Don't Miss Out on San Francisco, California’s Unforgettable Cable Car Experience!

The cable car experience was, without a doubt, my favorite tourist activity in San Francisco, aside from my solo visit to Pier 39, where I saw so many seals! In this blog post, I'll provide a brief history of the cable car and share essential information to help make your tour truly unforgettable. I’ll also tell you why I deemed this my favorite tourist activity! 

History 

The cable car system, a symbol of the city's resilience, dates back to the 1800s. It has survived the San Francisco earthquake and the fires of 1906, two World Wars, and political attempts to remove the cars from the streets. Today, you can still enjoy riding the two types of cable cars that remain operational in San Francisco!

Fares

For your convenience, you can buy your tickets at the Kiosk near the cable car or simply download the MuniMobile app and pay $8 one way. The cable car line runs from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. If you prefer to plan ahead, you can download the map from the Market Street Railway site.  

I recommend buying a one-way ticket if you choose to hop off and explore like my cousin and I did. When you want to hop off, simply pull the cord located near the windows to signal the conductor. When you're ready to continue your journey, just wait for the next cable car to arrive and hop back on. You just need to get a new ticket.

The California Street Cable Car vs Powell Street Lines 

As I mentioned above, you can choose from two cable car lines. The Powell Street lines (see below) have small cars. The maroon California Street line, on the other hand, has 12 large cars with open seating at the end and a closed middle section. California Street operates the same as Powell Street.

I took a ride on the Powell Street line, which I’ll discuss in more detail than the California Street Cable Car. These are the classic cars that come to mind when you think of San Francisco. They are smaller and have beautifully retained the iconic look of cable cars throughout multiple decades of operation.

Naturally, I wanted to stand on the side of the car while my cousin sat in the back. I felt completely safe standing, and I even recorded the experience. To ensure your safety, hold onto the railings and be mindful of sudden stops or turns.

I might be a bit biased, but I highly recommend standing over sitting to fully enjoy the experience.

It was amazing to stand just a few feet away from cars as we went through green lights, hearing the person changing the gears and hearing the clicks of the cables as she shifted from moving forward to stopping. It was a weird feeling to be just hanging on the side of the cable car as cars moved beside me. That thrill of ascending the famous hills of San Francisco was heightened by being part of the action, if you know what I mean!

My cousin and I rode for about 15 minutes before hopping off, but honestly, I could have stayed on for the entire ride. Although it’s a super touristy activity, I felt like I wasn't a tourist at that moment. It was the first time during my whole trip to San Francisco that I felt relaxed and able to enjoy the moment and this incredible city, with its unique architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning views—without any anxiety about traveling with someone.

This is the best way to see the sights of San Francisco without hiking up all those hills, yet truly soaking up the city’s vibe. I would return to San Francisco and ride the cable car again to fully explore the experience.

Have you experienced the cable car? Share your thoughts! Your experience could inspire others to take the ride. Would you do it again?