The daily commute to and from work. It doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience. Many folks enjoy their time in the car as rare “alone time”, a time to listen to the radio, or just think in silence. Here in the Bay Area, we enjoy some of the most scenic commutes in the nation. However there are times when our beautiful freeways get jammed up with traffic or accidents. We have outlined for you, a few alternate routes. These drives are especially scenic – and will get you where you need to go. Why not take the long way around today?
Palomares Road This peaceful wooded route is popular with bicyclists. It begins off Niles Canyon Road in Fremont, and heads northbound, ending at Eden Canyon Road and 580 in Castro Valley. There are a couple of wineries tucked away here, so keep that in mind for a return trip!
Niles Canyon Road/Highway 84. This is a beautiful and historic Bay Area route, and is well known by seasoned Highway 680 commuters. This route winds between Mission Blvd in Fremont and Interstate 680 in Sunol. If Livermore or Highway 580 is your destination, continue on past 680 where the road becomes “84” which will end you up on Isabel Ave and 580 in Livermore. It is said that this road has a ghost that comes out every February. You can decide for yourself.
Patterson Pass Road. This route offers stunning views of the Livermore Valley, and Altamont Pass region. This is a route that travels parallel to highway 580. It begins on Bernal Road eastbound, connects to Tesla Road in Livermore, then to Patterson Pass Road where it winds up thru the hills of the Altamont Pass, and comes down into Tracy and ends on Grant Line Road. Take this route if you are trying to avoid 580 eastbound traffic headed towards the Central Valley.
Norris Canyon Road. This short and windy scenic road offers views of charming ranches and farms and oak trees. It is shortcut between San Ramon and Castro Valley. It begins in San Ramon and ends at Crow Canyon Road in Castro Valley. This is a great trip to take if your destination is San Ramon or Castro Valley. Helpful when part of Crow Canyon Road is blocked, or if you want to avoid the whole 580/680 interchange. This is also the entrance to Norris Canyon Estates, San Ramons premier gated community.
Highland Road. This route takes you thru gently rolling oak studded horse country. It begins off Tassajara Road in Dublin, turns east onto Highland Road, and zig zags roads a bit ~ Livermore, May School, Dagnino, Raymond, Ames, and eventually connects you with Vasco Road. This route is another alternative if you are trying to avoid the eastbound 580 madness. If you wish to avoid the Altamont Pass, keep on and connect with Altamont Pass Road, which will connect you with Grant Line Road in Tracy. This route is gently windy, and far more relaxing than the freeway!
We have lived, worked and commuted in the San Ramon Valley for 15+ years. Call or email us today. We are eager to help you find and make a home here, as well as get you to work and back – sometimes taking the long way around!
Leave a Reply