San Francisco Cable Car Museum

About this activity

Established back in 1974, the San Francisco Cable Car Museum has been giving families and kids a fascinating time exploring part of the city's history ever since!

The museum is located in the historic Washington/Mason cable car barn and powerhouse, so the history starts the moment you step in the door!

Take a look from the museum deck, which overlooks the mechanisms working the cable cars with the huge engines and winding wheels, so from the start kids are presented with huge and exciting devices.

Downstairs, you can enjoy the viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line that is entering the building through the channel under the street.

On display are various mechanical devices used in the workings of the cable car, including track, grips, cables and tools. There is also a large collection of historic photos where kids can see all these devices in use!

What really stands out at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum are the three actual cable cars from the 1870s, one of which is the only surviving example from the world's first cable car company! Pretty amazing!

They also have much memorabilia in terms of literature, clothing and mechanical items like vintage cable car bells.

It's a trip through history at this fun museum in San Francisco. With FREE admission, it is a fun addition to your family day out exploring the city!