San Francisco cable car and the “F” line trolley – perfect pairing

Cable car approaching Beach - Hyde turnaround

Many  visitors to San Francisco (and Fisherman’s Wharf) place a cable car ride on the  “must-d0” list.  And of course it’s a lot of fun to catch the Powell – Hyde cable car at the Beach – Hyde turnaround near Fisherman’s Wharf and then cross Russian Hill and Nob Hill to end up at the other turnaround at Powell and Market.  But it’s no fun to then line up for the return trip to Fisherman’s Wharf.  On the particular day we rode the cable car, the line at the Beach – Hyde turnaround was at least 100 passengers deep and the return was approximately 200.

Cable car at Powell turnaround

As a fun alternative, walk across Market from the cable car turnaround and take the F Line trolley that travels down Market Street to the Ferry Building then along the Embarcadero to the its turnaround on Jones Street at Beach Street in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.   And about three blocks from where you started your journey on the cable car.  These trolleys are antiques and are as interesting as the cable cars.

I also recommend that you buy an unlimited use one day pass for $11 for all SF Municipal Transportation Agency (affectionately known as “Muni”) lines including the cable cars, trolley cars, and buses.

All photos taken with a Leica M8 and Carl Zeiss Biogon 21mm f/2.8 lens or a Summilux 75mm f/1.4 lens.

A F line trolley across Market Street from the Powell St. turnaround

Trolley heading down Market towards the Ferry Building

Same orange trolley at the Ferry Bldg.

F Line trolley at Jones Street turnaround in Fishermans's Wharf area