Should I try to get into the Google or Apple headquarters?

Unless you have a meeting with an employee, you can only visit the public visitor centers (Apple Park Visitor Center) or walk the grounds in public areas. The inner offices are secure and off-limits.

Is it better to stay in SF or Palo Alto?

Stay in SF if you want the networking scene and nightlife; stay in Palo Alto if you want to be near the hardware, research, and VC firms.

How to plan a startup ecosystem tour in Silicon Valley

Focus your tour on three distinct hubs: San Francisco for networking, Palo Alto for academic roots, and Mountain View for Big Tech scale. Spend no more than 4 days to keep momentum high, and pre-book every meeting at least three weeks in advance.

Define your specific sector. Don't try to see 'everything.' If you are in fintech, focus on the FiDi in San Francisco. If you are in deep tech or hardware, prioritize proximity to Stanford University and the Mountain View/Sunnyvale corridor.
Map out your coffee meetings. Use LinkedIn to message founders or VCs for '15-minute coffee chats.' Do not ask for a tour; ask for a specific perspective on a challenge you are currently solving.
Secure a rental car. Public transit is insufficient for a professional tour. Rent a car at SJC or SFO to traverse the 40 miles between SF and Palo Alto efficiently during non-peak commute hours (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM).
Leverage coworking spaces. Book a daily desk at a hub like WeWork or a specialized incubator space to have a 'home base' for working between meetings.

Should I try to get into the Google or Apple headquarters?: Unless you have a meeting with an employee, you can only visit the public visitor centers (Apple Park Visitor Center) or walk the grounds in public areas. The inner offices are secure and off-limits.
Is it better to stay in SF or Palo Alto?: Stay in SF if you want the networking scene and nightlife; stay in Palo Alto if you want to be near the hardware, research, and VC firms.