Best Parking Spots For Big Bus Tours In San Francisco

If you're looking to park your car for the day and explore San Francisco on the Big Bus Tour, there are a few options. The Big Bus Tour website recommends using their San Francisco Visitor Center at Pier 41 in Fisherman's Wharf.

The City of San Francisco also provides information on where tour buses may load and park, including tour bus-only loading zones, metered parking spots, and any available curb space. The Mission Rock parking lot near AT&T Park also often has dedicated tour bus parking spaces available.

Tour bus-only loading zones

San Francisco has a network of tour bus-only loading and parking zones near major tourist attractions. Tour bus operators are encouraged to plan their routes in advance to ensure they avoid restricted streets.

Tour buses may load and park in the following locations, subject to any posted regulations:

• Tour bus-only loading zones
• Regular white passenger loading zones and yellow commercial loading zones
• Metered parking spots, provided they pay the meter for each space they are occupying
• Any other available curb space

Tour buses are never allowed to double-park, idle for more than five minutes, stop in red zones (including Muni bus stops), or stop in commuter shuttle-only white zones during their posted hours. Tour bus operators are strongly discouraged from travelling, loading, or parking on residential, non-arterial streets.

• The east side of Powell Street, north of Beach Street (adjacent to Pier 39 garage)
• The north side of Beach Street at Mason Street (adjacent to Hotel Zephyr)
• The west side of Mason Street, north of Beach Street
• The west side of Mason Street, south of Beach Street (adjacent to ILWU Local 10 site)
• The north side of North Point Street at Columbus Avenue (adjacent to Hotel Caza)
• The east side of Columbus Avenue, north of North Point Street
• The south side of Beach Street at Hyde Street (adjacent to 655 Beach Street); tour buses are only allowed to park from 6 am to 9:30 am
• The north side of Bay Street, between Taylor and Jones streets
• 2737 Taylor Street, between Beach and Jefferson streets; tour buses are only allowed to park from 7 am to 7 pm with a 20-minute time limit

Metered parking spots

If you're looking for metered parking spots to park your car while you embark on the Big Bus Tour of San Francisco, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, metered parking spots in San Francisco are in high demand and can be quite expensive, with rates ranging from $1 per hour up to $7 per hour, and in some areas as high as $8 per hour. These rates can fluctuate throughout the day, so it's important to check the posted rates before parking. Most meters are enforced from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and some meters also operate on Sundays in certain locations, including Fisherman's Wharf, The Embarcadero, and the Special Event Area around Oracle Park and Chase Center.

When looking for metered parking spots, you can identify them by the colour-coded meters. Green meters typically have a 15 or 30-minute time limit, making them less ideal for longer stays. Red and yellow meters are designated for commercial loading, with yellow being for all commercial vehicles and red for vehicles with six or more wheels. Most parking meters in San Francisco have a two-hour time limit, but there are also SFpark areas with longer time limits of four hours or no time limit at all. It's important to note that "feeding the meter" beyond the time limit is not allowed and may result in a citation.

To make payment for metered parking spots convenient, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has implemented wireless "demand-responsive" meters that accept various forms of payment. These meters accept coins, pay-by-phone options, and credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover). You can also prepay for the meter before the hours of operation, starting as early as 4:30 am, except for meters near the waterfront managed by the Port of San Francisco.

While there are metered parking spots available throughout San Francisco, it's important to be mindful of the time limits and rates to avoid citations. Additionally, keep in mind that street parking in San Francisco can be challenging due to high demand, so it may be worthwhile to consider other parking options, such as booking a spot in advance through services like SpotHero, to ensure a guaranteed space.

The Mission Rock parking lot

If you're looking for a place to park your car while you explore San Francisco on the Big Bus Tour, The Mission Rock parking lot is a great option. This lot is located at 817 Terry A Francois Boulevard, in the heart of the city, and offers convenient access to all the major attractions.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing The Mission Rock parking lot is its proximity to a variety of dining options. Right next to the lot, you'll find the Mission Rock Resort, a premier waterfront dining destination known for its delicious, pristinely sourced seafood. With unmatched outdoor dining and scenic bay views, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal before or after your bus tour. The resort also offers happy hour and brunch, making it a great place to unwind and socialise.

