Cable Car Museum, San Francisco (must see)
When it comes to public transportation in the City by the Bay, cable cars steal the show! Invented in the late 19th century, they were introduced on an experimental basis for the uneven and steep terrain of San Francisco. After nearly two centuries, these cars have not only proven vital for everyday commute, whirring through the streets from 6 am to 1 am, but also become its identity card.
It is, therefore, only natural to expect them to be celebrated with a designated museum. Such a place does exist and is more than just a museum but is also a showcase of the inner workings of San Francisco's cable car network. The hub of four main cable systems, all the existing cable lines are routed from this building, allowing visitors to view them from the top floor.
You can spend a good one hour in the museum, looking around the well-spaced exhibits accompanied with quite a bit of information. Another incentive to visit is the free admission!
They have a donation box for those who care to contribute. Cable cars are expensive to maintain, and supporting the museum financially, much as taking a ride in one of the cars can help keep the system running.
There is also a cute gift shop with souvenirs, plus a great caf茅 across the road, for afterward.
Tip:
If you visit the museum on one of your first days, you will look at the cars in the street with more knowledge for the rest of your vacation.
The museum is open daily: from 10am to 6pm (April through September); and from 10am to 5pm (November through March).
It is, therefore, only natural to expect them to be celebrated with a designated museum. Such a place does exist and is more than just a museum but is also a showcase of the inner workings of San Francisco's cable car network. The hub of four main cable systems, all the existing cable lines are routed from this building, allowing visitors to view them from the top floor.
You can spend a good one hour in the museum, looking around the well-spaced exhibits accompanied with quite a bit of information. Another incentive to visit is the free admission!
They have a donation box for those who care to contribute. Cable cars are expensive to maintain, and supporting the museum financially, much as taking a ride in one of the cars can help keep the system running.
There is also a cute gift shop with souvenirs, plus a great caf茅 across the road, for afterward.
Tip:
If you visit the museum on one of your first days, you will look at the cars in the street with more knowledge for the rest of your vacation.
The museum is open daily: from 10am to 6pm (April through September); and from 10am to 5pm (November through March).
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Cable Car Museum on Map
Sight Name: Cable Car Museum
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Francisco, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Francisco
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Francisco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chinatown Walking Tour
The San Francisco Chinatown is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. It is also renowned as a major tourist attraction in the city, drawing annually more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge. Since its establishment, in 1848, this enclave has been instrumental in the preservation of the history, culture, language, religion, and identity of the ethnic Chinese in the United... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Castro District Walking Tour
It's a well-known fact that San Francisco is the place where the gay and lesbian culture flourished in its modernity in the mid-20th century. The Castro District, where the rainbow flag is flying high, houses several iconic locations that have played pivotal roles in LGBTQ+ history and continue to be celebrated today.
One such is the Castro Theater. This renowned landmark, which has been... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One such is the Castro Theater. This renowned landmark, which has been... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Famous Architecture Walking Tour
San Francisco is one of the world's top travel destinations, famous for its spectacular tourist attractions like Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. But besides that, it also boasts a huge variety of world-known architecture fit to delight the eye of any beholder. Let's give ourselves an aesthetic treat, too, and check out some of the city's most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
If it's a hot, sunny day or the one filled with San Francisco's iconic fog, a walk through Fisherman's Wharf can feel quite special all the same. Sure, you'll be surrounded by tourists, but the smells of good food and the sights of a legendary seaport (the one where a few lovingly preserved, historic vessels are still docked and open to visitors) will make you happy.
At the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
At the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Union Square Walking Tour
Union Square, a bustling hub in the heart of San Francisco, is a place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy a mix of shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions. In addition to being the third largest shopping area in the United States, the square features an array of restaurants, theaters, and a wonderful concentration of fine art galleries.
One of the prominent landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
North Beach Walking Tour
North Beach is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco, known as San Francisco's Little Italy. Bursting with history, culture, and diverse attractions, this fun area features a great mix of architecture, museums, restaurants, and old shops.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark here is the Transamerica Pyramid, a distinctive skyscraper that has become a symbol of the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Perhaps the most iconic landmark here is the Transamerica Pyramid, a distinctive skyscraper that has become a symbol of the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Divine Artisan Chocolates in San Francisco
San Francisco is home to the most delicious artisan chocolates! From the historic Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory to New American TCHO chocolates, there are many local chocolate boutiques and factories to visit where you might be treated to a few samples. From exotic flavors such as lavender-walnut...
14 Souvenirs That Scream San Francisco
Home to many historic landmarks, such as Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Alcatraz, San Francisco is closely associated with many iconic images of the American culture, such as Levi's jeans, baseball, and hippie movement. Modern Frisco carefully preserves its legacy by keeping it alive...