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    Cable Car Museum

    4.6 (408 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Historical pictures and fact board.
    Grace R.

    The Cable Car Museum was a surprising discovery. What is great about it, is there is no entrance fee. Inside the museum, there are historical cable cars. It takes you back to learn about the history, engineering design and the process of the cable cars. Additionally, there is a souvenir shop inside the museum. Just be aware it's loud inside because of the machinery.

    Entrance
    Calvin C.

    This is a great place to spend about an hour if you have relatives visiting who like museums or friends or children who are engineering oriented. This is the central operations area that has the power system that runs the cable car system. There's also a machine shop where they support the operations. There are displays that show the cable system, the gears and routing, motors and other system information. For those who are really technically oriented, they also show the gripping mechanisms of the cars in detail and show details of the mechanical components used in the system. Mechanical engineers will really appreciate the information here. This museum is free.

    Peter P.

    This may sound like a boring museum, but it is one of the coolest things to see downtown. If may be a museum, but it is still a functioning part of the San Francisco cable car system. This is the place that propels the network of underground cables that move the cable cars on the street. There are several exhibits that show the history of cable cars in San Francisco. And, best of all, it's free.

    Denise C.

    Posted on yelp first visit ..returned 3 times since last year tour..used app today visited unlimited day pass ..4 rides try the alternate California route or at night evening...stop by the cable car museum again ..with cable car rides app tour ..super 2025..Christmas time trees gift shop

    William G.

    This is definitely a cool place to visit. Not only is it a museum but it's actually an actively used warehouse for the cable cars running around San Francisco. I was in awe of their being able to not only maintain but currently utilize this warehouse for their cable cars currently in usage. The machines are so old that if any parts fail then they have to custom reproduce that part with their own machinist. The parts cannot be reordered from anywhere because there is no company out there anywhere in the world that has spare parts. I loved listening to the cable being pulled into and out of the warehouse. Also, watching the cable cars pull in and out.

    Looking down from second floor to cable system.
    Denise J.

    Good, Quick Stop The Cable Car Museum is small but worth checking out. It's pretty loud inside since the cables are working You can see the entire system in action. There's plenty of historical info around, interactive displays and you can get up close to the old cable cars and equipment. The gift shop was disappointing in that it was full of mass produced imports, but overall, it's a worthwhile educational stop.

    Lam B.

    A fun free attraction that shows SF's history and inner workings. The wheels and pulleys were audible from the entrance. There were two levels, with the bottom being a small room that peered into the underground gears. The top floor was much more active with various retired cable cars and historical trinkets. It was interesting reading how the cable cars came to be and there was a small video at the end of the museum for guests to watch. The gift shop was reasonably priced but everything was cash only. There were also clean bathrooms available. It took about 30 minutes for me to finish the entire museum. Considering it's near Chinatown, I would add this as a stop if you're in the area.

    Alyssa Y.

    Wonderful free activity in San Fran. Museum is right in the trolley stop and has the history of cable cars in the city. Lots of information including a short video presentation. You also can look over into the cable terminus for the city and the maintenance shop. This is where the actual cables moving the trolleys are located so it's a real, working operation. Head down below to see how the cables move under the streets. You could spend 30 min to 2+ hours here depending on how much you want to learn and observe but I would guess 45 min-1 hour is average visit. Nice spot to learn about the an iconic piece of San Francisco.

    Ashley W.

    This is a really cool free museum! It's only a 4 minute walk from a good coffee place, the coffee movement. At first, I thought it was just a museum about the history of cable cars and the science behind it. But I was shocked to see that it houses the actual powerhouse, with the 4 main cable lines running through SF! I thought it was a good mix of things to look at and things to read. Very cool place for visitors of all ages!

    Chenée T.

    This was a really great visit for a free rainy day activity. You learn about how cable cars work and even get to observe the tech at work. It was a really well curated museum with interesting tidbits, photos and replicas! Definitely pay it a visit and try to get a ride on a cable car if you're able to afterwards!