In addition to the nearby dining options, The Mission Rock parking lot offers easy access to other amenities. You can take a leisurely stroll along the fog-free shores of Mission Bay or explore the surrounding area, which includes the Chase Center and a variety of lots and valet services, ensuring you'll have plenty of parking choices. Overall, The Mission Rock parking lot provides a convenient and strategic starting point for your San Francisco Big Bus Tour experience.

Non-residential areas

San Francisco is divided into five broad districts: Central/downtown, Richmond, Sunset, Upper Market and beyond (south central), and Bernal Heights/Bayview and beyond (southeast). These districts are further divided into 36 official neighbourhoods, which include both major, well-known neighbourhoods and smaller, specific subsections.

Fisherman's Wharf is a historic neighbourhood known for its seafood restaurants and attractions, such as Pier 39 and the Wax Museum. It offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island. This neighbourhood is easily accessible, located 1.5 miles from downtown San Francisco and reachable by car or cable car.

Chinatown is the largest and oldest Chinatown in North America. It is a vibrant area filled with shops, galleries, tea shops, karaoke bars, and restaurants. Chinatown is highly accessible via public transportation, with bus and subway options available. It is also known for its relatively flat terrain compared to the rest of the city, making it one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in San Francisco.

North Beach, also known as San Francisco's "Little Italy," is identified by its red, white, and green flags on lamp posts. It offers a mix of gelato stores, Italian cafes, and bohemian bars. Most people rent their housing in North Beach, giving it a dense urban vibe. It is a walkable district located in the heart of the city, so a car is not necessary for getting around.

Russian Hill is a hilly neighbourhood known for its steep streets and the iconic Lombard Street. It offers panoramic views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Russian Hill is easily reachable by car and offers parking options.

Pacific Heights is a historic neighbourhood known for its affluent and Victorian mansions. It offers pleasant weather and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and other landmarks. The area is served by multiple bus lines, making it accessible for commuters.

The Marina District is a waterfront neighbourhood known for its chic shops, restaurants, cafes, and bayfront parks. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. The Marina District is bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes, making it perfect for eco-conscious travellers.

Nob Hill is one of the original "Seven Hills" of San Francisco. It is a popular luxury destination due to its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, shops, galleries, and cultural organizations. It is also one of the city's wealthiest and safest neighbourhoods, with many popular attractions within walking distance. Cable cars provide convenient access to historic and scenic views.

Downtown, also known as the "financial district" or "FiDi," is a vibrant and bustling neighbourhood with various businesses, restaurants, shops, and concert halls. It is well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation and is within walking distance of many popular attractions.

The Castro District is a vibrant and colourful community with a long history of activism and progressivism. It is known for its lively nightlife, annual Pride celebrations, and iconic landmarks such as the Castro Theatre and Harvey Milk Plaza. The Castro is highly walkable, with a Walk Score of 99, and it also boasts a Bike Score of 89.

These non-residential areas in San Francisco offer a mix of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, dining options, and entertainment. Each neighbourhood has its unique character and appeal, contributing to the city's overall charm and diversity.

Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District

San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf is a world-famous tourist attraction, a vibrant local neighbourhood, and a commercial hub. It is also the centre of the city's historic fishing industry and the launching point for bay cruises and charters. The Wharf offers world-class dining, shopping, and hotels, as well as endless entertainment opportunities.

The Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD) was founded in November 2005 by business and property owners. The association is a 501(c)(3) organisation, which allows it to apply for grants and seek sponsorships. The FWCBD has been a driving force for positive change in the neighbourhood through initiatives such as marketing, public realm projects, economic development, and advocacy.

The Wharf offers a range of attractions for visitors, including the famous sea lions, Hyde Street Pier, the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien, and the World War II submarine, the USS Pampanito. PIER 39, a popular destination, features restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, and attractions such as the Aquarium of the Bay and The Flyer. Boat tours to Alcatraz and Angel Island are also available from PIER 39.

For those interested in dining, Fisherman's Wharf offers a variety of options, including fresh seafood, street-side pots of Dungeness crab, and elegant dining with breathtaking views. Scoma's, The Franciscan Crab Restaurant, and Fog Harbor Fish House are some of the well-known restaurants in the area.

In addition to dining and shopping, Fisherman's Wharf provides easy access to other popular destinations in San Francisco. The F-Line streetcar, for example, runs between the Castro neighbourhood and Fisherman's Wharf, providing convenient transportation. The Powell-Hyde Cable Car and the Powell-Mason Cable Car are also available from Powell and Market Streets to travel to The Wharf.

Frequently asked questions