Mission District Travel: Your Guide to the Top 5 Ways to Get Around

Okay, the Mission District in San Francisco is, you know, such an amazing spot to explore, that’s a given. From its vibrant murals that seem to leap off the buildings to, that is, its food scene that has some seriously crave-worthy tacos and pupusas, there’s plenty there, arguably. But how does one actually, like, get around and soak it all in without spending forever trying to find parking or, sort of, breaking the bank on taxis? That’s, really, what we’re chatting about here. We’re breaking down the top ways to see the Mission, covering everything from public transit to, that is, some really funky bike rentals. Hopefully this info on getting around the Mission makes exploring easy!

1. BART: Your Speedy Subway Solution

If you are attempting to zoom to or from the Mission, then, in that case, BART, that’s Bay Area Rapid Transit, just could be your best bet. There are a couple of stops, there’s the 16th Street Mission and the 24th Street Mission, that’ll drop you smack dab in the middle of it all, arguably. Seriously, the 16th Street station lands you close to some spots, really, like the Roxie Theater and lots of cool bars, really. Meanwhile, the 24th Street station gives you quick access to that famous foodie strip on, uh, 24th, you know, packed with taquerias and markets. BART it’s, of course, super practical, really; yet, it’s definitely not how you sightsee, you know, at street level. The cost’s pretty fair, too, you see, so it makes BART a top choice. Give BART a try for speed getting around.

2. Muni: Local Buses and Streetcars

You see, Muni, San Francisco’s own public transit network, is like, actually, a pretty comprehensive way to get around, and really, the Mission has some good coverage. Buses will, generally, get you all over, including, you know, some of the steeper streets, like in Bernal Heights nearby, arguably. You might find some local routes, things like the 14 Mission or 49 Van Ness/Mission, that are super handy for zipping up and down Mission Street or catching some connections across town, and stuff. Though, alright, keep in mind that buses can get kind of stuck in traffic, that said, particularly during, I’m just saying, commute hours, okay. This all makes a big difference traveling in San Fran so plan on a somewhat variable trip. Cost wise, it’s not too bad either; anyway, definitely an affordable choice for tourists, you see, and locals alike.

3. Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft

You’re probably aware, using Uber or Lyft it’s almost as simple as tapping a button on your phone to grab a ride anywhere. If you want something quick and direct, that is, like maybe getting back to your hotel late at night or hurrying, and that kind of thing, to a restaurant across the Mission, okay, then ride-sharing works like a dream, honestly. Very, very, convenient, but it tends to be pricier than public transport; even though, it gets particularly surge-y during, I mean, you can be sure, that, after events and during peak hours. Is that, with Uber or Lyft, arguably, the pickup spots can also get a bit jammed, very, at times, especially along that really popular Valencia Street. Nonetheless easy peasy rides in the Mission!

4. Bike Rentals: Pedal-Powered Adventures

You know, there are a bunch of cool bike rental spots that, anyway, let you see the Mission while getting some fresh air, naturally. There are, arguably, dedicated bike lanes along quite a bit of Valencia Street, which tends to make for an easier and safer ride. You might actually even check out the Wiggle, really, that somewhat famous route, yet, that guides cyclists on a slightly flatter path, yet, from downtown towards the Mission and Golden Gate Park. Do consider those San Francisco hills though; still, the Mission, thankfully, is a bit flatter than some areas. If, that said, you’re into something super casual, I mean, a pedal bike’s good; still, for tackling bigger hills, an electric bike will definitely be your new best friend, that’s for sure. Very very fun for exploring rent a bike in the Mission!

5. Scooters: Quick Zips Around the Neighborhood

Lime and Scoot, arguably, provide scooters spotted all around, okay, giving you such a fast way to cover shorter distances. They are such a good option for hopping between taquerias or quickly getting from one end of the Mission to another, really. Make sure to follow local rules though, okay; but honestly, scooter riding isn’t allowed on sidewalks, but usually on the road, so pay attention to traffic, but keep to the right, mostly, okay. Also note that these scooters charge by the minute; even though, it’s really important, you’ve seen that, to park them respectfully away from pedestrian walkways and doorways, arguably. These quick scooters it’s something a little out of the box way to buzz around.