If your trip to Mountain View is all organized but your travel itinerary is looking a little empty, we can give you a few hints and tips.A look at a postcard stand will tell you that a visit to Mountain View wouldn’t be complete without checking out Computer History Museum. Considered the most iconic attraction in the city, you might want to spend more time here than just a brief stop.Shoreline Park and Stanford Shopping Center are significant attractions that all visitors should make time to swing by. Plan a route and enjoy soaking up each one.Not far from the heart of the city, Shoreline Amphitheatre is one attraction you might like to put on your to-do list. If you still have space on that schedule, NASA Ames Research and Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts will keep you entertained as well.

If you have a little extra time and you don’t mind traveling 30 miles, check out Twin Lakes State Beach. This happening destination offers up plenty of things to keep you occupied. Santa Cruz Harbor, DeLaveaga Golf Course and Santa Maria’s Beach alone justify the drive. The locals will also probably point you toward Westside Santa Cruz, 30 miles away. If you can only find time for one thing here, let it be Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. (But we’re also big fans of Natural Bridges State Park and Main Beach.)

If you’re staying in Mountain View with the kids, a fun day at the seaside is an excellent way of keeping them busy. Pack the car with some bats, balls and buckets, and head out to one of these magical beaches:

• Lakeshore Park Beach (16 miles away).
• San Gregorio State Beach (18 miles away).

Frequently travel for work-related reasons? Convention centers are probably familiar places to you. With easy access to hotels, restaurants and cafés, you can be sure your trip will be a success if you’re on your way to any of these places:

• Allied Arts Guild (6 miles away).
• Parkside Hall (11 miles away).
• San Jose Convention Center (11 miles away).

A good road trip begins with a reliable car. And if you’re on your way to discover the best sights of Mountain View, like Computer History Museum, you’ll need a ride that fits all your needs. Get ready to meet the compact or economy car. These small vehicles will help you maneuver this buzzing city’s labyrinth of congested traffic and streets. If you’re vacationing with the family, think a little bigger. Drive in comfort and fit all your luggage with a full-size SUV. These wheels can handle any type of terrain, which makes them ideal if you have plans to see the sandy shores around the region.

Sometimes it’s all about the journey, which makes your car choice particularly important. If you’re about to head off on an amazing road trip around Mountain View, a roomy SUV could be the best solution. If you’d like the cheapest price possible and plan on sticking mostly to the city, a versatile compact is a smart pick. All you need to do is work out what’s the best fit, round up the troops, and hit the highway.

You’ll be cruising along the right-hand side of the road in Mountain View. Even though it may seem similar to home, it’s always smart to drive with extra care in destinations you’ve never been.

It can be. Driving round the block looking for a parking spot is common in Mountain View. Getting near top attractions is easier if you research your options ahead of time.

As with most cities, roads get busy in the hours before and after work. However, due to its smaller population of approximately 80,400, traffic jams aren’t much of an issue in Mountain View.

Speed limits vary throughout the city of Mountain View, but usually range from 15mph to 70mph. Most residential roads have a top speed of 25mph unless stated otherwise.

Most of the time, your rental car company will charge the amount detailed on the fine to your credit card, including local taxes. Otherwise, they may forward your contact details to the relevant local law enforcement agency, who’ll then send a fine to your postal address.

As long as you have hands-free functions like Bluetooth enabled, it’s legal to use your phone while cruising around Mountain View. But make sure you keep focused on the road.

While behind the wheel in Mountain View, it’s illegal to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.08%. Planning to have a couple of drinks while you’re out? Consider using a ride-sharing service or booking a taxi.

Yes, you may turn on a red light in Mountain View. But first you have to bring the car to a complete stop. Move on only when you know the lane you are turning into is clear of oncoming traffic.

Although there are a few exceptions, seat belts must be fastened in Santa Clara County.