A place like no other near San Francisco in California
San Francisco is famous for its iconic cable cars or trolleys that you’ve probably seen in TV shows, movies, or postcards. To truly experience the charm of this city, taking a ride on one of these is a must. The San Francisco cable car system is unique and holds the distinction of being the last of its kind in the United States. In fact, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark back in 1964.
The idea for the cable car came about after Andrew Smith Hallidie, an immigrant from England, witnessed a mishap involving a horse-drawn buggy struggling to climb a steep hill in San Francisco. Drawing inspiration from his father’s wire rope patent in England, Hallidie devised a transportation system using this technology. And so, in the late 1800s, the cable cars were brought to life.
Tourists in San Francisco are drawn to the cable cars, despite locals not using them much. With over 9 million visitors riding the cable cars annually, it’s evident why they’re so popular. Travelers had a fantastic time exploring the lively streets of San Francisco while riding the cable cars. Although there were occasional long queues, most visitors consider the wait well worth it and highly recommend this must-do activity. To avoid lengthy lines, some suggest boarding at one of the stops along the route instead of the starting point.