Palo Alto

Palo Alto is a city in Santa Clara County, United States, stretching from the bay shore to the forested ridgeline above. Streets run through residential areas shaded by mature trees, shifting to commercial zones along broad avenues.

Spanish explorers camped beneath a tall coastal redwood in 1769, giving the future settlement its name. The town grew during the 20th century to become home to many technology companies.

Visitors notice a steady flow of students, researchers, and professionals meeting in coffee shops and parks throughout the day. The community gathers at weekly farmers markets and outdoor events, often riding bicycles along dedicated paths.

The downtown area around University Avenue offers shops, restaurants, and services within walking distance of each other. The train station connects the city to San Francisco in about 30 minutes and to San Jose in about 20 minutes.

A garage on Addison Avenue marks the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where two founders started their company with an initial investment of 538 dollars. The redwood tree El Palo Alto still stands today, having served as a landmark for Spanish explorers centuries ago.

Location: Santa Clara County

Inception: 1894

Founders: Timothy Hopkins

Shares border with: East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills

Website: https://cityofpaloalto.org

GPS coordinates: 37.42917,-122.13806

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:59