Palo Alto City Overview
Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is the heart of Silicon Valley and home to Stanford University. It is one of the most educated and affluent cities in the country.
Location and Climate
Palo Alto is located on the San Francisco Peninsula. It has a Mediterranean climate.
Best Time to Visit
Palo Alto is pleasant year-round. The Stanford campus is beautiful in any season.
Best Ways to Get Around
Caltrain connects the city to San Francisco and San Jose. The "Marguerite" shuttle offers free service around town and campus. It is very bike-friendly.
Top 5 Things to Do
- Explore Stanford University: Visit the Main Quad, Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the Cantor Arts Center (Rodin sculpture garden).
- Shop at Stanford Shopping Center: Visit this upscale open-air shopping mall with beautiful gardens.
- Stroll University Avenue: Enjoy the dining and shopping in the vibrant downtown district.
- Visit the HP Garage: Drive by the "Birthplace of Silicon Valley" (private property, view from street).
- Hike the Stanford Dish Loop: Walk the paved trail in the foothills for exercise and views of the satellite dish and bay.