San Francisco day trip: Rolling down Interstate 280

One of the best kept secrets by Bay Area locals, Interstate 280 doubles as a fast commuter road and the most beautiful Interstate in the region. Start by puttering down 19th Avenue through the City. After you pass San Francisco State University and off the city streets, get your speed on. The speed limit on I280 is 65mph, but you’ll see locals driving much faster .


But don’t jet down the asphalt so fast that you miss the change from cityscape to rolling hills dotted with native oaks, elegant mansions, and the occasional herd of cows. The lovely views continue south until Cupertino, where the suburban industry of the Silicon Valley crowds in on the freeway until it becomes I680 and loops around to Milpitas, becoming less pretty and crammed with commuters.


A few great places to stop include, from north to south (northwest to southeast if you’re using a compass):


Crystal Springs Reservoir


The sparkling Crystal Springs Reservoir stores water for the city of San Francisco and provides a scenic backdrop for hikers, bikers, and picnickers. Just don’t jump in! The reservoir’s waters are strictly off-limits for swimming and boating. And for a splash of irony, BYO water if you plan to hike the trails around the man-made lakes—many paths get strenuous and the reservoir’s water isn’t accessible for drinking. To get to the parking areas, exit at Highway 92.


Filoli


Once the exclusive residence of a Gold Rush millionaire, the Filoli mansion now opens its doors and grounds to visitors. Famed for the lovely, diverse gardens that spread between and around the main house and stone cottages beyond, Filoli makes a great stop for drivers eager to get out of the car, stretch their legs, and smell the flowers.


Woodside


A tiny downtown area that serves as a focal point to one of the affluent hill communities, Woodside has a gas station, a deli, a general store, a fancy restaurant, and a 25 mph speed limit that’s heavily enforced. Exit the freeway at Highway 84/Woodside Road and drive west toward the hills to get to town.


Stanford University


You can’t miss of Stanford University from 280—just look for the enormous radio satellite dish perched incongruously atop the otherwise undeveloped rolling hills. Locals call it The Dish and use it as a landmark and a hiking destination. Exit the freeway onto Page Mill Road headed away from the hills, and follow the signs to the University campus.


Apple Computer


Devotees of the iPhone, iPad, iPod, and other sleek white iThings can visit the Apple Company Store on Infinite Loop (actual street name). Exit the freeway at De Anza Boulevard and turn right; Apple corporate headquarters is highly visible on the left side of the street. The Company Store isn’t a full-fledged Apple Store—no Genius Bar, but plenty of logo-wear that’s not available elsewhere.


This heavily developed (sub)urban area has gas stations, shops, and makes a good spot to turn around and start heading back toward the City, where you can crash at the affordable boutique Hotel Adagio or the stylish Hotel Palomar.


-Liz Hamill Scott, Eats, Writes and Leaves


[Photo Credit: Flickr/Airplane Journal]