Parking - SERC Alcatraz Invitational
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Parking is always a challenge in San Francisco, particularly during the time of our event. We recommend getting to the swim without a car if possible. Unfortunately, since registration begins very early, you are pretty much SOL taking public transit TO the swim that morning, but all transit options will be up and running by the time you're done with your swim.

Visit www.511.org for information on getting home from the swim via bus, ferry, or BART.

If driving we suggest the following possible choices:

  1. The North end of Van Ness Ave. Walk around Aquatic Park to our clubhouse, which is a red and white building at 500 Jefferson St., at the end of Hyde St.
  2. Fort Mason, which is at the end of Franklin St. Walk over to Aquatic Park and to our clubhouse.
  3. The Golden Gate Recreation Area west of Fort Mason at the end of Laguna and Bay St. At the east end of the parking area is a steep stairway that leads you to McDowell St. Follow this path through Fort Mason over the hill to Aquatic Park. One of the advantages is a great view of Alcatraz and the bay! Walk around Aquatic Park to our clubhouse.
  4. There are also commercial parking lots available along Jefferson St, Bay St. and The Embarcadereo. After parking in a lot along the Embarcadero take a trolley, which stops near our club on Jefferson St.

Here are a few suggestions for getting to and from the swim without a car.

  • Bicycle -- Jefferson Street will be closed off in front of the South End Club for the event. We will provide metal police barricades you can lock your bike to on Jefferson Street. Bring a lock for your bike. The South End Rowing Club cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items. After the awards ceremony at about 10:30, we will ask all cyclists to move their bikes to parking meters or racks.
  • Airport Shuttles/Charters -- In past years, swimmers have grouped up to charter an airport shuttle. Weekends are a slow time for shuttles and a group of 5 to 10 people can arrange a ride to the swim from a single pickup and drop off point. Several Master�s swimmers groups arrange shuttle pickups from their regular pool to the swim.
    • Visit www.flysfo.com/transport/services/gt_tsv_search.asp for a list of charter providers and airport shuttles.
    • Marin County -- Marin County Airport Express (415) 666-0166
    • Peninsula -- Bayporter Express (877) 467-1800 or (415)467-1800; VIP Airport Shuttle (408)885-1800 or (800) 235-8847
    • Alameda and Contra Costa Counties -- East Bay Connection (800) 675-3278 or (925) 945-0268; Bayporter Express (877) 467-1800 or (415) 467-1800
  • Taxi -- Taxi to the swim, and bus, bart, hitchhike, ferry, or run back home. Taxi in a group to make it cheap and fun. Most San Francisco cab companies will only reserve in advance for service to the airport, but cabs arrive quickly early in the morning. Companies in other parts of the Bay Area may let you reserve a cab ahead of time.
    • Oakland/Berkeley -- Yellow Express Cab (510) 528-9999
    • Oakland/Richmond -- Friendly Cab (510) 536-3000
    • San Francisco -- Luxor Cab (415) 282-4141; Yellow Cab (415) 333-3333; DeSoto (415) 970-1300
    • Marin -- Southern Marin Yellow Cab 415-383-6050; North Bay Taxi 415-332-2200; Mill Valley Taxi 415-383-8484
  • Make a night of it -- There are several hotels and an American Youth Hostel just a short walk from the swim.