Palo Alto is a city located in Santa Clara County, California. It is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known for its high cost of living and upscale residential communities. Palo Alto is home to many high-tech companies, including Stanford University, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla. The city has a strong focus on education and is served by the Palo Alto Unified School District, which includes several highly ranked public schools. Palo Alto is also known for its vibrant downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including the scenic Stanford Dish hiking trail and the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains.