Throughout Stanford’s often bustling main campus, pockets of peaceful spaces offer opportunities to relax and unwind from the myriad and seemingly constant stresses of these trying times.
Some are found in well-known areas such as the iconic Stanford Memorial Church while others are tucked in lesser-known spots like the rooftop garden at the McMurtry Building. Places like the Dish or Lake Lagunita also offer a chance to destress while in motion and among nature.
Many feature distinct art pieces, such as in the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden, that may provide welcome distraction or elicit thoughtful contemplation. Whatever setting works best for you, there are various options for refuge throughout campus.
Have a favorite spot that’s missing from this list? Email Stanford News writer Chelcey Adami at cadami@stanford.edu.
The calming and centrally located Windhover Contemplative Center offers a dedicated space to sort through your thoughts. It is open to Stanford ID holders, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadTake a deep breath and stroll through the beautiful Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden, which features wood and stone carvings of people, animals, and more at the corner of Santa Teresa Street and Lomita Drive. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadFor more than a century, people have sought spiritual refuge at the interdenominational Stanford Memorial Church. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the church is currently closed to tours and visits but is open for scheduled religious observances and more. See event listings for more information. The church also features a circular bench on the right side of the building where visitors can sit and relax at any time. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadWith open fields and expansive views of the Stanford foothills, the Dish is a natural respite close to campus. The popular area for walking, hiking, and jogging is open from approximately sunrise to sunset year round. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadThe Amy J. Blue Garden near Stanford Memorial Church features flowering trees, wooden benches, and a sundial. Stanford created the garden and an award in honor of Amy J. Blue, associate vice president for administrative services and facilities, who died of brain cancer in May 1988. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadMany take a relaxing break to walk along the approximately 1-mile path around Lake Lagunita, the mostly dry lake behind Roble Hall that has long been a part of the Stanford landscape. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadPrickly but peaceful, the Arizona Garden, also known as the Cactus Garden, features a wide array of cacti and other plants along its paths. It sits on the south side of the mausoleum, off Quarry Road between Campus drive and Arboretum Road. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadThe second floor patio of the Law School, located in the Crown Quadrangle, features a serene, half-shaded area optimal for taking a minute to breathe and relax. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadTake time to disconnect in the ground-floor galleries, roof garden, and surrounding space of the McMurtry Building for the Department of Art and Art History on Roth Way. Image credit: Andrew BrodheadThe Rodin Sculpture Garden, located adjacent to the Cantor Arts Center, serves as a contemplative space where visitors can take in the renowned art of Auguste Rodin. Image credit: Andrew Brodhead
