San Francisco - Riding the Cable Car - Awesome!

Finally we were treated to another gorgeous day with bright blue skies -- our last day in San Francisco (February 25, 2008). From the historic Queen Anne Hotel we took the bus downtown to famous Union Square, location of all sorts of fancy retail stores. Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Nordstrom and many other upscale stores and boutiques make this a magnet for the true shopoholics. So far we had had extensive exposure to San Francisco's public transport system, but we had left the real highlight for the last day: a ride on one of the famous San Francisco cable cars!

We hopped on at the corner of Powell and Geary Streets and started to enjoy the outdoor experience on this moving historic landmark. The cable car was so full I was literally hanging outside the vehicle and did not have enough space to turn my body around. I kept thinking to myself how ironic it was that in virtually every other kind of vehicle you have to stay seated and strapped into your safety belts. But here in San Francisco you can literally let it all hang out! What a great experience on this gorgeous day, it really brought out the kid in all of us.

Our charming driver Rufus kept the whole car entertained and compared his job to being a supervisor at an adult day care centre. How true! Riding the San Francisco cable cars definitely brings out the playful and adventurous spirit in everyone, regardless of age. He even let us off at the top of Lombard Street to give us a quick peak at "the world's crookedest street" before he rang his bell and we had to run to jump back onto the moving vehicle. The cable car ride was a definite highlight of our San Francisco experience!

Once arrived in the Fisherman's Wharf area we made our way south, past Pier 39 with its lazy sea lions and the various colourful flower beds of Tulipmania. Our destination was Pier 33 where we caught a boat across to another one of San Francisco's great destinations: Alcatraz Island!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• San
• Francisco
• California
• Cable
• Car
• Alcatraz

[LimeWaveVideo]

Fun video to watch. What a great driver :-)

[travelandtransitions]

@LimeWaveVideo: Yes, we had a lot of fun. Rufus, our driver, just loves being out there interacting with the people. Perfect guy for the perfect job...

[LyokoTravels]

Ahh San Francisco Cable Car .

... Great ride on the Hyde & Powell line

fun to ride

I live in San Francisco

[travelandtransitions]

@LyokoTravels: Thanks for commenting - the San Francisco cable car is a real experience. We had a great time!

[WithMountains]

@BlondeCurlsBlueEyes The city is actually pretty dirty compared to other cities like San Diego and Chicago. It was surprising how much garbage is in the streets. But the main touristy roads do have a lot of nice architecture, though there is not much to do aside from seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

[usafsarge7]

remember riding the Dinkiy(cable car).no ladies could stand on the steps.ladies had to sit dow.the driver would shout"will some gentlemen get up for the ladies.this cable will dot move as long as the ladies stand outside"for 15 cents it was a could form of transportation.

[LiLPinoySteve]

3:09 he he.. fixed gear rider :D that hill bombers are a attraction in SF! :D

[BlondeCurlsBlueEyes]

I have GOT to go there someday :D It's such a beautiful city. Those cable cars look fun to ride! And I love the San Franciscan firetruck at the end :)

[Simon5005]

My favorite city! My first visit was in 1969 when the hippies were there, and I've been back probably ten times since then...........last time just a few months ago. I always get the feeling of everyone being so happy and content there. I've always wanted to live there, but just way too expensive. I live in Boston next to the ocean, so it's a second close to SF.

[GTboy96]

I was there a few weeks ago. I was a awsome trip!

[ELtercermundista82]

how much is it to get on that thing?

[produKtNZ]

9.5mph or around 15 km/h