning
MIT Campus ↗ — Great Dome ↗ (Building 10), Infinite Corridor, Stata Center ↗ (Frank Gehry). 🚶 5 min walk from hotel. Stata is 3 min from Great Dome.
MIT Museum ↗ (314 Main St, Kendall Square — relocated 2022) 🚶 3 min from Stata Center, walk south through campus to Kendall Sq — excellent hands-on exhibits, robotics, holography, AI.
Afternoon
Kendall Square Biohub ↗ — world's densest biotech cluster. Broad Institute ↗, Koch Institute (MIT). 🚶 2 min from MIT Museum — same square
🧬 Transfyr Bio — AI infrastructure for scientific knowledge transfer.
Micro Center ↗ (730 Memorial Dr, Cambridge) — massive independent electronics store. PC parts, components, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, gadgets, 3D printers. 🚶 8 min walk east from Kendall Sq along Memorial Dr
Late Afternoon: Charles River ↗ path between MIT and Harvard (golden hour walk, ~20 min).
🍽️ Lunch
Tatte Bakery ↗ (Kendall Square) — near MIT, excellent vegetarian lunch.
Commonwealth ↗ (multiple Cambridge) — veg/vegan cafe, bowls, sandwiches, smoothies.
Whole Heart Provisions V ↗ (Central Square) — vegan comfort food, creative sandwiches.
🍽️ 6:00 PM — Dinner
Grasshopper Vegan V ↗ (Allston, Boston) — Asian vegan institution. "No chicken" dishes, duck, mock meats — a Boston veg legend. Cash only (ATM inside). 🚌 Red Line + Green Line ~30 min from Kendall Sq
Evening (after dinner)
Harvard Square ↗ — 🚌 66 bus ~15 min from Allston. Browse Harvard Book Store ↗, wander the square, people-watch.
Coolidge Corner, Brookline ↗ — 🚌 66 bus ~10 min from Harvard Sq. Charming neighbourhood. Brookline Booksmith ↗ (indie bookshop), Coolidge Corner Theatre ↗ (historic art deco cinema).
Allston Village ↗ — stay local. Walk off dinner through this eclectic neighbourhood. 🚶 5 min from Grasshopper. Record shops, vintage stores, late-night boba at Kung Fu Tea ↗ or Boba Me ↗.
23Tue
Freedom Trail + Depart to SFO
▼
Tue
9:30 AM — Depart Hotel
🚕 Uber → Boston Common ↗ ~15-20 min, ~$18-22 · drops you right at the trail start
10:00 AM — Freedom Trail: Downtown Stops
🎧 Free audio guide: NPS Freedom Trail Audio Tour ↗ — Download the NPS App, search "Boston National Historical Park". Covers all 16 official sites. Headphones recommended.
10:00 AM — Boston Common ↗ — Oldest public park in the U.S. · trail starts here. Follow the red brick line north.
🚶 5 min uphill → 10:15 AM — Massachusetts State House ↗ — Landmark gold dome · seat of state government
🚶 3 min → 10:28 AM — Park Street Church ↗ — Historic church · notable skyline steeple
🚶 3 min → 10:41 AM — Granary Burying Ground ↗ — Graves of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Boston Massacre victims
🚶 3 min → 10:59 AM — King's Chapel & Burying Ground ↗ — 1754 chapel · Boston's oldest English burying ground
🚶 3 min → 11:17 AM — Boston Latin School Site / Benjamin Franklin Statue ↗ — Franklin statue and school-site mosaic
🚶 3 min → 11:30 AM — Old Corner Bookstore ↗ — Literary history · oldest commercial building
🚶 5 min → 11:45 AM — Old South Meeting House ↗ — Tea Party debate site · one of the strongest history stops ⭐
🚶 4 min → 12:14 PM — Old State House + Boston Massacre Site ↗ — Colonial government building + 1770 massacre site just outside ⭐
🚶 5 min → 12:39 PM — Faneuil Hall & Quincy Market 🍽️ ↗ — "Cradle of Liberty" · indoors, rain-safe ⭐
🍽️ 12:39–1:30 PM — Lunch at Quincy Market
Quincy Market — Food hall, many veg-friendly stalls. Open 10 AM–9 PM Tue.
