A global leader in technology and innovation, Palo Alto effortlessly blends its residential and business areas.

Palo Alto, "The Birthplace of Silicon Valley," is a bustling hi-tech hub offering a robust array of community amenities that include dozens of parks, community centers, playgrounds, public libraries, and top-notch schools including the prestigious private Stanford University. At the center of the San Francisco Bay Area, this traditional city is at the epicenter of global innovation.

It's no surprise that numerous world-class enterprises and research companies set up their headquarters here, such as Tesla and Hewlett-Packard. While Palo Alto is known for its continued technological evolution, it doubles as a quiet and pristine residential area with tree-lined streets and charming shopping areas. Palo Alto effortlessly blends suburbia with commerce to create its unique character.

What to Love

  • Top-notch public and private schools

  • Home to Stanford University

  • A global leader in technology

  • Walkable downtown

  • Silicon Valley birthplace

  • Michelin-starred restaurants

People & Lifestyle

As a significant part of the Silicon Valley tech scene, Palo Alto residents have their pick of notable companies and employers, including Skype, Tesla, and VMware. This beautiful city is revered for its ability to blend residential areas with its commerce side, and residents appreciate the pedestrian lifestyle and quaint, tree-lined neighborhoods. Since Stanford University is located here, many students and professors call this city home alongside tech moguls, professionals, and young families.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Greek food doesn't get better than the classic dishes served at the cheery Evvia Estiatorio. The Michelin Guide restaurant Zareen's makes tasty Indian and Pakistani fare in colorful environs. Ettan is another local Indian restaurant known for its soaring skylight. Get a taste of Barcelona at Telefèric Barcelona, an authentic Spanish tapas spot. 

Enjoy modern Vietnamese in an artful space at Tamarine or sample housemade hummus and falafel at the Mediterranean eatery Oren's Hummus. Pioneered by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Nobu is a Palo Alto fixture offering an extensive and diverse menu of Japanese eats.

Voted "Best Breakfast" several years in a row, Joanie's Café is a casual neighborhood café serving breakfast and lunch. Trendy and minimalist, Bird Dog is a unique bistro serving a mixture of California and Japanese dishes.

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse is the Bay Area's premier seafood dining destination. Upscale meets casual at Protégé, an establishment renowned for its comprehensive wine and spirits program.

Take a day trip to the Stanford Shopping Center for some retail therapy. This open-air shopping hotspot is located on the beautiful Stanford University campus.

Things to Do

Palo Alto is home to dozens of family-friendly attractions and fun things to do any day of the week. It's also where you'll find Stanford University, one of the world's leading teaching and research institutions. 

The university is home to the South Bay's premier performing arts venue, Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts and the iconic Stanford Dish, a radio antenna built in the Stanford foothills that serves many purposes. Playing classic films from the Hollywood golden age, Stanford Theater is a fully-restored 1925 theater and Palo Alto staple. 

If you like to frequent farmers' markets, there are two great ones in Palo Alto: California Ave Farmers Market and Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market.

Take advantage of Palo Alto's natural beauty by visiting outdoor staples like the Baylands Nature Preserve, the largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay. The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is a historic property surrounded by gorgeous herb and rose gardens perched on 2.5-acres of property.

Other popular outdoor areas include Mitchell Park, Magical Bridge Playground, and Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. While not entirely outside, kids and families love visiting the Junior Museum & Zoo.

Schools

Palo Alto is home to several top-notch private and public schools, plus the esteemed Stanford University.