San Francisco Transportation Tips by goingsolo

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Cable cars are a big part of San Francisco's history and are much loved by the city. For these reasons, the cable cars remain in operation. Another reason why the cable cars keep operating is because every San Francisco tourist rides them at some point and pays a fare to do so, a fare that is more than twice the fare for the buses or streetcars.

Cable cars actually belong under things to do tips and not transportation because people ride them for something to do and not to get somewhere. The cable cars actually run to different destinations, but do so at such a slow pace that they can't really be considered a means of transportation. But, riding a cable car is one of those things you must do while in San Francisco.

The cable cars are so beloved that they have been designated as National Historic Landmarks. The sight of a car slowly ascending a steep hill with tourists clinging to the handrails and dangling precariously from the sides is another of the famous San Francisco sights to see. For those that are really, really interested in cable cars, there is a museum devoted to them, and its free. See Off the Beaten Path tips for more details.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Ferry service takes visitors from San Francisco across the bay. In addition to providing service to and from Alcatraz, the Blue and Gold Fleet also runs between Fisherman's Wharf and Sausalito. There is a separate ferry service between Market Street and Sausalito as well.

The ferries are a relatively inexpensive option for getting to these areas. The cost is around $7, one way (as of 2005). The cost of the ferry to Alcatraz is included with the ticket.

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Phone: 800-735-2922
Website: http://www.goldengateferry.org/