Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Francisco to San Jose
South of the San Francisco peninsula, I-280 is the dividing line between the densely popu-
lated South Bay area and the rugged and lightly populated Pacific Coast. With sweeping
views of hills and reservoirs, I-280 is a more scenic choice than crowded Hwy 101, which
runs through miles of boring business parks. Unfortunately, these parallel north-south ar-
teries are both clogged with traffic during commute times and often on weekends.
A historic site where European explorers first set eyes on San Francisco Bay,
Sweeney
between Pacifica and San Bruno, and offers hikers unparalleled ocean and bay views.
From I-280, exit at Sneath Lane and follow it 2 miles west until it dead ends at the trail-
head.
Right on the bay at the northern edge of San Mateo, 4 miles south of San Francisco In-
ternational Airport, is
Coyote Point Recreation Area
(parking $6; )
, a popular park (its
playground sports a huge castle) and windsurfing destination. The main attraction -
formerly known as the Coyote Point Museum - is
CuriOdyssey
( 650-342-7755;
www.curiodyssey.org
; adult/child $9/7; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, noon-5pm Sun; )
, with innovative
exhibits for kids and adults highlighting science and wildlife. Exit Hwy 101 at Coyote
Point Dr.
Stanford University
founded by Leland Stanford, one of the Central Pacific Railroad's 'Big Four' founders and
a former governor of California. When the Stanfords' only child died of typhoid during a
European tour in 1884, they decided to build a university in his memory. Stanford
University was opened in 1891, just two years before Leland Stanford's death, but the uni-
versity grew to become a prestigious and wealthy institution. The campus was built on the
site of the Stanfords' horse-breeding farm and, as a result, Stanford is still known as 'The
Farm.'
Sights