    Adam C.

    Considering that this is a working museum you have a unique opportunity to see what pulls the cable cars through the City. You can also see some of the original cable cars and other factoids about the unique system including efforts to dismantle it. It's free so you cannot find a better deal in town.

    Older trolley used in San Francisco!
    Lupita L.

    Great historical breakdown with photos and to see how the entire system works underground.

    Cable Car grip
    Shenoah C.

    A delightful, free museum to learn about (and see!) how the Cable Cars work. They also have a small gift shop (cash only). If you're riding the Cable Cars, especially with kids, definitely stop here so they can see the inner workings.

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    It was great seeing the museum especially the working cables! A must see if in San Francisco.

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    8 months ago

    Cash only for purchases. Read the signs follow history. Go when the workmen are there

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    Page 1 of 11

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    Review Highlights - Cable Car Museum

    The excellent signage clearly explains the overall operation of the cable car system as well as its history.

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    Exploratorium - After Dark Thursday Nights - dog friendly and full bar!

    Exploratorium

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
    0.8 miEmbarcadero, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    I have been here multiple times throughout the years, and have only had good experiences. However,…read moremy last visit stood out to me the most. A few weeks ago was my senior prom, which was at the Exploratorium. The exhibits and environment were very fun and made for a super engaging night! As a trans person, I have a lot of anxiety in public bathrooms. Although they were unable to open up the general neutral bathroom (I mean, it's high schoolers, you can't trust them). However, the staff was extremely accommodating and kind, and escorted me to a separate bathroom. They made sure I got to pick the bathroom I was most comfortable in, as well as apologized for the inconvenience. Not only is this place fun, entertaining, and family friendly, they are welcoming, kind, and caring. I will never forget the kindness that I was shown.

    Exploratorium San Francisco, CA…read more Date went 4/25/26 Time went around 1:15pm on a Saturday It was very busy to say the least Bonus the entry fee is $5 for food stamp recipients Atmosphere It was so great to see a mixture of young children with parents, teenagers, and even older people in this establishments. I saw lots of laughter, play, and wonder and despite it being packed everyone was respectful and I didn't see any hogging of the different activities. You could easily spend at least 3 or 4 hours in there. Food Court I ordered a chicken avocado bacon burger and it was surprisingly delicious! Also, not too expensive. Overall I highly recommend coming her with your kids, on a date, or just for some fun scientific exploring! I didn't get to see what the regular entrance fee was, but I'd say this would be worth it for about $25-$30 per person. I wish I would've taken more pictures of the different activities Recommendations - More hand sanitizing stations, I only recall seeing one throughout the entire place

    Photos
    Exploratorium - Pitcher plant

    Pitcher plant

    Exploratorium - Fun with optics!

    Fun with optics!

    Exploratorium - Wooden replica of San Francisco

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    Wooden replica of San Francisco

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - My perspective on Ruth Asawa pieces.

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

    4.2(978 reviews)
    0.8 miSoMa, Financial District

    Huge 7 floor Museum with lots of see. There were plenty of people and students. They have their…read morecafé and the fifth floor and then they also have a smaller café on the second floor before you enter. Each floor has both stairs and an elevator. Sometimes the stairs were hard to find. I only stopped by quickly for the special exhibitions. And they were pretty interesting and fun. There was lots to see, so I only stopped by very quickly by each exhibit. My favorite exhibition would probably be the yarn art exhibition as I was one of the few items that were very unique and different from everything else

