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About Whole Foods in Palo Alto
Whole Foods Market on Emerson Street is downtown Palo Alto's full-service grocery store. It sits at the south end of the downtown business district near Homer Avenue, an easy walk from University Avenue. It carries the chain's range of natural and organic groceries, produce, meat, seafood, cheese and prepared food. The history published by Country Sun, the natural foods store on California Avenue, notes that the first Whole Foods outside Texas opened near downtown Palo Alto.
The store page lists five ready-to-eat counters, which make the store a common weekday lunch stop for people working downtown:
- WFM Coffee Bar: a full-service coffee shop brewing a variety of roasts
- Genji Sushi: sushi rolled in the store with sustainably sourced seafood
- Market Sandwich: sandwiches made to order
- Market Cocina: Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos
- Mochi Bar: self-serve mochi ice cream
What this location offers
- Bakery: ready-made cakes and desserts plus custom cake orders
- Floral: custom arrangements
- Beer and wine
- Grind your own nut butters
- Personal shopping: staff who learn your preferences and fill your cart
- Amazon returns: eligible orders, free, with no box or label needed
- Prime delivery and pickup of online grocery orders
- Catering, with a menu on the Whole Foods website
You can check what is in stock at this store on the Whole Foods website or app before the trip. Our groceries and specialty food guide covers the city's other markets.
Location and getting there
Whole Foods Market is at 774 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area of Palo Alto. Our Downtown guide covers what else is around.
The nearest train stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away. That is roughly a 8 minute walk.
Parking: street spaces and city garages with posted limits (see parking in Palo Alto).
Hours
| Every day | 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
|---|
Hours from the business's own website, checked October 29, 2026.
What is nearby
- VeloTech Cycles, studio or gym, under 0.1 mi
- Peet's Coffee Homer Avenue, cafe, under 0.1 mi
- University Chiropractic, practice, under 0.1 mi
- Taverna, restaurant, under 0.1 mi
- SkinSpirit, salon or spa, under 0.1 mi
- Pacific Art League, 0.1 mi
- Downtown Library, 0.1 mi
- King Plaza and City Hall, 0.1 mi
Other groceries and food shops nearby: Tea Time (0.2 mi); Trader Joe's (0.3 mi); Nespresso (0.7 mi); Wanpo Tea Shop (0.7 mi). Browse the full groceries and food shops list.
About this listing
Checked October 29, 2026 against Whole Foods Market Palo Alto store page; Country Sun history (first Whole Foods outside Texas). How our listings work. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Whole Foods Market in Palo Alto?
Whole Foods Market is at 774 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, in the Downtown area. The nearest Caltrain stop is the Palo Alto Caltrain station, about 0.3 miles away.
Can I return Amazon packages at Whole Foods in Palo Alto?
Yes. The store page says eligible Amazon orders can be returned here for free, with no box or label needed.
Does Whole Foods in Palo Alto offer delivery or pickup?
Yes, for Amazon Prime members, who can order online and have groceries delivered or pick them up at the store.
Does the Palo Alto Whole Foods have a coffee bar?
Yes. The store lists a WFM Coffee Bar, a full-service coffee shop brewing a variety of roasts.
What are Whole Foods Market's hours?
Every day: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m..