By Syed Shams Uddin
Based on our journey on May 11, 2025, from Dublin, California, toward San Francisco—where we passed Caldecott Tunnel but had to return before reaching the Golden Gate Bridge—I’ll highlight the notable tourist spots, lakes, bridges, and other landmarks along our route that are worth mentioning.
🔶 1. Caldecott Tunnel
Location: Connects Orinda and Oakland via State Route 24.
Significance: This is a key passage through the Berkeley Hills, easing travel between the East Bay and Oakland. It has four bores, with the newest completed in 2013.
Experience: It marks a transition from the more suburban landscapes of Contra Costa County into the urban East Bay.
🔶 2. Lake Temescal
Location: Just west of the Caldecott Tunnel in Oakland.
Significance: A historic reservoir and now a scenic urban lake and park, ideal for picnics, fishing, and walking trails.
Noteworthy: One of the first man-made lakes in the East Bay, with trails offering views of Oakland's hills.
🔶 3. Bay Bridge (San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge)
Location: Connects Oakland to San Francisco across the San Francisco Bay.
Significance: Often overshadowed by the Golden Gate Bridge, this two-tiered bridge is equally impressive. It spans 8.4 miles and includes the Yerba Buena Tunnel on Yerba Buena Island.
Viewpoints: As you approach, you may see the port of Oakland, Treasure Island, and expansive bay vistas.
Modernization: The eastern span (from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island) was rebuilt after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and completed in 2013.
🔶 4. Treasure Island & Yerba Buena Island
Location: Midway on the Bay Bridge.
Significance: Man-made island (Treasure Island) and natural island (Yerba Buena).
Activities: Offers panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate (if visible), and Alcatraz. Known for photography, festivals, and wine tasting.
🔶 5. San Francisco Waterfront
If your route took you along the Embarcadero or downtown San Francisco, you may have passed:
Ferry Building – Historic terminal with a vibrant farmers' market and eateries.
Pier 39 – Known for its sea lions, shopping, and restaurants.
Coit Tower – A hilltop tower offering a panoramic view of the city and murals inside.
🟡 Missed But Nearby: Golden Gate Bridge
Location: Northwest of downtown San Francisco.
Note: Due to time constraints, we couldn’t reach it, but it is visible from various spots like Crissy Field, Baker Beach, and Marina Green.
Tip: For a future visit, approach via US Route 101 North after reaching downtown San Francisco.
✅ Summary of Noteworthy Points Seen or Crossed:
Landmark Type Location/Significance
Caldecott Tunnel Tunnel Through Berkeley Hills, on Route 24
Lake Temescal Lake/Park Oakland – picnic and scenic spot
Bay Bridge Bridge Major bridge connecting Oakland & SF
Treasure Island Island Midway on Bay Bridge – panoramic views
Yerba Buena Island Island Connected via tunnel on Bay Bridge
San Quintin, San Rafael - Canal
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It becomes imperative also to make a mention of San Quentin, San Rafael, and Canal—all located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge. These are distinct and noteworthy areas, each with its own significance:
🔹 1. San Quentin
Famous For: San Quentin State Prison, California’s oldest and most well-known prison, located right on the shore of San Francisco Bay.
Landmark: Though not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense, its history and prominent location make it a point of interest when traveling through Marin County.
Scenic Note: Offers stunning views of the Bay, particularly from the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge, which passes nearby.
🔹 2. San Rafael
Role: County seat of Marin County and a vibrant cultural and administrative hub.
Attractions:
Mission San Rafael Arcángel – One of California’s historic Spanish missions.
Downtown San Rafael – Features restaurants, shops, and cultural venues like the Rafael Film Center.
China Camp State Park – A historic shrimp-fishing village with trails, biking paths, and waterfront access.
🔹 3. The Canal District (San Rafael Canal Area)
Description: A low-lying neighborhood surrounding the San Rafael Creek Canal, providing access for small boats and businesses.
Demographics: Home to a diverse immigrant community, especially from Latin America, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere.
Notable For:
Marina and boating activity.
Proximity to Bay Trail segments for walking and biking.
A growing number of Latino-owned shops, eateries, and community initiatives.
🔹 Nearby: Richmond–San Rafael Bridge
Type: Bridge connecting Richmond (East Bay) with San Rafael (Marin County).
Significance: Offers an alternative to the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.
View: Spectacular views of San Pablo Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and even Angel Island.
🗺️ Map Overview (Conceptual):
Dublin (East Bay) → Caldecott Tunnel → Oakland → Bay Bridge → San Francisco
→ (Missed Golden Gate) → North would be San Rafael → San Quentin (near bridge)
→ The Canal District is east of San Rafael's center
Based on the journey from Dublin to San Francisco via Highway 24 and Interstate 580/80, it's clear we passed through or saw a variety of scenic, historic, and upscale neighborhoods. Here’s a detailed overview of the key places you glimpsed on May 11, 2025:
🌄 Highlights of Places Glimpsed En Route
🔹 1. Orinda
Overview: A charming, affluent suburb in Contra Costa County known for its rolling hills and semi-rural character.
