SENTAC 2025

 

🌁Getting to Mission Bay – SENTAC 2025

 

 

Everything you need to get from the W San Francisco to the Mission Bay Conference Center and explore the city safely!

 

 

Conference & Hotel Locations

 

The two locations are about 1.5 miles apart - approximately a 10 minute drive or ~20 minutes by public transit.

 

 

Transportation Options

 

1. 🚋 Muni Light Rail (T Third Street Line)

Take the T Third Street (KT) Muni light-rail southbound toward Sunnydale from Yerba Buena/Moscone Station. From the W, it's about a 5-minute walk to the station entrance on 4th Street between Folsom and Howard. Board the T line, and exit at UCSF/Chase Center, which is about a 10-minute walk to the Mission Bay Conference Center.

Estimated time: ~25 minutes total | Fare: ~$3 (use Clipper Card, Apple Pay, or MuniMobile App)

Check real-time Muni schedules →

 

2. 🚌 Mission Bay Transit (Free Shuttle Service)

The Mission Bay Transportation Management Association (TMA) runs free neighborhood shuttles connecting Caltrain, downtown, and Mission Bay. They’re great for short hops between transit and the conference center. There are three main routes serving the area: Caltrain/Transbay, West and East.

Caltrain/Transbay Service

  • Stops at 500 Howard St (near the Transbay Terminal).
  • Passengers can ride to:
    • Long Bridge @ El Dorado, then walk about 5 minutes to the Conference Center, or;
    • 16th & 4th Streets, also about a 5-minute walk to the venue.

West Service

  • Departs from Powell Station in downtown SF.
  • Drops off at Owens @ Gene Friend, right in front of the Mission Bay Conference Center — the most direct option.

East Service

  • Also departs from Powell Station and drops off at 16th & 4th Streets, a short walk to the Conference Center.

Estimated time: ~25 minutes total | Fare: free

See Mission Bay TMA Stops & Destinations →

 

3. 🚐 UCSF Shuttles

UCSF operates complimentary shuttles for staff, patients, and visitors attending UCSF-related events, such as SENTAC 2025, and several routes serve Mission Bay directly.

Key routes that serve Mission Bay include:

  • UC Law / Civic Center Bart Station → Mission Bay: The Gold and Blue lines serve routes between UCSF Mission Bay, UC Law, and the Civic Center / BART area — ideal for attendees staying downtown or arriving via BART.
  • Parnassus & Mount Zion → Mission Bay: The Blue, Gold, and Gray lines connect other UCSF campuses to Mission Bay throughout the day.
  • 16th Bart Station → Mission Bay: The Red line serves routes between UCSF Mission Bay and 16th Mission Bart Station.

All shuttles are wheelchair accessible and equipped with real-time tracking.

Estimated time: ~ 20 minutes total | Fare: free

Check UCSF Shuttle Routes & Real-Time Tracking→

 

4. 🚗 Rideshare & Taxi Options

Rideshare services are widely available throughout San Francisco!

  • Uber and Lyft are easily accessible and typically cost $10–20 one way, depending on time of day and traffic.
  • Waymo (autonomous vehicle service) is also operating in San Francisco and can be booked through the Waymo One app. Availability is strongest around downtown, SoMa, and Mission Bay.
  • Traditional taxis are also easy to find near hotels and can be booked through apps like Flywheel or hailed on major streets.

Estimated time: 10 - 15 minutes (outside rush hour) | Fare: $10-20 one way

💡 Tip: For group travel or late-night returns, rideshare is the safest and fastest option.

 

5. 🚶‍♀️Walking / 🚴‍♂️ Biking

Walking

  • Mission Bay Conference Center is about 1.5 miles from the W San Francisco, roughly a 30-minute walk. 
  • Suggested Route: Please walk along 3rd Street or 4th Street, which are well-lit and active. 

Biking

  • Takes about 5 - 10 minutes, depending on speed
  • Use Lyft or Bay Wheels bike share. Mission Bay has protected bike lanes, and UCSF provides bike racks near the Conference Center. 

 

 

⚠️Safety Notes

  • Stick to 3rd - 4th Streets when walking to Mission Bay - these blocks usually have more pedestrian activity.
  • The blocks immediately around Yerba Buena Gardens, Moscone Center, and 3rd-4th Streets between Mission and Folsom are generally busy and well-patrolled.
  • Avoid the Tenderloin and parts of central SoMa, especially the stretch of 5th-8th Streets between Market and Harrison, any time of the day if possible.
  • Mission Bay and Dogpatch are generally safe and family-friendly areas, but use normal urban awareness (i.e., watch belongings, travel in groups).
  • If using Muni late at night, sit near other riders and consider rideshare (Uber, Lyft, Waymo) for late-night travel. 

 

 

🍴Where to Eat Nearby

Mission Bay / Thrive City (near Chase Center) / Mission Rock

 

Dogpatch Favorites (15-20 min walk from the Conference Center)

  • Chez Maman East – French-inspired bistro with cozy ambiance
  • Cracked & Battered – The best halal chicken waffles in the neighborhood!
  • Piccino – Cozy Italian restaurant with a seasonal menu
  • RH Palm Court – Elegant live-fire restaurant located in the historic Bethlehem Steel Building with a rooftop with views of the Bay Bridge
  • Souvla – Modern Greek cuisine
  • The Ramp – Classic waterfront eatery with outdoor seating
  • Wooly Pig – Asian fusion café known for meaty sandwiches and Asian-flavored desserts

 

 

🌉Explore San Francisco

Have some downtime? Explore some classic SF experiences:

  • Ferry Building & Embarcadero: Food stalls and Bay views (walkable from W)
  • Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf: for SF's iconic sea lions, seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and stunning Golden Gate views! Take the historic Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car from Powell Street to Ghirardelli Square for a classic San Francisco experience. 
  • Mission District & Dolores Park: Street art, tacos, and views
  • Golden Gate Park & de Young Museum: Perfect for a half-day outing
  • Crissy Field & Presidio: Scenic walk under the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Sausalito (by Ferry): Take a ferry from the Ferry Building to the charming waterfront town of Sausalito. Enjoy boutique shops, cafés, and stunning views of the Bay.
  • Muir Woods & Stinson Beach (drive required): If you’re willing to drive or take a guided tour, explore the majestic redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument and then relax at Stinson Beach, a short drive away along the Pacific coast. Parking reservation required if you plan to drive.