SF City Tour, Coming From Mill Valley

Question

Party of four staying a couple of nights in Airbnb in Mill Valley. Going into SF for a city tour and Alcatraz, so spending all day in the city. Should we drive our rental into town and park all day or take an Uber to and from Mill Valley to avoid the parking hassle? I’m sure roundtrip Uber will be more expansive than paying to park all day.

Answer

For a party of four coming from Mill Valley and planning a full day in San Francisco including a city tour and Alcatraz, deciding whether to drive or take Uber involves balancing cost, convenience, and stress related to traffic and parking.

Here are the key factors to consider:

Driving and Parking:
- Driving from Mill Valley into San Francisco usually takes about 20–30 minutes without heavy traffic, but during peak morning hours or around tourist spots, it can take longer. - Parking in downtown San Francisco or near Pier 33 (Alcatraz) can be challenging. Daily rates at public garages near major tourist areas typically range from $40–$60 per day. Street parking is limited, often metered, and may require constantly moving the car due to time limits. - Pros: you have your car available for flexibility, and the total Uber cost might exceed the parking fee. - Cons: city driving can be stressful with heavy traffic, confusing streets, and limited parking availability, especially for a rental car.
Using Uber / Rideshare:
- Uber from Mill Valley to downtown San Francisco is roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. - Roundtrip cost can vary but for a 4-person group, it may range $50–$80 one-way depending on surge pricing. Roundtrip could therefore cost $100–$160 for all four. - Pros: avoids stress of city driving and parking, allows you to relax and enjoy the view while commuting, and no worry about parking fines or finding a spot. - Cons: more expensive than parking, and you are dependent on rideshare availability, especially during busy weekend mornings or evenings.

Additional considerations:

Traffic Timing: Try to avoid peak commute hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM) if driving; traffic over the Golden Gate can add 15–30 minutes.
Alcatraz Timing: Pier 33 is in the northern waterfront area, which can be very busy; arriving early is recommended to ensure a stress-free boarding.
Group Convenience: With a 2-year-old, Uber may be more convenient because you won’t have to carry strollers, navigate parking garages, or walk long distances to the ferry.
Parking Alternatives: Some garages offer online reservation to guarantee a spot. Examples include Sutter Stockton Garage, Broadway Garage, and others around the Embarcadero. Reserved parking can reduce stress but may cost $50–$60/day.

Recommendation:

If your priority is convenience, minimal stress, and ease with a toddler, taking an Uber is likely the better choice despite potentially higher cost. The city can be hectic for driving, and parking near tourist attractions is limited and expensive. For those comfortable with city driving and willing to book a garage ahead of time, driving and paying for parking could save money, but requires more planning and patience.

Some visitors also combine strategies: drive into the city and park in a garage further from the piers, then use public transport or a short rideshare to reach the Alcatraz ferry and downtown attractions, which reduces both cost and parking stress.

SF City Tour, Coming From Mill Valley

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