A Day's Logistics.

Question

We are staying near F. Wharf and would then go to a Giants game. We also have a 9pm flight. Looking for ideas on how to do this.

I can rent a car but is our luggage safe parked at the ballpark. Are we better off just using an Uber to the game, back to the hotel, and then to the airport. These do not seem attractive so am looking for other ideas.

Answer

Planning a day that includes Fisherman’s Wharf, a Giants game at Oracle Park, and a 9pm flight from SFO is totally doable — but you’re right to be cautious about logistics, luggage, and transportation. A few choices will make the day much smoother, especially given San Francisco’s well-known car break-in issues.

The biggest rule in SF: Do NOT leave luggage in a parked car anywhere in the city, including Oracle Park. Car break-ins are extremely common, even during games and in official parking lots. Because of this, renting a car just to store luggage is not advisable.

Below are the safest and most efficient ways to structure your day.

OPTION 1 — Best & Most Stress-Free: Checkout → Luggage Storage → Game → Airport

This avoids backtracking to the hotel and avoids leaving luggage anywhere unsafe.

Step 1: After checkout, store your luggage near Fisherman’s Wharf or near Oracle Park using a luggage storage service (many hotels will also store for free even after checkout—just ask!).
Step 2: Spend the morning/early afternoon around Fisherman’s Wharf.
Step 3: Uber/Lyft or take Muni (E or F line) to Oracle Park for the game.
Step 4: After the game, pick up your luggage.
Step 5: Uber/Lyft or BART to SFO in time for your 9pm flight.

Why it works: No car needed, no theft risk, no return-to-hotel detour, and you’re positioned to head straight to the airport after the game.

OPTION 2 — Use Your Hotel’s Luggage Storage

If you’re comfortable returning to the Wharf after the game, this is simple but involves more time.

Step 1: Leave luggage with the hotel after checkout (almost all Wharf hotels will store bags for free).
Step 2: Go to the Giants game via Uber or Muni.
Step 3: After the game, return to the hotel, retrieve luggage.
Step 4: Uber/Lyft or taxi to SFO.

Why it works: No luggage theft issues, but expect heavy post-game traffic, so allow extra time getting back to the Wharf.

OPTION 3 — Luggage Storage at SFO + BART Back to the Game

If you don’t mind an extra transit step, you can drop bags at the airport early.

Step 1: Take Uber/Lyft to SFO in the morning and check bags early (depends on airline rules) or use airport luggage storage.
Step 2: Take BART back to SF (Powell Station) then Muni to the Wharf or directly to Oracle Park.
Step 3: Attend the game.
Step 4: After the game, BART to SFO for your flight.

Why it works: Puts your luggage in the safest place possible; however, it’s less convenient and increases transportation time.

OPTION 4 — Rent a Car Only After the Game

If you really prefer having a car, don’t rent it until after the game.

Step 1: Morning at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Step 2: Giants game via rideshare or Muni.
Step 3: After the game, pick up a car near Union Square or the Wharf (evening pickups available).
Step 4: Drive to SFO for your 9pm flight.

Why it works: No luggage left unattended, and no need to fight ballpark traffic with a car during the game.

Extra Tips for Timing

Leave Oracle Park immediately when the game ends to beat rideshare surge pricing.
If using BART, add buffer time — trains can be packed after games.
Expect 30–60 minutes to get from Oracle Park to the Wharf by car depending on traffic.
Plan to arrive at SFO by 7pm for a 9pm flight (earlier if it’s an international flight).

Recommended Plan

The most streamlined and low-risk plan is Option 1: store your luggage near the Wharf or the ballpark, use Uber/Muni for the game, and go straight to the airport afterward. This avoids all theft risks, avoids unnecessary backtracking, and keeps the day relaxed.

A Day's Logistics.

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