Newbridge St, Belle Haven

Newbridge Street, located in the North Fair Oaks area of Menlo Park, is definitely not the wealthy Silicon Valley stretch that one's mind may conjure up when they picture Menlo Park. It is definitely a more working-class, low-income area than may other neighboring towns, and police cars are certainly not an uncommon sight, especially at night. The street turns into Bay Road in East Palo Alto, which follows this trend.

However, given the proximity to both the 101 and the Dumbarton Bridge, the traffic is fairly manageable. I have driven here day and night, during rush hour and in the wee hours of the morning, and for some reason, there never seems to be any massive congestion. I am hesitant to broadcast this, but this is actually a great alternative to the nearby University Avenue exit in Palo Alto.

And the views of the mountains are absolutely stunning when driving westbound.