The San Francisco Cable Cars are the world’s last manually operated cable car system. A tramway whose cars are pulled along by cables embedded in the street. 9.7 million people ride the cable cars each year.

The cable cars were named a national historic landmark in 1964. Refurbished and equipped with new tracks, cables, turnarounds and cable propulsion machinery, they operate as started in 1873.  Once upon a time, cable car lines serviced the entire city. Today, only three lines remain. They can take you to some of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods and destinations, as North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, Chinatown and the Embarcadero.

A single ride costs $7, no matter your age or the time of day. You can pay with exact change or via the MuniMobile app or a Clipper card. You can find out about the history of San Francisco’s cable car, and even see the enormous mechanisms that keep the system running. Visit the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. This fun family friendly attraction is open every day of the year and always free.

Cable Car ride is part of our recommended “Make the Most of SF in One Day” tour