Riding a Cable Car
Touristy? Yes. To be missed on an initial (or even subsequent) trip to San Francisco? No.
Ghirardelli Square is a terminal for the cable cars, and it's where most first-timers attempt to climb aboard. But the lines here are long. Far better to find stops on the street along one of the cable car routes. Along California Street, for example, you are more apt to find shorter wait times. Tickets are purchased at turnarounds or from the conductor as you board. A single ride is $6. Check out a Smart Destinations San Francisco CityPass and get more than 50 local attractions for one discount price--including the cable car ride.
If you choose that option, don't try to hand your pass to the conductor. Pick up a ticket (using the pass) before boarding.
Ghirardelli Square is a terminal for the cable cars, and it's where most first-timers attempt to climb aboard. But the lines here are long. Far better to find stops on the street along one of the cable car routes. Along California Street, for example, you are more apt to find shorter wait times. Tickets are purchased at turnarounds or from the conductor as you board. A single ride is $6. Check out a Smart Destinations San Francisco CityPass and get more than 50 local attractions for one discount price--including the cable car ride.
If you choose that option, don't try to hand your pass to the conductor. Pick up a ticket (using the pass) before boarding.
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