The Historic Hyde Powell Trolley | The Best Way To See San Francisco

“We went to spend a jolly hour on the trolley and lost our hearts instead,” is a line from the ‘trolley song’ starring Judy Garland in the film Meet Me In St. Louis. I had never been on a historic trolley before and riding the Hyde Powell Trolley in San Francisco was an amazing experience. I kept thinking of this song the entire ride round trip. San Francisco has countless trolleys, from all decades. Figuring out which one to ride took some research, which I have thankfully done for you.

While visiting San Francisco, you will want to check a trolley or cable car ride off of your list. Not only is it quintessential San Francisco, the trolleys are more than moving history. They are a beautiful and fun way for singles, couples, and families to view the city from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. At the airport over every trip, Matthew and I discuss our favorite experiences that we had during our travels. It is a fun way for us to appreciate what we have seen as we make our way home and a fun way to pass the time. We both agreed, the Hyde Powell Cable Car was tied at number one with viewing the Golden Gate Bridge at Battery Spencer.

The Hyde Powell Cable Car is the oldest running trolley in San Francisco. You can purchase tickets at the booth. To learn more about the times, prices, and lines; click on this link here. As of April 1st, all tickets must be purchased in advance, which you can buy right at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can find tickets at the booths at each end of the line. We got on at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you will find plenty of great places to eat, walk by the water over looking the Golden Gate Bridge, or stop into Ghiardelli’s for some delicious chocolate goodie bags.

The best time of the day to ride the Trolley is at opening time at 8 because the Trolley will be less crowded and you’ll have a lovely early morning view of the city. However, if you’re like us and you catch it right before sunset you’re still in for a treat. What we loved most about riding the cable car were the controlled trips up and down the tracks on the hills.

We took the trolley from the beginning to the end of the line, although you can hop off at any stop along the way. We made it to the end after the sun went down and walked around Union Square, an upscale and artsy city center where you can find any number of shops and places to eat.