I-- 80, Vallejo

Anyone who has drive to Sacramento from San Francisco has had this happen - you've been on the road for about 35 minutes, you've bypassed the Bay Bridge - you're home free, right? Wrong! There is a tiny, deceptive body of water northeast of San Francisco that seems like nothing but somehow requires a steep, $5 toll. You've been out of cash, you've begged and pleaded with the tollbooth attendee, and no luck - you are now stuck with a toll violation and no way out. Well, at least I have.

Unfortunately, that is the nature of this bridge - it is far out enough that you don't even think you are in the Bay Area any more, but is still a fact of the matter. The drive is short, the view is lame (certainly not worth the $5 for ten seconds of looking), but if you have a fear of heights, at least the drive over does not last very long.

The good news? You don't have to pay the toll again on the way home. Don't forget about this one next time. Or if you do, stop at the exit right BEFORE the toll to get cash.