On this page
Palo Alto residents see Stanford's athletic facilities every day: the pools by Campus Drive, the lit courts, the rec centers full of students at 7 a.m. It is natural to wonder whether you can join. The short answer is that Stanford's recreation system is built for Stanford people and the general public cannot buy a membership. The longer answer has more room in it. Alumni, hospital workers and some other neighbors qualify. Guest passes exist. A few programs, starting with Masters swimming, welcome anyone.
Everything below comes from Stanford Recreation and Wellness membership pages checked in early November 2026. Prices changed on September 1, 2026, so older numbers you find elsewhere are likely out of date.
The facilities
Stanford Recreation and Wellness runs three main centers, all with paid parking on weekdays:
| Center | Address | Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Arrillaga Outdoor Education and Recreation Center (AOERC) | 285 Santa Teresa Street, Stanford | Panama Lot or Roble Field Garage |
| Arrillaga Center for Sports and Recreation (ACSR) | 341 Galvez Street, Stanford | Galvez Street or Track House Lot |
| Stanford Redwood City Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) | 900 Warrington Avenue, Redwood City | Broadway Lot or Barron Garage |
The department also manages the recreation pool at Avery, the West Campus courts and the Red Barn. The Redwood City center is the only one that offers towel service; elsewhere members bring their own. Our Stanford Redwood City guide covers that campus.
Who can buy a membership
Students, faculty, staff, postdocs, retirees, emeriti and fellows use the facilities with their Stanford ID. Outside that group, Stanford sells memberships to four categories:
- Alumni. Since September 1, 2026, only Stanford Alumni Association members who show an association card qualify.
- Hospital employees. Stanford hospital staff with a hospital badge.
- Community. Despite the name, this is not for the public. Stanford lists approved contractors, Plus Ones of graduate medical residents and fellows, Arc Institute personnel, Stanford Athletics season ticket holders and people in a Stanford program who are not eligible for a university ID. The page says plainly that these memberships are "only available to approved affiliates, not the general public."
- Recent graduates. Spring graduates, offered only during summer quarter.
One detail stands out for sports fans. Stanford Athletics season ticket holders appear on the community list, so a season ticket can open the door to a gym membership. Confirm your eligibility with the membership office before you buy tickets for that reason alone.
Membership prices
Alumni and community memberships are billed monthly. Stanford listed these rates from September 1, 2026:
| Tier | Who it covers | Monthly price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | One person | $152 |
| Plus One | Primary member plus one designated adult, who need not be a partner | $164 |
| Family | 3 to 7 people: primary member, Plus One and up to five dependents under 26 in the same household | $176 |
A $25 processing fee applies to printed membership cards for alumni, hospital, community and recent graduate members. You sign up in person at a recreation center during operating hours. Bring proof of eligibility, a state ID or driver's license and a credit card or Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted. After you pay, you email a headshot for the card and pick it up when Stanford says it is ready.
Guest passes
If a friend or relative works or studies at Stanford, a guest pass is the easiest way in. The rules:
- A qualifying sponsor must be present for the first purchase. Sponsors include Stanford affiliates, SAA alumni, hospital employees, conference attendees over 18 during official dates and Stanford program participants.
- The sponsor does not need to come on later visits.
- Prices from September 1, 2026: $22 for one pass, $99 for five, $190 for ten.
- Passes expire one year after purchase.
- Guest pass holders can use facilities but not programs such as classes.
Rules for kids
- Nobody under 18 may enter outside Youth and Family Access Hours unless they are a Stanford student or staff member.
- Members and guests under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Under-18s may not use the fitness center at any time, even with an adult.
- Bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed inside the buildings.
Programs open to anyone
Stanford Masters Swimming
This is the clearest door for a resident. Stanford Masters Swimming says it is "open to swimmers of all ability levels from the Stanford community and beyond" and was accepting new members in fall 2026. Fees depend on affiliation. The most recent published table, for September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026, listed $985 a year for a community member with no Stanford affiliation and $650 for alumni and hospital employees. Dues are prorated by start date, non-refundable and non-transferable. Every member must also register with Pacific Masters and U.S. Masters Swimming under club code STAN. Workouts use the pools at Avery Aquatic Center, the same complex where Stanford's varsity swimmers train. Check the Masters dues page for the 2026 to 2027 rates.
The golf driving range
The Stanford Golf Course itself is for affiliates, members and guests, but the Learning Center and Driving Range at 51 Campus Drive is open to the public. Our Stanford Golf Course page has the details.
Youth camps
Stanford Recreation runs Camp Cardinal, a summer sports day camp for ages 5 to 12, plus a Counselor in Training camp for teens entering grades 8 to 10. Its page lists nine weekly sessions from June 8 to August 7. Registration rules and priority for Stanford families can change each year, so read the camp FAQ before planning around it.
What stays closed to outsiders
- Recreation classes. Stanford lists eligibility as Stanford affiliates.
- Tennis and pickleball courts. Reserved for Stanford community members with an active recreation membership. Non-affiliates may play only as an invited guest with a member on court. Taube South was listed as closed for reservations.
- Stanford Campus Recreation Association (SCRA). A private club for families of faculty and senior staff, with eligibility tied to employment category and university housing programs.
- Varsity facilities. Avery's competition pools, Maples and Stanford Stadium are for teams and ticketed events.
Free ways to exercise on campus
You do not need a membership to run, walk or hike at Stanford. Stanford's community relations office lists favorite routes, from the 0.9 mile loop around Lake Lagunita to an 8.3 mile run past the polo fields. The Dish trail is open to the public year-round, with November and December hours of 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our Palo Alto running routes guide adds city options.
For a pool, Palo Alto's Rinconada Pool is open year-round to the public. Our swimming pools guide compares it with other choices and our gyms and fitness guide lists private clubs in town. To plan parking for a swim or workout on campus, see our Stanford parking guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can the general public join the Stanford gym?
No. Stanford Recreation and Wellness sells memberships only to its affiliates plus four outside groups: Stanford Alumni Association members, Stanford hospital employees, approved community affiliates and recent graduates. The Community Membership page states it is not available to the general public.
How much is a Stanford Recreation membership for alumni?
From September 1, 2026, alumni memberships are $152 a month for an individual, $164 for a Plus One and $176 for a family. You must be a Stanford Alumni Association member and show the association card. A $25 processing fee applies to printed membership cards.
Can I use Stanford's gym with a guest pass?
Only with a sponsor. Guest passes cost $22 for one visit, $99 for five or $190 for ten and the sponsor, such as a Stanford student, staff member, SAA member or hospital employee, must be present at the first purchase. Guest passes cover facilities but not programs.
Can non-Stanford swimmers swim at Stanford?
Yes, through Stanford Masters Swimming, which says it is open to swimmers of all ability levels from the Stanford community and beyond. Members must also register with U.S. Masters Swimming. For drop-in public swimming, use Palo Alto's Rinconada Pool instead.
Are Stanford's tennis courts open to the public?
No. Stanford Recreation and Wellness reserves its tennis and pickleball courts for Stanford community members with an active recreation membership. A non-affiliate may play only as the invited guest of an active member, who must be on court with them.