Palo Alto
The birthplace of Silicon Valley and Stanford University.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley and Stanford University.
Home to the prestigious campus of Stanford University, Palo Alto is known for upscale shopping and dining, an equally impressive abundance of more casual options, independently owned shops, and convenient access to several nationally recognized brands. Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is home to nearly 100,000 jobs, several of which are in the high-paying tech field.
Spanish for “tall stick,” Palo Alto is named after an iconic coastal redwood tree. The city was established by Leland Stanford when he founded Stanford University. Today, Stanford Research Park, Hewlett-Packard, and several notable venture capitalist firms are some of the top employers, bringing high salaries and consequently, an elevated standard of living for lucky locals.
The birthplace of Silicon Valley boasts over 40 miles of walking trails, 36 parks, and 39 playgrounds, offering residents an escape from the office to enjoy sunny NoCal days. Palo Alto is home to headquarters for some of the world’s leading companies, venture capitalists firms on the northern side of town, and Stanford University. High standards in other aspects of local life is also prevalent in public schools, seeing as many local campuses vastly outperform other nearby districts on state tests each year. Weekends away from campus and out of the office are frequently enjoyed on California Avenue, an 18-block shopping district with a history extending as far back as 1855.
A top dining destination from the moment they opened their doors, Evvia burst onto the local dining scene in 2021 and has since solidified a place at top of most locals’ list of favorite eateries for lamb, moussaka, octopus, and other rustic Greek creations inspired by the land, air, and sea. A traditional atmosphere features an open kitchen, interior greenery, a rustic bread station, and inviting wooden tables.
Founded in 1959, Saint Michael’s Alley was the first coffee house on the San Francisco Peninsula. Once a small establishment, Saint Michael’s has come into its own and grown into a refined spot to experience the best in modern California-style fare. Expertly plated dishes of sea scallop, pan-roasted duck breast, and mahi-mahi are perfect options for any occasion.
Palo Alto’s most historic shopping district is found along California Avenue, just blocks from Stanford University’s beautiful campus. Some local businesses consist of a cobbler that has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations, boutiques, day spas, a kosher grocery shop, and a wine store. Each Sunday morning, California Avenue hosts a year-round farmers’ market, also very popular with locals.
Palo Alto is home to Stanford University, one of the most beautiful college campuses in the nation. Of Stanford's many gorgeous attractions, few rival that of the Arizona Garden. Open to the public daily without charge, the Garden spans 17,000 square feet showcasing a wide array of cacti and succulents. With a history dating back to 1881, it is still a popular gathering spot for student study groups, photoshoots to mark special occasions, or to simply get lost within the quiet beauty of Mother Nature. Also on Stanford’s campus, the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts has played a pivotal role In the community’s cultural life. Past exhibitions and collections have included historic photography, indigenous sculptures, ancient jewelry, and many more priceless artifacts from various periods in history.
In addition to their renowned tech industry, Palo Alto is also well-known for terrific schools within: