Ride all the things to SF

Our whole family went to San Francisco yesterday to escape a day in this weeks episode of over 100F. First time for our three-year-old to take a full day public transit trip. By miles we traveled via Amtrak on Capitol Corridor between Davis and the Bay Area.

Traveling Out

With our destination of San Francisco from Davis. We took Capitol Corridor from the Davis Amtrak station to Jack London Square then a ferry in San Francisco. Ending this phase at the Ferry Terminal.

On Capitol Corridor

We departed Davis on the 9:10-ish train towards the bay. Great time for our littlest was he was fully awake, fed, and ready to be excited for the journey. Teen was still sluggishly waking up. Train was a few minutes behind but crowded.

This train was about half capacity. 3 of 4 of us joined someone at a table, and I sat in the next seat behind. It was about as crowded as the 7:50a-ish train on the weekdays from Davis. This particular train originated in Auburn so I am sure many have been sitting in their seats for a while. At the Vacaville stop (the next stop) our main traveling companion offed to give up his seat so I may sit with my family.

Being in tour guide mode for the pre-schooler was interesting. His interests were primarily in bridges and water ways this trip. Although more than willing to hear about the industry along the path. Especially those served by the railroad with vehicles. Of particular unexpected interest this trip was marshes in between Suisun and Benicia. Lots of interest in the plants, animals, and water ways. We saw along the way.

A lot of excitement for the Union Pacific bridge across the Carquinez straits. He was very excited to see the two taller bridges of 680 flanking either side. Originally built between 1929-1930 this bridge replaced the train ferry in Benicia and Port Costa just east of Crockett where I-80 crosses the straits. He seemed to get the connection between the diorama in the Railroad Museum.

The tunnel between Crockett and Richmond was a favorite! Ranked the little one’s highlight the next day as apart of his favorite on the trip.

The approximate two horus on the train were the limit of the nearly four year old. Especially in the urban areas of the East Bay. Generic industrial scenery parked some interest. As well as the fleeting views of the large buildings in the distance.

Jack London Square

We arrived to find a new moder staffed station at Jack London Square. Restrooms were not great but better than many State Park Restrooms. The staff were less helpful finding the ferry terminal than Google Maps. I attempted to follow the shoreline which had a few sections blocked off by barriers for an unknown reason. Eventually we just used the straight street about a block or two in.

On our venture we did happen across a water fountain. Definitely a pretty sight along the way. We spent several minutes watching the little one enjoy it. Scenes of the ships were nice. However the shoreline was definitely jagged. There was another fountain in a roundabout. However only stopped for a few seconds due to the roadway and lack of time.

Ultimately about 30 minutes was a good transition time.

Ferry

We arrived somewhere between 5 to ten minutes before. Little ones were entertained by the sights of the water, bike locking stands, and the benches. My teenager was entertained learning about the USNS John Glenn as it was docked within sight of the ferry. It is an impressive ship.

Although the public portion of the boarding pier was rather short and covered it was full. I was concerned the ferry would be full. Next one was about an hour out. Luckily, despite being fairly far back from the shaded area, we got on. Tap-on tap-off is great for quick loading.

Ride itself was beautiful. From the dock the boat transits the channel between Oakland and Alameda. Then transits under the Bay Bridge into on the west side of Treasure Island into the ferry terminal. Kids love sitting on the back of the upper deck which fills quickly. Inside you may find tables and seats with outlets. Nice to top up your phone prior to spending the day in the city.

Tapping off while keeping our party together was a bit difficult. Staff were confused why we were waiting for our teenager to catch up. On parent had a ghost transaction on their phone which did not actually go through. However once through you are dropped right at the ferry building.

Within the City

We found Saturday mornings have a Farmers Market at the Ferry Building. Our plan was to grab lunch while waiting for our friends to arrive from the Vallejo to San Francisco ferry. Most businesses had very long lines. We found a decent bagel place with nearly no line at first.

Seating was extremely limited for those not eating at a sit down restaurant. We eventually found a place on the West side out of luck. Next time I think we’ll cross Embarcadero to eat in the park across the street. There was plenty of shade.

Park at Embarcadero

While waiting for our friend’s late ferry we decided to explore the fountain at park across the street from the ferry building. This landmark is particularly memorable for my teenager as we would regularly stop there when he was a little one. Sadly the city did not keep the fountain maintained and was shut off. We had fun exploring the mostly drained remains.

The Return

Our friends took the ferry back to Vallejo. The last ferry from the city was very crowded and despite being very early to line up they were the last to be able to board.

Our return path was BART to Richmond then Amtrak back into the valley. BART was on time however there were very few seats available. My partner and little one were able to grab a seat, however myself and the big one stood most of the trip. We were able to get a table for the four of us.

Amtrak was great! We watched the sunset over the San Pablo Bay as we headed along the coast from our table seat. Our children were using their devices as the last light was lost as we passed Grizzly Bay. Lights in the distance of were pretty as we crossed the valley.