Faneuil Hall — Historic building upstairs. Worth a quick look.
1:30 PM — Freedom Trail: North End & Charlestown
🚶 8 min through North End → 1:38 PM — Paul Revere House ↗ — Oldest remaining downtown structure · most personal-feeling stop ⭐
🚶 5 min → 2:05 PM — Old North Church ↗ — "One if by land, two if by sea" · iconic Trail site ⭐
🚶 5 min uphill → 2:32 PM — Copp's Hill Burying Ground ↗ — Atmospheric cemetery · North End views
🚶 18 min to Charlestown → 3:02 PM — USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") ↗ — Historic warship · free to board ⭐
🚶 10 min uphill → 3:47 PM — Bunker Hill Monument ↗ — First major Revolutionary battle · 294 steps to top ⭐
💡 Optional detours (add ~15 min):
• Acorn Street ↗ — most photographed street in Boston (between Old State House & Faneuil Hall)
• Cheers Bar ↗ (84 Beacon St) — "where everybody knows your name" · gift shop next door
• Acorn Street ↗ — most photographed street in Boston (between Old State House & Faneuil Hall)
• Cheers Bar ↗ (84 Beacon St) — "where everybody knows your name" · gift shop next door
4:17 PM — Return to Hotel & Depart
4:17 PM — Trail complete! 🚕 Uber from Bunker Hill area → Residence Inn Kendall Sq (~25 min, ~$20-25)
~4:45 PM — Back at hotel, collect bags
5:00 PM — Uber to Logan Airport ↗ 🚕 ~20-30 min from Kendall Sq
~5:30 PM — Arrive Logan (~3h 25m before departure)
B6 0333
8:55 PM
Boston (BOS) · Terminal C
✈
~5.5h
Jun 24
12:31 AM
San Francisco (SFO) · Terminal 1
Conf# WEMDNE
Blue Basic
Carry-on free
1st bag /person
🚇 Boston T: Red Line connects South Station → Kendall Square (hotel) → Harvard. 7-day MBTA pass . Download MBTA mTicket app.
Part 4: Livermore → Melbourne
▼
Part 4: Livermore → Melbourne
Residence Inn by Marriott Livermore
5200 Wolf House Drive, Livermore, CA 94551 · +1-925-606-1980
Marriott #XXXX3562
✅ · Confirmed
1BR Suite · 2 Queen + Sofa bed
4 Adults · 1 room
Complimentary parking
Free cancellation before Jun 21
~45 min from SFO. Factor in drive time if UA 60 departs early AM. Check-in Tue Jun 23 4:00 PM · Check-out Thu Jun 25 11:00 AM.
23–24Tue–Wed
Livermore / SFO Bay Area
▼
Tue–Wed
Activities
Relax, repack, last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the Bay Area.
Livermore wine country is nearby if interested.
25Thu
✈️ Fly Home — UA 60
▼
Thu
UA 60
TBD
San Francisco (SFO)
✈
~15h
Jun 26–27
—
Melbourne (MEL)
⚠️ Exact departure time not yet captured. Check booking confirmation.
Pending Action Items
▼
Pending Action Items
Book Amtrak NYC→Boston (Jun 21, ~9am, 4 pax)
Book Broadway show tickets (Jun 19 evening)
Buy NYC attraction passes (CityPASS / Sightseeing Pass)
❌ Cancel Park Central Hotel: #XXXXXX5659 + #XXXXXX5714
❌ Cancel Hotel Edison Signature #XXXXXX9744 — replaced by Marquee #XXXXXX7357
Add 4th adult to Atherton Park Inn booking
Pay Atherton Park Inn ( via PayPal)
Pay Hotel Edison facilities fee (at property)
Request Transfyr Bio tour/meeting (transfyr.ai)
Add special meal request for UA 2416 (T: Vegan)
Add special meal request for B6 0333
Download offline maps for NYC & Boston
Confirm UA 60 SFO→MEL departure time