Public Tour Frequently Asked Questions
SLAC Public Tours are for individuals and small groups.
A reservation is required to attend a Public Tour.
- Do I need to make a reservations for a public tour?
- How do I see the schedule and sign up for a public tour of SLAC?
- How do I get there?
- What do I need to do to get into SLAC?
- Where do I park? How will I know where to meet my tour guide?
- What will I see on the tour?
- How long does the tour last?
- When should I get there?
- Can I bring a camera?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Is the tour appropriate for children?
- Is there anywhere to have lunch at SLAC?
- Can I purchase SLAC gift items?
- Do I need to make a reservation for a public tour?
- Yes. Sign up online for a SLAC Public Tour.
- Please note that our Public Tour schedule fills up quickly. If a tour you want is available now, we recommend making your reservation right away.
- How do I see the schedule and sign up for a public tour of SLAC?
- Groups smaller than 10 can sign up online for a SLAC Public Tour.
- Please note that our Public Tour schedule fills up quickly. If a tour you want is available now, we recommend making your reservation right away.
- How do I get there?
- See maps and driving directions here.
- What do I need to do to get into SLAC?
- When you arrive you will need to show your photo ID (such as driver’s license or passport) to the Main Gate personnel. Be sure to give them the time of your tour reservation.
- Where do I park? How will I know where to meet my tour guide?
- Parking is limited at SLAC, so please carpool if you have friends or family accompanying you. The Main Gate personnel will give you directions on where to park and where to meet your tour guide.
- What will I see on the tour?
- Tours generally start with an overview of the research conducted at SLAC, presented by your tour guide. After the presentation, a bus takes the tour group to various sites around the Laboratory, depending on activities happening at SLAC at any given time. Most tours include a visit to the Klystron Gallery - the world’s longest building - with a peek at a portion of the particle accelerator, a look over the Research Yard where the quark was first discovered, and a view of the giant detectors required to observe subatomic particles.
- How long does the tour last?
- Approximately two hours.
- When should I get there?
- We recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time so you can park and make your way to the tour starting point.
- Can I bring a camera?
- Yes. You may take pictures at any time during the tour.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Yes, SLAC is wheelchair accessible, but unfortunately not ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant. The site was built before the ADA's rules and regulations were created, so in some areas ramps and inclines are steep. Please alert the Tours Office to any special medical conditions that you or a member of your group may have when scheduling your tour.
- How much does the tour cost?
- Nothing - tours are free of charge as a public service.
- What if I want to come and there are no tours scheduled?
- You can see our Visitor Center, which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Be sure to have your photo ID to show to Main Gate personnel when you arrive and tell them that you want to see the Visitor Center. You can also take a virtual tour of SLAC.
- Is the tour appropriate for children?
- Tour participants 18 and older are welcome to attend. All children 18 and under need to be accompanied by a parent, teacher, or guardian. SLAC Tours are not recommended for children under 12 years old.
- Is there anywhere to have lunch at SLAC?
- The SLAC Cafeteria is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM. If you’d like to purchase lunch at the SLAC Cafeteria, advance arrangements with the Cafeteria Manager are necessary. Call the Cafeteria Manager at 650-926-2615 for details.
- Can I purchase SLAC gift items?
- If you’d like purchase SLAC gift items, please visit the Stanford Guest House. Items are available in the Lobby.
