San Francisco Without Luggage: A BART-Based Itinerary

Whether you’ve just landed at SFO, checked out early from your hotel, or you’re simply waiting for a late-night flight out of Oakland, there’s no reason to sit around bored — or worse, dragging your bags through the city.

Thanks to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), you can explore San Francisco quickly, cheaply, and comfortably — especially if you’ve stored your luggage safely first.

Here’s a relaxed itinerary to help you make the most of your time, with BART as your trusty travel buddy and not a suitcase in sight.

🧳 First Stop: Drop the Bags

Before you head off exploring, make your life easier by storing your luggage. There are short-term luggage storage services near key BART stations like Powell Street, Montgomery, and Embarcadero — close to Union Square and the Financial District.

Services like Stasher and other luggage storage providers partner with cafés and shops, meaning you can stash your gear securely and explore the city hands-free.

🚇 Your Bag-Free BART-Based Itinerary

📍 Start at Embarcadero Station – Waterfront Views and Ferry Building Snacks

Hop off BART at Embarcadero for a breezy start to the day. Take a walk along the waterfront, stop into the Ferry Building Marketplace, and grab a Blue Bottle coffee or a loaf of fresh sourdough from Acme Bakery.

It’s a great people-watching spot, especially if the farmers market is on.

📍 Next Stop: Montgomery Street – Artsy Corners and Skyline Walks

Take a short ride or walk to Montgomery Station, where you’re right in the heart of the Financial District. If you’re feeling cultural, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and SF MOMA are nearby.

It’s also worth wandering toward Yerba Buena Gardens — a peaceful urban green space ideal for a rest without the burden of luggage.

📍 Union Square – Shopping, Street Life, and the Real SF Vibe

A few blocks from Powell Street Station, Union Square is San Francisco’s shopping and theatre hub. You’ll find everything from high-end brands to street art, music, and quirky corners — all easier to enjoy without a suitcase in tow.

Want to hop on a cable car? This is where to do it. The Powell-Hyde line starts right here and will take you up the city’s famous hills with views over the Bay.

If you’ve stored your bags nearby, Union Square is also a great place to pick them up again before heading back to the airport or train.

📍 Civic Center/UN Plaza – Culture and Food Trucks

Exit here for City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, and the UN Plaza. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a lively street market or food truck gathering — a great way to sample some local bites.

It’s a short walk from here to the Tenderloin Museum or even into Hayes Valley, which is full of boutiques and cafés.

📍 16th Street Mission – Murals and Mexican Food

Feeling adventurous? Head south to the Mission District. From 16th Street Mission Station, you’re just a few blocks from Clarion Alley’s murals, colourful taquerías, and some of the city’s most vibrant street life.

Grab a burrito from La Taqueria or Taqueria El Farolito — but fair warning: you’ll need two hands to eat them. No luggage helps!

📍 Optional: Take BART Across the Bay to Oakland

If you’ve got a bit more time and want a change of scenery, ride BART over the water to Downtown Oakland or Berkeley. Both have fantastic coffee shops, parks, and indie shops — and they’re far easier to explore when you’re travelling light.

🛫 Wrapping It Up – Getting Back to the Airport

• SFO: Just hop on the BART toward Millbrae/SFO. Easy, fast, direct.
• Oakland Airport (OAK): Transfer at Coliseum Station for the AirBART connection.

Most luggage storage spots are open until late — just double check your booking to be sure.