Bayfront Expy, Menlo Park

While Bayfront Park is certainly not unsafe, there are better parks in the Silicon Valley area. The park is located in the North Fair Oaks area of Menlo Park, which, while not terribly unsafe, is a bit run-down. The hiking trails are really more like running trails, given how flat they are, and while there are a few uphills, don't come here expecting any kind of physical challenge.

Rather than towering redwood trees or massive Eucalyptus plants, expect more rolling green hills (a term used loosely) and open space, with some shrubbery. The views of the bay are spectacular, and the park is relatively uncrowded given that it is the only one of its kind in the immediate area. You will not get the peace and solitude that you may get at other parks, but instead will get views of Silicon Valley traffic on one side and the occasional planes flying overhead.

The park serves its purpose of providing some green space for locals who cannot get out, but that is about the extent of its purpose.

Given that this street is the primary access point from Silicon Valley to the Dumbarton Bridge, plan for consistent traffic. This road tends to be very crowded during rush hour, although it mellows out at other times of the day. Gas in the area is inflated to a high degree, and the marshlands near the bridge always seem to smell funny. Cell phone reception is quite good.

The road is home to Sun Microsystems, which is a mildly interesting piece of Silicon Valley trivia that temporarily reminds the driver that they are indeed in Menlo Park. The intersection of University Avenue and East Palo Alto will quickly change that ambiance. All-in-all, this road is built for transportation and there is not much to see here.