Features:
Downtown Orinda: Quaint with cafes, Orinda Theatre (Art Deco), and a small-town atmosphere.
Knickerbocker Area: A residential hillside neighborhood with spacious homes and views of the East Bay hills.
🔹 2. Caldecott Tunnel
Landmark: A key passage connecting Orinda to Oakland via State Route 24 through the Berkeley Hills.
🔹 3. Oakland Neighborhoods
These highland communities provide sweeping views, upscale residences, and natural beauty:
▪️ Claremont Hills
Location: East of the Caldecott Tunnel near the Oakland-Berkeley border.
Known For: Secluded hillside homes, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, and proximity to the historic Claremont Hotel.
▪️ Hiller Highlands
Location: Above the Rockridge area.
Notable For: Modern townhomes perched on the ridgeline with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate.
▪️ Upper Rockridge
Description: A prestigious and leafy residential neighborhood.
Features: Distinguished architecture, winding roads, and proximity to College Avenue, a shopping and dining destination.
🔹 4. Richmond
Overview: A diverse city on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, north of Berkeley.
Key Points:
Richmond Coronado: Likely refers to Coronado neighborhood, an older, established residential area.
Point Richmond:
A historic waterfront village with a small-town charm.
Offers views of San Francisco, Angel Island, and Mount Tamalpais.
Features Victorian homes, art galleries, restaurants, and Keller Beach.
🗺️ Route Flow Summary
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Dublin → I-580 W → Highway 24 → Orinda (Downtown + Knickerbocker)
→ Caldecott Tunnel → Oakland (Claremont Hills, Hiller Highlands, Upper Rockridge)
→ Merge onto I-580 W/I-80 W → Richmond (Coronado, Point Richmond)
→ San Rafael Bridge (view of San Quentin) → Time cut short → Return to Dublin
✅ Glimpsed Neighborhoods and Features Table
Area Type Highlights
Orinda Downtown Suburban hub Orinda Theatre, cafes, quaint charm
Orinda Knickerbocker Residential hillside Scenic, upscale homes
Claremont Hills (Oakland) Forested hillside Near Claremont Hotel, great trails
Hiller Highlands (Oakland) Hilltop community Sweeping Bay views
Upper Rockridge (Oakland) Affluent neighborhood Near College Ave shops
Richmond Coronado Older neighborhood Residential character
Point Richmond Waterfront historic area Beach, Victorian homes, views
San Quentin Noted landmark Historic prison by the Bay
If you were in or near Sausalito and had to turn back due to time constraints, you were indeed quite close—roughly 6 to 8 miles (around 20 minutes, depending on traffic) from the Golden Gate Bridge.
🛣️ Route Context:
Sausalito lies just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, nestled between the Marin Headlands and Richardson Bay.
The usual drive from Sausalito to the Golden Gate Bridge follows:
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Bridgeway → Alexander Ave → 101 South → Golden Gate Bridge
Here are a few scenic and significant places between Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge that you could include on a future visit:
🔹 1. Marin Headlands
Notable For: Sweeping panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and Pacific Ocean.
Points of Interest:
Hawk Hill
Battery Spencer (iconic GG Bridge photo spot)
Point Bonita Lighthouse
🔹 2. Fort Baker
Historic military base turned recreational park.
Located just beneath the northern approach of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Offers quiet picnic spots, fishing pier, and Cavallo Point Lodge.
🔹 3. Vista Points
North Vista Point (accessible before entering the bridge southbound): Stunning up-close view of the bridge’s towers and cables.
South Vista Point / Welcome Center (after crossing): Visitor amenities, GG Bridge history, and viewpoints.
📍 Estimated Travel Time
From To Time (approx.)
Downtown Sausalito North end of Golden Gate Bridge ~15–20 minutes
Fort Baker or Marin Headlands GG Bridge ~5–10 minutes
We were very close to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks!
Here is a consolidated and organized summary of our May 11, 2025 journey from Dublin, California, toward San Francisco, with notable landmarks, scenic areas, lakes, bridges, and neighborhoods glimpsed along the way—ending near Sausalito, just 20 minutes shy of the Golden Gate Bridge:
🚗 Journey Route Overview
Start: Dublin (East Bay)
Route: I-580 W → CA-24 W → Orinda → Caldecott Tunnel → Oakland (multiple upscale neighborhoods) → I-580/I-80 W → Richmond → Bay Bridge → San Francisco Waterfront
Planned Extension: North to Sausalito → Golden Gate Bridge (turned back ~20 minutes before reaching it)
🌟 Key Landmarks and Attractions Along the Route
🔹 1. Orinda
Downtown Orinda: Quaint town with cafes, Orinda Theatre (Art Deco).
