I-- 280, Sharon Heights

This highway really is the perfect solution to enjoying a scenic drive without getting carsick. If you are traveling to ANYWHERE in the San Jose area from San Francisco, take this highway over the 101, no questions asked. Even if you are in the valley and closer to the bay, this is a great drive to consider. The traffic is considerably lighter, but it is the views that make it a viable choice.

The route winds through the foothills, which are far more attractive than some of the working-class neighborhoods of Silicon Valley located on the adjacent highway. Not only is it a wealthier area, but it feels far more remote, despite being a major interstate. There are spots where the eucalyptus smell is so potent that you can actually smell it. And like most Northern California driving, fellow commuters tend to be very friendly and are good at sharing the road.

Unlike some similar drives, this street is a major interstate and is therefore one straight shot, rather than the winding, tumultuous road that some may experience. There is a bit more elevation gain and loss, but that is the extent of it. Overall, this is a far more scenic highway drive (although the bay views on the 101 are not replicated on this route). The only challenge is that there is a bit of a drive for any Silicon Valley commuters heading east.