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Cable Car Museum, San Francisco

4.6
#2 of 48 in Museums in San Francisco
Specialty Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum
A free museum, Cable Car Museum gives visitors a peek inside the history of cable cars. Several cable cars are on display, as well as a few exhibits. Be sure to check out the viewing platforms in the power station. After viewing the power station from above, descend into the cavern at the junction of Washington and Mason streets, where the cables are routed. The power station is the working hub of the cable cars and still maintains the daily runs. PutCable Car Museum into our San Francisco journey planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
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Cable Car Museum reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
3,707 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By Arstrazz
    Very interesting stop, especially after riding the cable cars. Admission is free and you get to see how all of the actual cables are working while running the cars. It is amazing to see the cables.....  more »
  • By Ready2Go200
    At the intersection of several lines, this museum is worth visiting. Not only will you learn about the history behind the cable cars, and see how they work, you will learn a little about the history....  more »
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Google
  • By Robert Bylls
    Very interesting! See the motors that pull the cable cars. Many diagrams describe how the system works. See models and full size cars. See the machine shop where repairs are made. Great way to spend an hour, then catch a cable car to the wharf or back to Market St.
  • By Beck Marquis
    The cable cars stop outside and it only takes 30-40 minutes to look around. The main feature is the spinning wheels continually pulling the cables around the city. There is a very clear explanation of how the cars are controlled- I really appreciated the work the guys running the cars do after the visit. Also an interesting information section about the earthquake and fight to stop the cars being abandoned. There is a nice gift shop. The visit made me appreciate what an impressive system the cars are.
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