Powell-Hyde Cable Car

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 miles / 3.4 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: Riding the famous San Francisco cable cars should be at the top of the list for any visitor to San Francisco. These historic cars have been around since the year after inventor Andrew Smith Hallidie tested the first line in 1873 (he gained inspiration after witnessing a cart sliding backward down a slippery hill, dragging five horses with it). Today, tourists can ride the rail through many interesting San Francisco districts, including Union Square, North Beach, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Lombard Street and Fisherman's Wharf.

You can hop on and off the car as much as you like, but be aware that the next car that comes by may already be full.

This line goes down Taylor Street past Union Square, over Nob Hill and Russion Hill, past Lombard Street and ends at Aquatic Park near Ghiradelli Square.

Tips: Tickets cost $6 each way for adults and children 5-17. You also can purchase passes for multiple days: $14 for one day, $20 for three and $26 for seven days.

You can board from either end of the line, as well as on every stop along the route (when there is room available). If boarding in the middle of a route, wait on the sidewalk and wave to the gripmap (driver) so that he knows to stop. Wait for the car to completely stop. Remember that there are also poles for you to hold onto, leaning outside of the car, but be careful and watch for objects outside as you zip down the hills.

Points of Interest

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Hallidie Plaza

Hallidie Plaza is named after Andrew Smith Hallidie, who invented the cable car after watching a heavy cart slide backward down a slippery hill, dragging five horses to an unfortunate death.

Today, the plaza is likely one of your first stops in San Francisco. It is near the center of downtown San Francisco and at the heart of the tourist center. While waiting in line for a cable car, you are sure to see many street performers, ranging from tap dancers to painted human statues, as well as large crowds of people walking down Market Street or headed toward Union Square. You are sure to be entertained and it will help the time in line pass more quickly.

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Union Square

When you think of Union Square, think shopping. When the space was set aside by the first mayor this was not its intention, but Union Square has become one of the largest and most popular shopping areas in all of San Francisco. You could spend hours at the various clothing stores, but you also can spend your time window-shopping if you aren't looking to spend all of your money, because these stores are pricey.

There are several cafes located on the outskirts of the square or just grab an afternoon drink in the square itself, take a seat and enjoy some people watching.

If you are here in July, try to make it to the annual bell-ringing contests held in Union Square. It is something you definitely won't forget.

Union Square (Chinatown, California, United States) Photo

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Lombard Street

Lombard Street has been appropriately named the most crooked street in the world; with eight switchbacks in just one city block it is not hard to see why. Traffic down the street travels at only 5 mph, which is fine because it is a street strictly for tourists driving in the city--don't think you are going to save time going down it.

Hop off the cable car at the top. If you look south (down the hill), you will see Coit Tower in the distance. If you are feeling energetic, walk down the steps on either side of the street down to Leavenworth. From there you will have a great view of the road winding up the hill. When you have filled up your camera, wait for the next passing cable car and hop back on.

Telegraph Hill (Russian Hill, California, United States) Photo

View from Lombard Street (Russian Hill, California, United States) Photo

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Ghirardelli Square

Originally a chocolate factory, the square is now packed with various small shops (but don't worry, you can still find plenty of chocolate). There are many restaurants around the square where you can relax and refuel after a full day of sightseeing.

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Fisherman's Wharf

If you like seafood this place is a no-brainer. The wharf is only a few blocks from the end of the cable car line, so you cannot miss it. Whether you are in the mood for a fancy dinner at Alioto's, which offers great views of the bay, or just want a bread bowl of clam chowder from one of the smaller vendors on the street, you need look no further.

Before calling it a day, make sure to walk southeast along the water toward Pier 39, where you will likely see (or hear) sea lions and will run into crowds gathered around street performers. This place never gets dull and you won't get bored.