Tags
Cable Cars, California St, Chinatown, Fisherman's wharf, Nob Hill, Photography, San Francisco, travel, Union Square
One of the must do’s on my list while visiting San Francisco was to take a ride on the famous cable car.
Not only did I ride on the cable car but I also got to stand on the duckboard on the outside of the carriage. We had not planned to ride on the outside but were thrilled as the car was too full to sit down on the inside. We realised quite quickly to ride on the outside is very special. Although the cable car does not go fast it is still quite precarious. You must make sure that you hang on to the special poles on the outside of the car and you must pay close attention to the gripman as he will alert you to any potential hazards along the route. Many times he told us to lean in as far as possible as we passed close to other vehicles etc.
This icon of San Francisco is the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Of the twenty-three lines established between 1873 and 1890 only three remain – two routes from downtown near Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, and a third route along California Street.
We originally planned to take the cable car up from Union Square however when we arrived there, the line of people waiting was almost unbelievable and we were told there was at least a 2 hour wait. That is too long for me to stand.
We looked up the cable car website and learned that the one travelling up California Street was in fact quite near to where we were staying. So we headed off early the next morning and arrived to be the first there. The one way ticket cost $7 however we bought the all day ticket for $17 which included unlimited travelling on the cable cars plus also the buses. There are several different passes including 3 days, week, etc. Check their website.
Catching the magic views on the way, we travelled up to the top of California Street through Chinatown, passing the lovely houses over Nob Hill and stopping at Van Ness Avenue. After a short stop at the top we then caught the cable car part way down to where we changed over to the car that goes down to Union Street and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What a pleasure, we not only got to ride several cable cars, we did not need to line up for several hours and we stood on the outside.
Cable Cars are a must do while you are in San Francisco. Have fun
I stood on the duckboard and hung on as well. The car was very crowded. I took the one go Fisherman’s Wark as well as the California line. What great fun and so typically San Francisco!
Yes it was so much fun, I felt like a kid again.
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 6:51 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
What a sensation whilst on the Cable Car. Can only do it now in memories I have. Loved it Daphne
And what great memories DD. I laughed so much, it was fabulous
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 7:14 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
What a racy experience to have whilst in a racy city capturing the experience before they disappear,maybe? xxx gg
Yes Gail. When you see how old these cars are you wonder how long they will be around. On 20/08/2015 7:58 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
>
The ride on the outside of the car is certainly exhilarating! Glad you had a chance to experience it!!
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! Kay
Thanks Kay it was awesome
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 10:50 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
Its been years ago, but I have fun memories of hanging onto a cable car in San Francisco that was very packed with people. It was kinda scary but fun at the same time:) Nice post Lyn.
Thanks Susan, it was actually very exciting. I felt like a young girl.
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 2:40 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
I agree with all the above – a very exciting experience and I do remember the guard yelling at me to keep my head in!
Thank goodness the guard yelled at you otherwise you may be without a head now. Thanks Mary
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 3:30 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
Fun Lyn! Love the look of the inside of the cable car as well.
Thanks Georgie, these cable cars are very old and look it.
On Thu, Aug 20, 2015 at 3:59 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
Really enjoyed your post. I remember the cable car from back in 1979. I think I got off at top of Lombard Street just remember how amazing it was. Great photos yet again. Xx
Thanks Leah. It was such a great day xx On 21/08/2015 5:53 PM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
>
The cable car was my favourite memories of San Fran. My friend lived in Russian Hill at the time which was right on one of the routes. I ran to Fisherman’s Wharf then up that steep, crooked street whose name I can’t remember ?maybe it was Lombard. That wasn’t such a smart move, but I hopped on the back of the cable car to go home. Need to go back soon!
I think the cable car will be my most fond memory of SF. I loved it. Yes I think it was Lombard St.
On Mon, Aug 24, 2015 at 4:41 AM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
>
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say you have done a great job with this. In addition, the blog loads very quick for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!