A ride on the famous cable cars is a must in San Francisco, but there are plenty of other fun ways of getting around the city. The F-line streetcars are another vintage transportation system much loved by locals. Each of these colorful electric trolleys is different, with historic cars dating from the 1890s to the 1950s. They run 6 miles (10 km) each way, along Market Street from the Castro to the Embarcadero and on to Fisherman’s Wharf.
With Silicon Valley at its doorstep, it’s no wonder that there are also high-tech transportation options. Take a City Segway Tour and glide along the waterfront on your own super-cool personal transporter. The 3-hour tour takes in many historic sites. Or you can let a talking car be your guide – a GPS-guided GoCar, that is. You can rent these jolly three-wheeled, two-seater yellow convertibles by the hour, and choose from several free GPS tours.
If climbing the hills becomes too much of a strain, take to the air for a bird’s-eye view of the city with San Francisco Helicopters. Tours range from the 20-minute Vista Tour of the major city landmarks to a half-day tour which heads north for a delicious picnic lunch in Napa Valley.
You can also cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge. A bike path through Presidio National Park takes you along San Francisco Bay and safely across the 1¼-mile (2-km) bridge, allowing for photo stops. Blazing Saddles offers bike rentals, organized tours, self-guided tours, and maps and information on other popular routes throughout the city.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
F-line Streetcars 870 Market Street, Suite 803;
City Segway Tours 505 Beach Street, Suite 50;
GoCar Tours Fisherman’s Wharf, 2715 Hyde Street;
San Francisco Helicopters PO Box 280776;