The San Francisco Cable Car Museum in the Nob Hill area offers exhibits that trace the history and workings of the iconic San Francisco cable cars. The museum houses several intact old cars as well as an on-site gift shop where you can buy souvenirs.
The museum opened in 1974 and is run by a nonprofit group called the Friends of the Cable Car Museum. It's also part of the current system's operations, housing the cable cars' powerhouse and drive system as well as the car depot where cars are kept when they're not running.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum - one of the highlights of 16 Best Family Things to Do in San Francisco and 11 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)
Highlights of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The museum houses 3 complete antique cable cars that date to the late 19th century. These include the Sutter Street Railway No. 46 grip car, the Sutter Street No. 54 caravan, and the Clay Street Hill Railway No. 8 grip car. The latter is the only car remaining from the city's original cable car company.
You can view a broad collection of historic photos and exhibits tracing the entire history of cable cars in the city. Exhibits can teach you about the invention of the technology and the expansion, near shutdown, and restoration of the system.
What to know about the San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The San Francisco Cable Car Museum offers free admission and is open every day except for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A ramp and lift are available for disability access, and museum staff is ready to assist those in need of help. You can pick up cable cars on the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines here or ride them to the museum.
The "Barn," or car depot, is not open to the public, so the only cars you can view are the historic ones inside the museum. The gift shop offers a wide range of books, cards, clothing, and bells.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
Location: 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Open: April–October: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. November–March: daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 415-474-1887
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Fairmont San Francisco
The LINE San Francisco
