Cable Cars
The Verdict
"Skip the long Powell turnaround line and board a few stops up, or ride the California Street line, which rarely has a wait."
What you need to know
San Francisco’s cable cars are the only such system still in daily city service, running on technology Andrew Hallidie patented in 1871 and first put into service on Clay Street in 1873. The system grips a continuously moving underground cable to climb hills too steep for ordinary streetcars.
The Lines
Three lines run: Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde from the Powell and Market turnaround (over Nob Hill and Russian Hill toward the wharf), and the California Street line from the Financial District over Nob Hill to Van Ness on a flatter route.
Riding
The Powell turnaround has the longest queues, especially summer weekends. Boarding a few stops up is usually faster, and the California line typically has shorter waits. A two-person crew runs each car: the gripman works the cable, the brakeman the brakes.
The Museum
The free Cable Car Museum on Mason Street has a gallery where you can watch the four large sheaves that pull the cables under all three lines.
Getting There
Muni passes and Clipper cards cover the fare. The Powell and Market turnaround is the main downtown boarding point.
Explore Nearby
Jane the Bakery
Great small bakery that grows their own grain.
Starlite
A 21st-floor Union Square lounge with cocktails by Trick Dog's Scott Baird.
Bob’s Donuts
Famous donut shop
Pacific Cocktail Haven
Kevin Diedrich's award-winning cocktail bar near Union Square.
