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San Francisco Railway Museum, San Francisco, CA
MuseumsLocal GemHistory Buff

San Francisco Railway Museum

77 Steuart St · San Francisco, CA

Why you should go…

Run by the nonprofit Market Street Railway, this small museum on the Embarcadero tells the story of San Francisco's cable cars and historic streetcars, including the vintage fleet still running on the F-line. Exhibits and a gift shop sit steps from the F-line tracks, so visitors can step outside and ride the real thing. The organization also works to preserve the city's vintage rail fleet.

  • #streetcar
  • #cable car
  • #transit history
  • #museum
  • #embarcadero

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Francisco Railway Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    A major modern and contemporary art museum in downtown San Francisco with free admission on the first Thursday of every month.

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    Chinatown

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    Walk through the Dragon's Gate onto Grant Avenue for lantern-lined streets, temples, markets and dim sum parlors.

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    American Bookbinders Museum

    Under $25

    A hands-on San Francisco museum devoted to the history and craft of bookbinding, with working antique machines.

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