Transported: Muni's Most Scenic Bus Routes

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Welcome to "Transported," our new weekly series about getting places in San Francisco, whether you take the bus or the BART, bike or drive. Come here to find the skinny on secret parking spots, the new bike lanes and how to get across town on MUNI without losing your mind.


A lot of us see Muni only as a means to an end, and that's mostly what it is. But that isn't to say you can't enjoy yourself for $2: let Muni take you on some scenic SF tours (sans parking hassles). Below are some of our favorite bus routes. Tell us some of your favorites in the comments.

The 28-19th Avenue is a Muni gem. It snakes through the woods of the  Presidio, where you can take in the historic residences, the Presidio Pet Cemetery near Crissy Field and the Presidio Habitats Exhibition, a smattering of sculptures celebrating the wildlife of the park. Continue on the 28 as it leans towards the Golden Gate Bridge on a route that makes you feel like you're at the edge of the continent (and you are). The bus stops at the visitors' area, where you can hop off and take a jaunt across the bridge. Or, bring your bike on the bus and pedal over for a day in Sausalito. For more park exploration, stake out a seat on the 29-Sunset, whichmuscles through both the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.

The 36-Teresita is like the Yeti; it's elusive and seldom seen because it spends most of its time in the highest hills of San Francisco. Catch it where Mission and Cesar Chavez Streets intersect and ride it past Glen Park and Sunnyside. Hold on as it winds up Mount Davidson, the highest natural point in the city. If you're into this kind of thing, you can get off and walk to the top, where sits a 100-foot concrete cross, the site of a yearly Easter worship. The 36 then goes down Laguna Honda Boulevard and then climbs near Sutro Tower on Panorama Drive. It goes a few blocks from Mount Sutro before hugging the beautiful area of Forest Hill on its way back to civilization.

Most of you use the F Line for the fruits of Market Street, but it can also make for a really cute date adventure. After a Saturday spent crawling through the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market, snake towards Fisherman's Wharf and get off  at the Museé Mechanique, a cavernous homage to old-time and modern arcade games, photo booths, and other electronic gadgets that have stood the test of time.

For a tour through the outskirts of town, get on the 18-46th Avenue at the Legion of Honor and ride it along the Great Highway, past the outskirts of Golden Gate Park until it hits the San Francisco Zoo. Get off if you like, or keep going on its arc around Lake Merced at southern end of the city. Lake Merced is a haven for birds, and you can fish and boat in its waters. Or ride your bike or jog the 4 miles around its shores if you're looking to change up your exercise routine. It also flies past the Stonestown Galleria Shopping Center if you just can't take any more nature!

Image via victordriggs on Flickr.com

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