Tips for Safe, Convenient Holiday Shopping and Parking
The 5th and Mission garage is conveniently located to great shopping, dining and sight-seeing options in SF.
For many, the holiday season isn’t complete without a trip to the city for shopping and dining. However you get around, have a safe and festive holiday season.
Remember, events like the Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 25 and the season-long Winter Walk on Stockton Street are great attractions for all ages and are very accessible by public transit, walking, riding a bike and taking a taxi. Get more details about these events, Thanksgiving Muni schedules and other upcoming transit and traffic advisories.
If you drive to popular areas like Union Square, let parking in one of the 38 SFMTA public parking garages and lots be the antidote to what can be a holiday hassle. The parking spaces – more than 14,000 of them – tend to fill up less than on-street spaces, allowing you to circle less while looking for parking. And compared to privately-owned garages, public garages often cost considerably less.
If you plan to drive to shop downtown, these four parking garages can help take the hassle out of parking:
If you’re shopping in other neighborhoods like the Mission District, Noe Valley, Chinatown or Japantown, see our list of all public garages and lots or download a map.
And don’t forget: When you park, please keep all valuables in your vehicle out of sight.
SFpark App
One more tip: Download our free SFpark app for iPhone and Android to get real-time information about prices for public parking spaces and where to find open parking spots.
Traffic Control
Traffic Control Officers will be deployed to the Union Square and Moscone Center areas as needed to facilitate traffic flow and ensure pedestrian safety and access.
Read all parking signs carefully before parking. Many downtown parking spaces are designated for commercial vehicle parking, and many spaces become tow-away zones after 3 p.m. or 4 p.m.
(More tips below on getting around SF during the holiday season.)
SFMTA garages and lots can be found throughout the city.
Transit Tips
Muni Metro and BART offer the two of the best ways to and from Union Square and downtown San Francisco during the holidays, especially on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving Nov. 28). The Powell Street stop for Muni Metro and BART will transport you to both the foot of Union Square, directly beneath the Westfield San Francisco Center, and one block from the Metreon at 4th and Mission streets.
The following Muni options will take you to Union Square:
- Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde Cable Car lines
- 2 Clement
- 3 Jackson
- 8 Bayshore
- 30 Stockton
- 38 Geary
- 45 Union/Stockton
- F Market & Wharves
- Muni Metro lines to Powell Station
A trip planner is available at www.sfmta.com or at 511.org.
The historic Cable Car and F Market & Wharves lines certainly make holiday shopping a fun excursion for the entire family.
Ferries
Four routes will operate the day after Thanksgiving:
- Larkspur
- Sausalito
- Vallejo
- Oakland-Alameda
Details can be found at 511.org or by calling 511.
Transit Safety Reminders
Muni customers and shoppers should be careful of pick-pockets, especially during the holiday season.
Carry wallets in front pockets, close handbags and carry them in front of you in crowds.
If you believe you have experienced a theft on a Muni vehicle please alert the operator, if possible, and call the SFPD non-emergency at 553-0123. Please note the bus or train number as well as the date and time. Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress.
Due to heightened security measures, do not leave bags or parcels unattended at any time.
Transit Fares
Muni
Reduced Muni fares: Children age 5-17, seniors, and the disabled ride Muni for a fraction of the regular adult fare. The Adult fare is $2.25 with a 90-minute transfer. The reduced fare is $1 with a 90-minute transfer. These fares are good on all Muni vehicles, except Cable Cars. For further information, please visit Muni’s Fare Details web page.
The Muni Metro cash-less fare gates will accept Clipper cards and the 90-day limited use Muni tickets. These are also accepted on all Muni vehicles, including the Cable Cars. At the ticket vending machines (TVM) in the Muni Metro stations, cash customers can purchase their fares. You can either buy your fare on a Clipper card or on a paper 90-day limited use Muni ticket. Customers who already have a card or ticket can use the TVMs to check their balance or add value. For further information, please visit the Muni Clipper web page.
Cable Cars are a flat rate of $7 per trip. For all-day Cable Car and Muni travel, purchase a Muni 1-day Passport for $20. Muni also sells 3-day and 7-day Passports. Learn more on our Passports and CityPASS page.
MuniMobile
Easier than cash, MuniMobile offers an easy way to pay for Muni fares using your smart phone. Download our mobile ticketing app to purchase Muni bus, rail, cable car and SF Access tickets for paratransit services ahead of time. Traveling with multiple people? Multiple riders can use the same phone. With MuniMobile, your phone is your fare.
BART
Children age 5-12 and seniors 65 or older can ride BART with discount tickets. BART discount tickets are only sold online or through the mail. They can also be purchased on Clipper cards at www.clippercard.com.
Bikes and Taxis
Best bicycle parking near Union Square and downtown:
- Union Square
- Ellis-O’Farrell
- 5th/Mission garages
Taxi stands are situated throughout downtown San Francisco, usually near hotels. For a full list, please visit SFMTA’s Taxi Stands web page. To ensure you choose a legitimate San Francisco taxi, please visit SFMTA’s Always Hire a Real San Francisco Taxi web page. SFMTA has made it easier to hail a cab by using your smartphone.