    San Francisco has always been a plain canvas and a city full of artist. You can see art on the…read morestreets with the architecture and buildings and you can also see it at a restaurant and especially at a Michelin guide restaurant on a plate of food. You can listen and watch San Francisco art on your analog and digital devices. The art of the deal is happening all over the city. The art of rebellion is part of the fabric of San Francisco. Even one of San Francisco's past Mayors is name Art ( Agnos). There is one place where you can see over five floors of modern art exhibits in San Francisco in the SOMA. It's called the SF MOMA. On a SOMA stroll I entered the SF Museum of Modern Arts building. Inside I went to many floors of different art exhibits and there was plenty to explore. I also was able to see the KAWS exhibition which had very animated art and is only available until May 3rd. You will also see visual art and also photography art. This place has a little bit of everything with the human touch and not totally made by a robot or AI ( time will tell). A good human experience of the human experience in San Francisco. Plan a visit when in SOMA. San Francisco art is everywhere and even in the restaurant food's "aroma"especially in the neighborhood of "SOMA" and to appreciate art you don't need to have an art "diploma" you can just go and appreciate the art inside of the "SF MOMA" Art is more than when someone paints or when someone "draws "some art can be digital as long it has a message and some have a "cause" some art museums are therapeutic like mental "spas"there is a few days left to watch the art exhibit at SF MOMA for "KAWS"

    Photos
    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Kaws: Family, May 01, 2026. I can imagine many of these images on colorful T-shirts.

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Kaws: Family, May 01, 2026. I can imagine many of these images on colorful T-shirts.

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - Got my tickets! Let's gooooo!!

    Got my tickets! Let's gooooo!!

    San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - Great gift shop with nicely curated items

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    Great gift shop with nicely curated items

    Museum Of 3D Illusions

    Museum Of 3D Illusions

    4.4(353 reviews)
    0.8 miFisherman's Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Had a fun experience here! Cool illusions near the wharf and they have markers for the best place…read moreto make the images work best. It was a little bit pricy since the space isn't that big but if you come in with the expectation of it being a short visit, I think you'll enjoy it. I was a little worried it would feel gimmicky but the experience of taking picture with friends and trying to figure out the best poses and angles to make the illusions work was actually really fun.

    This was a fun little place, and I emphasize, "little." It worked out for us because we were the…read moreonly ones there. I get why this place would be super hot and not the best if there were multiple guests inside. The place itself is really tiny and it's quite stuffy inside. It was just, my husband, my son and I, so we were able to take time to take pics of all the backdrops. The backdrops are painted murals that create cool illusions. They have sample pics so you know where and how to pose and signs where you're supposed to stand to take pics. It took us about 30 minutes to circle the whole thing (maybe even less). This is a fun a little trip if you don't mind taking wacky pics like we do. Also, it would help if you don't mind lying on the floor. We enjoyed it, but I can see why the bad reviews of people expecting it to be much more. As long as you know what to expect, I still think it's an enjoyable experience. Pros: Cute murals that make for cool photos Fun family activity or with friends They have lockers for your stuff up front Cons: it's pretty pricey, and TBH, not worth $30 per person.

    Photos
    Museum Of 3D Illusions - Shark attack

    Shark attack

    Museum Of 3D Illusions - Surf scene

    Surf scene

    Museum Of 3D Illusions

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    Palace Of Fine Arts - At Sunset

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    2.1 miMarina/Cow Hollow

    One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

    One last adventure on our trip was a stop by the Palace of Fine Arts. I've see pictures and clips…read moreof it in movies for many years, and have always been kind fascinated by it. Unfortunately our visit was so jam packed with everything else, we were only able to get there at night...which wasn't terrible. It is well lit and still very impressive. The structure was originally built for the world's fair about 100 years ago, but because of the response they actually rebuilt it after, with more long term/long lasting material. It's held up very well, and is spectacular to see. It really makes you feel like you're in an ancient European city. There is another building next to the famous structure that is used as a convention hall, and gallery space. It was closed and locked up when we were there. All in all, it was a cool stop on our trip. I definitely enjoyed seeing it in person, and maybe next time we visit San Francisco, I'll be able to see it in daylight

    Photos
    Palace Of Fine Arts - Evening view

    Evening view

    Palace Of Fine Arts - 06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

    06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

    Palace Of Fine Arts

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    Cable Car Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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