[wrogers55]

First, no insult intended here at all as I'm a Texas boy, but been in the Bay Area for over 30 years now, so I have learned a few things.

Don't refer to San Francisco as Frisco while you are here, the folks here don't like that for whatever reason. Locally, it's shortened to San Fran or "The City" as in "going to the City". Small thing but just some local color I suppose.

Your drive. You have lots of other choices. The very best, if you have the time is to get over Highway 1 (coast highway) asap and just roll. Pacific ocean to your left with some of the best scenery in the world, depending on where you connect with 1. Very windy and lots of hills, or if you are from the flatlands, they will look like "mountains". If you are towing, it won't be much fun.

A close second choice is 280 as you suggested, all the way up, drops you onto 19th avenue through the City, and takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge to start your run to Sears Point, or for the moment Infineon is writing the checks so that's what it's called. The 280 drive is absolutely beautiful, easy on the car and non-stop until you get to the City.

19th Avenue through the City is a bit rough on a Cobra if that is what you will be in. Otherwise it's OK enough and as as good as any way to get through to the other side of the bay. It's just busy, stop lights on every corner but a pretty straight shot out of town and over the bridge. Once you get over the Golden Gate, and through the tunnel, you will be in the Marin County, Sausalito area. Hard to put this area into words, just imagine some European high rent district on the Mediterrian and you will be close. Absolutely beautiful and lots to see and do. Then just follow your map or gps to the track from there. You still have a ways to go, but it's easy running from there.

Some my suggest an East Bay route that will start with a turn off of 101 onto 680 in the San Jose area. And that can work as well, just not as pretty of a drive in my opinion, but it's still all northern California all the way and not bad. Stop at the Blackhawk Museum in the Walnut Creek area. Amazing cars and facility. Last time I was there it only cost $8 bucks and was worth every penny.

Word of warning. SF can be cold in August. So, pretty warm on your way up 101 or 280, then turns cold at the City, then back HOT as you get closer to the race track. Micro climates everywhere, within a few miles of each other, but it makes it interesting. Nights are going to be cool to cold, no matter where you are in that area. Bring a jacket you will need it.

But it's northern California and a pretty drive is relative. It's kind of hard to find an ugly drive in this area, they are all pretty breathtaking if it's your first time.

Good luck!