Riding the Cable Cars

Riding the cable cars is quite possibly my favorite touristy thing to do in San Francisco.  When my dad comes to town, he will happily ride all three lines multiple times. If you only have time for one round trip, here's my advice:

A block off Union Square at Market & Powell, there is the terminus for two cable car lines:  the Powell/Hyde line takes you to Ghiradelli Square, and the Powell/Hyde line ends near Fisherman's Wharf.  My advice is to catch the Powell/Hyde cable car and ride up and over Nob Hill, past the top of Lombard Street, to Ghiradelli Square.  Get off and get at least your free square of chocolate at Ghiradelli’s gift shop.  If it’s cold, duck into the Buena Vista Café for the original Irish Coffee.  Then walk to Fisherman’s Wharf to see the sea lions, then catch the Powell/Mason cable car through North Beach and Chinatown back to Market & Powell. 

Be aware that the lines on either end of both lines are long – have one person get in line while you buy tickets and/or the rest of the group explores.  Avoid weekend days if you can, or go at night.

If you liked the cable cars, you should also:

• Consider buying a multi-day pass, but only if you're really going to use it. 
• Visit the Cable Car Museum which explains how it works.  Kids love it.  
• Ride the vintage trolley cars on Muni's F-Line up & down Market Street.  If you do that on Saturday morning, you can also shop the farmers market at the Ferry Building at the end of the F Line.  

So, how many times do you want to ride the cable car?