Location Transport

How can I Explore San Francisco in 11 hours?

On May 14, I'll be in SFO for a 12 hour sit before my international flight that doesn't leave until late at night. I don't want to sit in the Airport all that long. I want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf. I don't want to rent car since I want to just sit back and enjoy. I want to get on BART, the street cars and of course, the cable cars. Can anyone please give me instructions (what to get on and where to get on and off at) on BART, MUNI Buses and street cars that can transport me from SFO airport to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf and then back to the SFO Airport? I get into SFO at about 10:05 in the morning and don't leave until just before 11pm (10:45) Oh yeah, a cable car ride wouldn't hurt.... Thanks!!!

Public Comments

1. I think the harder question is "How can you not explore San Francisco in 11 hours?"
2. go to couchsurfing.com and email a few locals, they can tell you the best way to explore and the best places to see that tours never mention, the locals will know everything from traffic, directions and those "jewels" in a city that ppl rarely see
3. The cable cars run from downtown to fisherman's wharf. You might want to save time and take a cab from the airport to the beginning of the cable car run. Cabbies will know what you mean. Visit Ghiradarrelli's and have a hot fudge sundae for me.
4. Get on BART and take the Powell St. exit. Cost about $5.35 one way. www.bart.gov Go upstairs to street level and you'll see a cable car. That will take you all the way to Ghiradelli Square (small shopping area w/chocolate store). You can either walk to Pier 39: http://pier39.com/ see Alcatraz http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ (next to Pier 39) Or rent a bike and ride it across the Golden Gate Bridge http://www.baycitybike.com/baybike/index.php (one of the shops is right around the corner from the Ghiradelli Square cable car stop). Other options: China Town (15-20 minute walk from BART) http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/ Union Square (Macy's, shopping etc, 10 minutes from BART up same road as cable car) http://www.unionsquareshop.com/ If you want to shop at end of your day, you can always shop at the mall right above the BART (Powell St. station) before going back to the airport. Have fun....
5. The BART subway system connects the airport to the city center in 30-35 minutes. The SFO airport station is located inside the International Terminal (Concourse G). The fare is only $5.35 each way. - For the waterfront area, get off at Embarcadero station. From Embarcadero station: (1) Fisherman's Wharf is about 20 minutes away on foot. Alternatively, you can hop onto MUNI's F-line tram in front of the Ferry Building (across the square from the subway station). If you want to tour Alcatraz, you'll need a reservation. It is almost impossible to get same-day tickets at the window in summer. You can do that here: http://alcatrazcruises.com/ Tours are typically 2-3 hours (2) The California Street cable car is located right next to the Hyatt Regency. The cable car will go through the Financial District, Chinatown, and Nob Hill (the cathedral is located here). The end of the line is seedy Polk Gulch, so get off at the top of Nob Hill at the latest. From there, you can walk down to Union Square, the Theatre District, and SFMOMA. Nobody can really "do" San Francisco in one-day though. Nor should you try, as stress tends to ruin the experience. Either route has enough activities to keep you busy for a full day. Lounges are great places to relax before heading back to the airport. The classics are the Top of the Mark and Carnelian Room. Definitely not the best food in the city, but you can't argue with the skyline views. http://www.topofthemark.com/ http://www.carnelianroom.com/
6. You should pick one activity and do it. I'd suggest BART to Powell Street and take the cable car over to the Wharf. See some touristy stuff, take a walk along the Bay, get some snacks and go out on the pier by the Anchorage to have a meal feeling like you're "sittin' on the dock of the Bay." Time-wise, be aware that travel time to the city will be about an hour round-trip, and you'll need to get back to SFO three hours (yes, three) before your flight. Add that to your arrival flight possibly being late, and you should keep a good eye on the time.