Palo Alto, California and the world famous Stanford University, is a scenic city located in Santa Clara County. The county is known not only for its great educational institutions such as Stanford and San Jose State University, it is also home to Silicon Valley, San Jose's high tech business community featuring computer, software, manufacturing and other firms that rank as leaders in production of state-of-the-art products. The city is located at the northern end of Silicon Valley and south-eastern portion of the San Francisco Peninsula. Bordered to the west by Menlo Park, to the north by East Palo Alto, and to the east by Mountain View and Los Altos, the southern border is made of Stanford and Los Altos Hills.

Palo Alto is a beautiful city where old blends with new. Within a short distance you can see a quaint, old-fashioned shopping area with tree-lined streets. Down the road is the Stanford Shopping Center with its new buildings and shops such as Neiman Marcus. It's stores and boutiques offer clothing, furnishings, food and a variety of products.

Palo Alto is a great place for overnight stays because it's slightly upscale, and slightly tucked away. Not far from San Francisco International Airport in San Mateo County, the city of San Francisco and San Jose International Airport, the beaches are fairly close by, as well. Beautiful destinations such as Half Moon Bay offer nearby getaways.  If you are on the road and passing through this region, check out Stanford. Because of the university influence, the choices in entertainment and restaurants are extensive.

 Palo Alto is also enjoyable for strolling and nature walks. It has a number of significant habitats, including estuarine, riparian and oak forests. The Charleston Slough contains a rich marsh, providing feeding areas for a variety of shorebirds and wildlife.

Stanford is an unincorporated part of Santa Clara County next to the city of Palo Alto, mostly made up of Stanford University. Comprised of only 2.8 miles of land, Stanford shares shopping, dining and entertainment options with its next door neighbor, Palo Alto. Stanford University is a great place for students because of the job base in tech jobs near the university.  Quaint, charming and filled beautiful residences on tree-lined streets, You'll be glad you took the time to explore Palo Alto and Stanford.

While Stanford features a golf course open to students, faculty and alumni, Palo Alto Golf Course is a city-operated course open to the public and visitors. The Palo Alto Golf Course  consists of a recently renovated 18-hole championship length course, lighted driving range, full service restaurant and bar, fully stocked golf shop, practice putting green area and golf carts with canopy tops. Reservations can be made seven days in advance for non-residents. Palo Alto Golf Course, 1875 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Call: Golf Shop, (650) 856-0881; Bay Cafe & Deli: (650) 856-0999.