Knickerbocker Area: Residential hillside with scenic views.
🔹 2. Caldecott Tunnel
Connector: Between Orinda and Oakland.
Significance: Major link through the Berkeley Hills.
🔹 3. Oakland Neighborhoods
Claremont Hills: Secluded homes near historic Claremont Hotel.
Hiller Highlands: Modern homes with panoramic bay views.
Upper Rockridge: Prestigious, leafy enclave near College Ave.
🔹 4. Lake Temescal (Oakland)
Historic reservoir: Now a peaceful urban lake and park.
Activities: Picnicking, fishing, walking.
🔹 5. Richmond
Coronado: Residential character with older homes.
Point Richmond: Historic village with Victorian homes, Keller Beach, views of SF Bay and Angel Island.
🔹 6. Bay Bridge (San Francisco–Oakland)
Two-tiered structure: Connects Oakland to SF.
Highlights: Yerba Buena Tunnel, Treasure Island, and modern eastern span.
🔹 7. Treasure Island & Yerba Buena Island
Treasure Island: Man-made, great SF skyline views.
Activities: Photography, events, wine tasting.
🔹 8. San Francisco Waterfront
Ferry Building: Gourmet market and historic terminal.
Pier 39: Sea lions, dining, shopping.
Coit Tower: Cityscape views and WPA-era murals.
⛔ Nearby
🔸 Golden Gate Bridge
Missed Golden Gate Bridge due to time constraints; was ~20 minutes away from Sausalito via Bridgeway → Alexander Ave → US-101 S.
Visible from many points including Crissy Field and Marina Green.
🏞️ Scenic Areas Near Your Turnaround Point
🔹 Sausalito
Bayfront town just north of the GG Bridge with Mediterranean charm.
Art galleries, waterfront dining, harbor views.
🔹 Marin Headlands
Viewpoints: Hawk Hill, Battery Spencer.
Vista: Dramatic views of the Golden Gate and Pacific.
🔹 Fort Baker
Historic military base beneath the bridge; now a park and resort area.
🧭 Northern Marin Glimpses (if you had continued)
🔹 San Quentin
California’s oldest prison, located on the bay with striking views.
Seen from the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge (alternative route).
🔹 San Rafael
Downtown: Cultural hub with historic mission and eateries.
China Camp State Park: Trails, biking, and water views.
🔹 The Canal District (San Rafael)
Boating hub with diverse immigrant community and waterfront vibe.
✅ Summary Table of Noteworthy Locations
Landmark / Area Type Notable Features
Orinda Downtown Suburban Hub Theatres, cafes, small-town charm
Orinda Knickerbocker Residential Hillside Upscale homes, scenic vistas
Caldecott Tunnel Tunnel Key link through Berkeley Hills
Lake Temescal Lake/Park Urban nature spot in Oakland
Claremont Hills (Oakland) Hill Neighborhood Near Claremont Hotel, great hiking
Hiller Highlands (Oakland) Hilltop Community Bay-spanning views
Upper Rockridge (Oakland) Upscale Neighborhood Close to shops, dining, scenic roads
Richmond Coronado Residential Area Older, established neighborhood
Point Richmond Historic Waterfront Victorian charm, bay views
Bay Bridge Bridge Two-tiered marvel with island crossings
Treasure & Yerba Buena Isles Scenic Spots Panoramic views, cultural events
SF Waterfront (Embarcadero) City Attractions Ferry Building, Pier 39, Coit Tower
Sausalito Waterfront Town Artistic, tranquil, views of SF
San Quentin Historic Site Prison with Bay views, near Richmond Bridge
San Rafael County Hub Mission, park, cultural spots
The Canal District Boating Neighborhood Marina, immigrant culture, eateries
A window to Northern Areas-I, The Muslim dated July 4, 1997. By Syed Shamsuddin Most of our people even today seem quite oblivious of the geo-political position of Northern Areas while the exact historical background concerning Gilgit-Baltistan and where these must stand politically remains yet another subject of discussion. Not to speak of a layman, a person of the stature of Chief Executive of the country, once inquired whether the Northern Areas an integral part of the north west frontier province (NWFP). This happened when he rule the country in the aftermath of martial law. Yet another minister on Kashmir and Northern Areas, during the democratic government that followed, was pleased to tell a member of the northern areas council that he owed his minisitership not to them (Northern Areas people) but to the turbaned man of his constituency, standing at the door of his official chambers. There is infact, dearth of substantial historical evidence as to when exactly man ...
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