San Mateo Bridge

There are several bridges that connect the penninsula to other parts of the SF Bay area. The most well known is the Golden Gate Bridge that connects to the north. Three bridges connect to the east bay: Bay, San Mateo, and Dumbarton Bridge. Over the weekend, I had to go to Union City and the San Mateo Bridge helps to facilitate that. The picture below has me heading east and coming down from the highrise portion. The bridge itself is mainly just above water level for about two thirds of its span.

The other one third rises high above the bay to allow ships to access the southern bay area. Going west, you pass the toll gate and head out to the flat portion.

Just at the horizon, you can see the incline section. The Dumbarton Bridge to the south is similar in construction and design.

The decline will transition you to the city of Foster City in San Mateo County. Then you can catch 101 north to the city

When the Bay Bridge was knocked out of commission during the Loma Prieta earthquake, this was the main throughfare that people chose to get into the city since this was the closest alternate route. If using the Golden Gate, you'd need to cross the Richmond/San Rafeal bridge before crossing at the mouth of the bay. Crossing the Dumbarton would take you further south and is a viable option if time permits since everyone else would have gone on the San Mateo.