The Best San Francisco Experiences Are BARTable | San Francisco Travel
A BART train rides through San Francisco.
BART is a quick and convenient way to explore San Francisco and the entire Bay Area. Credit: Pi.1415926535

The Best San Francisco Experiences Are BARTable

Affordable, convenient, and reliable, BART is the best way for you to reach some of San Francisco's top attractions.

San Francisco is the center of Bay Area food, culture, and entertainment. Whether you’re coming from Millbrae, Oakland, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, or Fremont, you can be get to the City by the Bay quickly, cheaply, and safely by riding BART.

Follow our recommendations for using BART to experience the best that San Francisco has to offer. 

Delicious Dining via BART

Every neighborhood of San Francisco has its own iconic must-eat items and must-visit eateries. BART’s underground route through the city passes through downtown, SoMa, Civic Center, and the Mission, putting you just a short walk away from some of the city’s most in-demand dining. Whether you’re craving an overstuffed burrito or an elegant waterfront meal, you can get there on BART. 

Mission Style Burrito

Inspiring Culture via BART

Ride BART to the Civic Center, Powell Street, or Montgomery Street stations and you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of San Francisco’s grandest theaters and most impressive museums. The Golden Gate and Orpheum theaters are on either side of the Civic Center stop, making it easy to get in and out for an evening or matinee show. A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater and the Curran are both a short walk from the Powell Street station. Exit at the Montgomery Street stop for access to SFMOMA, MoAD, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. 

Visitors climb the main staircase of the Asian Art Museum
Visitors climb the main staircase of the Asian Art Museum Credit: Asian Art Museum

Breathtaking Scenery via BART

Looking to get in touch with nature? Ride BART to Glen Park station and hike up the neighborhood’s hills and down its stunning canyon. Or, hop off at the Embarcadero stop and walk along San Francisco’s picturesque (and flat!) waterfront. Of course, if you wanted to spend time in nature with a group of friends (and maybe some snacks), get off at 16th Street and head west to Dolores Park. 

Cupids Bow on the Embarcadero
Cupid's Bow is a popular outdoor spot alongside the Embarcadero.

Unforgettable Icons via BART

You’re never too cool to spend some time playing tourist in your own backyard. So, why not take BART to Powell Street and hop on one of San Francisco’s singular cable cars? From the Civic Center station, you can jump on a Muni bus and be snapping selfies in front of the Painted Ladies in no time. Still pretending you’re not even a little bit curious about Alcatraz? Exit at the Embarcadero station and hop aboard one of San Francisco’s historic streetcars bound for the ferry landing at Pier 33. 

A San Francisco cable car approaches on a tree-lined street.
The San Francisco cable cars are one of the best ways to see the city. Credit: @335kai

Why Riding BART Is Easier Than Ever

On top of its regular, reliable service and wide, Bay Area rail network, BART has now made traveling on its trains even easier by introducing tap-to-pay capabilities at all stations. You don’t have to worry about filling up your Clipper card; use your watch or phone to use your preferred form of digital payment. Just remember to scan both when entering and exiting the BART system; unlike Muni, BART fares are zoned and function off travel distance


Tyler Cohn headshot
Tyler Cohn

Tyler is the Director of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants. 

Share
The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
Stay Connected with SF

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Be the first to know about upcoming events and festivals, new restaurants, special deals, and everything else happening in the City by the Bay.