Palo Alto

Welcome to Palo Alto

An agrarian coastal community surrounded by natural preserves

Hear the waves crashing on the sand and bask in 300 days of sunshine in Palo Alto. The brilliant oceanfront properties, wide-open layout for biking and walking, and urban accessibility make this town an exceptional place.

Ingenious, imaginative, and talented people make up the population of Palo Alto. As a significant part of Silicon Valley, the area attracts top-rung businesses and professionals. The world’s future is being crafted next door, as Google, Tesla, LinkedIn, and many other technology companies have established their headquarters in the Bay Area.

Palo Alto abounds in carefree entertainment. Outdoor eateries, spectacular oceanic overlooks, and enthusiastic people create jubilance. A short venture in the car, truck, or Jeep will end at the beach, snowy mountains, wine country, or San Francisco. The Caltrain runs along the San Francisco Peninsula and Santa Clara Valley for those who’d rather take it all in than drive. 

What to Love

• Robust industry and global influence
• Top intellectuals and artists form the city’s population
• Breathtaking landscape, nature, and architecture
• A lifestyle that prioritizes physical and mental health
• Lively and active communities throughout the town

Local Lifestyle

Athletic and exuberant folks make Palo Alto a wonderful place to live. It’s easy to find people biking home from work on a typical day, making the atmosphere relaxing and joyous. Palo Alto's vast real estate options can be found in the many smaller neighborhoods that make up this town. Midtown has an upscale setting with refined eateries and cultured boutiques; downtown is where the action happens. Stanford University students and employees inhabit College Terrace, and Crescent Park is home to the technology gurus of Silicon Valley and their families. Barron Park has a rural, country feel, while Old Palo Alto is known as home to some of the most influential people on the planet. These are just a few of the fantastic communities that constitute this city.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Splendid eateries line the streets of Palo Alto. You can dine at Sam's Chowder House near Half Moon Bay for gourmet New England-style food and a joyous atmosphere. Sam’s has been featured on The Today Show and made the “Top Three Outdoor Dining Spots in the Bay Area” as selected by San Francisco Magazine.

At the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton is Navio, a fine seafood restaurant with an elegant ambiance. La Costanera, which offers Peruvian cuisine, is another incredible dining location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Mezzaluna by the Sea is an exquisite Italian dining experience. Their entrees, described as “Southern Italian dishes with a California flair,” can be savored while reveling in the Half Moon Bay view.

For a sophisticated day of shopping and dining, Town & Country Village has it all. Specialty stores like Sur La Table and Trader Joe’s are sure to please with their unique selections.

Coastside Farmers Markets is an event that hosts local producers and draws a large crowd from up and down the California shoreline. The farm, ranch, fisherman, and culinary vendors present some of the healthiest and most delicious food from around the globe. 

Things to Do

It’s no wonder the healthy lifestyle is the standout feature of Palo Alto. There are endless ways to keep busy outdoors. Mitchell Park is the community's core, containing the innovative Magical Bridge Playground. It is an embracive place for people to enjoy; no matter their age or challenge in life, mingling and finding new friends is natural here. Bol Park offers 14 acres of open space. Stop here, and a donkey from the nearby corral might just join you.

Residents appreciate the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, which includes a “Rhinoceros-sized” mega-pumpkin, live entertainment, The Great Pumpkin Run, and all-day pumpkin carving.

The Half Moon Bay Downtown Association has an event named the Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival. This annual May gathering has close to 50 local wineries. Attendees have the fortune of experiencing world-class jazz musicians from San Francisco. The day has the opportunity for marvelous adventures. 

Schools

The Palo Alto Unified School District serves local students with above-average ratings given to all their schools. Private schools are also available, including:

• Castilleja School, grades 6–12
• Eastside College Preparatory School, grades 6–12
• Silicon Valley International School, grades K–12