Sunnyvale Travel Guide

From SFO (San Francisco International): Get on 101 South, and drive for approximately 40 minutes until you see the exit sign for Highway 85 South. Take 85 South, then take the ElCamino exit. Right after you pass the first stoplight, you'll be on the eastern border of Sunnyvale.
From SJO (San Jose): Get on 101 North, and drive for approximately 20 minutes until you see the exit sign for Highway 85 South. Take 85 South, then take the ElCamino exit. Right after you pass the first stoplight, you'll be on the eastern border of Sunnyvale.
Driving in Sunnyvale is very easy; so is parking. We're much more parking friendly than San Francisco. There aren't a lot of metered parking spaces or pay-to-park lots; most of our parking is free, either on the street or in a parking lot. El Camino is pretty much the central city street; it goes all the way down into San Jose, so you can find nearly all major stores either on or in close proximity to El Camino.

People drive WAY FAST HERE. Figure approximately 75 mph on the freeways, and up to 45 mph on the large city streets. And, people WILL try to tailgate if they think you're driving too slow. Most folks are somewhat preoccupied with their lives, but if you offer up a sunny smile, odds are you'll get one in return.

Always Lock Your Car. Even in the driveway of a friend's house. We don't keep ANYTHING unlocked around here; it walks off.
There are a lot of nutty drivers around here, particularly when it comes to red lights. After a light turns green for you, wait an extra second or two to allow the kamikaze drivers to whiz through the intersection.
Traffic can be heinous. Avoid travelling the freeways or highways between 8 and 10 am, and 4 to 7 pm.

Great America. If you're into rollercoasters, this can be fun....but the park is looking a tad run down, and the lines for the rides are insane. I once stood in line for an HOUR for a thirty second ride. Your best bet is to find a cold, overcast and slightly drizzly day...this tends to drive away the kids and reduces the crowd. I never bother to go here myself.
Moffett Airshow. When the Navy owned Moffet Naval Station, they put on one of the best airshows in California. Sadly, the base has been decommisioned, and in recent years the Airshow Network has attempted to hold an airshow in the July/August timeframe. The show in 2001 was a big disappointment; it was primarily military displays and demos, and there were NO civilian aircraft on static display at all, which was a major disappointment. Better bets are to be found in Salias, Watsonville, and Half Moon Bay.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: While this is California, Sunnyvale can be unseasonably cold even in summer. Anytime you travel to the San Francisco Bay, make sure you bring at least a sweatshirt or windbreaker with you....you're likely to need it at some point. Other than that, we're very temperate compared to other climes, and you're not likely to need special shoes or heavy clothing.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: We have the following pharmacies around:
* Rite-Aid
* Longs Drugs
* Walgreens

Favorite thing: There is an AWESOME bike path that runs from Alma and 85 all the way out to Shoreline. From Shoreline you should be able to bike all the way into Palo Alto! The easiest way to get to this path:
* From El Camino and Americana way, go LEFT onto Rainbow.
* When Rainbow dead-ends, go LEFT.
* Take the first RIGHT. I think this is Dana St.
* Right before the overpass over 85, take a RIGHT onto Patriot Street.
* Patriot dead-ends onto Alma. Do NOT cross Alma; bike up the left side.
* Right past the overpass you should see the Alma St. Trailhead, which is the entry to the pedestrian bridge. Ride on up and over the bridge, and enjoy!