Downtown Palo Alto - Palo Alto, CA Area Guide

Palo Alto became a city in 1894, named after a coastal redwood tree along San Fransquito Creek -- the redwood also inspired the Stanford Tree. Originally founded by Spanish explorers, this city has grown over the past 100 years to be the heart of the Silicon Valley. Companies including Google, Hewlett-Packard, Facebook, Intel and many more all have had roots in this city. Stanford University since inception has played a positive role in the development of the city. Besides the university, the geographical convenience of the city has also contributed to the success of the area. Citizens feel lucky to be within an hour drive to the largest metro areas around. The Downtown North area of the city has been around since the early 1900s. This can be seen in some local architecture. To learn more about the neighborhood's history, check out the Palo Alto History Museum on Homer Avenue.

For a zesty and filling Caribbean-inspired meal, stop by Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant & Bar on Ramona Street. The island style decor and friendly staff keep locals coming back here. Grab some delicious jerked chicken or ox tail, and pair it with some of the best tasting sangria in Palo Alto. Chef Simpson, since opening this place, has grown to have a reputation as one of the most friendly and well-known chefs in the community. When in the mood for a night of fine dining, try Evvia Estiatorio on Emerson Street. This Greek cuisine fits in just fine with the Mediterranean climate of Palo Alto. Locals rave about the lamb chops and delicious wine pairings. The chefs provide dynamic presentation and sublime flavor in everything they cook. If you're in a time crunch, they take reservations online, as well. For a New Orleans-style cocktail or appetizer in the evening, stop by NOLA Restaurant & Bar on University Street. Locals love NOLA. The wait staff prove friendly and knowledgeable in helping you navigate through the Cajun, Creole and Southwestern cuisine options. The three floors of seating and a relaxing layout plays up the theme of New Orleans neighborhoods. For an experience to remember, get lost with a friend in a Hurricane Moron Bowl, and don't be surprised if it feels reminiscent of Bourbon Street. Head over to The Patio for karaoke, trivia, or to watch the Stanford Cardinal game. With plenty of beers on tap, The Patio is a great place to hang out with friends.

Most people get around the city by walking, biking or driving short distances. Palo Alto has many public transit options, as well as safe bike paths and lanes through the city. For commuters who need to get to San Francisco or San Jose, the CalTrain provides quick transport options during rush hour. The CalTrain station can be found on University Avenue. Rideshare programs exist in the city through online platforms. Uber also exists as an option in Palo Alto. Drivers feel satisfied with the quick access to Highway 101 to the North and Interstate 280 to the South for transit to the nearby major cities. Parking in the North Downtown neighborhood can sometimes be an issue, so it helps to have a spot specifically for your vehicle.

Locals love to bring their dogs to Mitchell Park on East Meadow Drive. The free park provides lots of room for your four-legged pal to run off-leash. The family friendly park also houses tennis courts and a water feature for children to play in on hot summer days. For something a little different, try the Baylands Nature Preserve for a scenic park worthy of long walks or jogs. This open-space park affords gorgeous views of the Southern San Francisco Bay. The park host lots of beautiful aviary species, so bring a camera if you have one. Best of all, this fun and beautiful park costs nothing at all to visit.

It costs more to live in Palo Alto than many other places in the Bay Area. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $2,400 a month. With the higher standard of living in the area, a beer typically costs anywhere from $5 to $10. Gas prices here also hit 13 percent above the national average. For folks preferring to use public transit to get around, a bus from the North Downtown area to anywhere else in the city costs about $2. A CalTrain to downtown San Francisco's 4th, and King Station costs about $3.

The Stanford Shopping Center houses brand-name mid-range and high-end stores, such as Nordstrom, Macys, J. Crew and Tiffany & Co and more. Come here for the well-known deals and trusted designer labels. With many other chain specialty stores available in the shopping center, such as the Apple Store and Urban Outfitters, locals find lots of familiar places to shop. Come on Thursday during the summer for live jazz. If you feel so inclined, bring your dog, as this entire outdoor mall allows pets on-leash. Check out Town & Country Village off El Camino Real for a combination of essential shopping and delicious food. This outdoor shopping center houses well-known grocery and convenience stores, including Trader Joes and CVS for your day-to-day needs. If you have extra time at the Town & County Village, check out In Her Shoes. This boutique markets stylish options in both shoes and clothing that benefit those in need. All profits made by this business go to the Global Fund for Women. This works perfect for the humanitarian shopper with a taste for style. Stop by Romi Boutique when looking for clothes on the cutting edge of fashion. With clothes from the biggest designers out of Los Angeles and New York City, the variety works in your favor. The staff here prove helpful and make sure that you feel great in anything you purchase. Most locals in the neighborhood buy their groceries at the nearby Whole Foods. For more specialty produce, on Saturdays the Palo Alto Farmers Market can be found May to October, on Gilman Street and Hamilton Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.