Cable Cars, Chinatown, Chocolate, and a Few Unexpected Discoveries
Sunday morning, we woke to truly spectacular weather!
We wanted to spend the day exploring San Francisco, particularly the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf, and the heavens favored us.
Our hotel was just one block from Fisherman's Wharf, and after enjoying a wonderful breakfast (included in the hotel price!), we set off with full bellies and a backpack.
Now, I don't generally advocate carrying large bags or backpacks around a major city. They can be cumbersome, tiring, and potentially vulnerable to pickpockets.
But San Francisco is one place where I make an exception.
The city's famously changeable weather can require an extra layer of clothing—and sometimes even a change of shoes! 😂
We were also traveling on a budget this time, so we packed snacks for a charcuterie-style picnic and brought water bottles to stay hydrated.
Our first stop was Ghirardelli Square.
Ghirardelli Square
(No, no chocolate yet!)
We explored the area around the cable car terminus and wandered toward the waterfront. There was a charity swim taking place from Alcatraz to the beach near the Maritime Museum, so naturally, we stopped to cheer on some complete strangers.
We played in the sand a bit and explored the nearby park.
Barbary Coast Trail
We also discovered the beginning of the Barbary Coast Trail, a historic walking route connecting landmarks associated with San Francisco's colorful past, from the Gold Rush through the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.
Something to add to the list for a future visit!
Riding the Famous Cable Cars
Then it was time for one of San Francisco's most iconic experiences.
We purchased a three-day Muni Visitor Passport for around $30/person, which included unlimited rides on the cable cars, historic streetcars, and Muni buses. It was well worth the money! (download the App for maps and tickets)
And yes, they're cable cars, not trolleys. Locals will correct you. 😂
We arrived around 8:00 a.m., and there was almost nobody waiting.
Our conductor encouraged passengers to ride on the outside running boards, holding on securely, so naturally, we took advantage of the opportunity!
It was enormous fun.
There's something wonderful about exploring San Francisco aboard a piece of living history.
We hopped off whenever something caught our attention, including stops around Lombard Street and Chinatown.
Now, my sense of direction in San Francisco is notoriously terrible.
Fortunately, we managed to find the Cable Car Museum!
This is one of my favorite discoveries of the day.
The museum is free and offers a fascinating look at the machinery and history behind San Francisco's famous transportation system.
You can actually see the enormous machinery that keeps the cable cars moving.
There are historic cars, exhibits, and plenty of information about how the system works.
It's a wonderful little museum and an excellent opportunity to take a break from climbing San Francisco's hills.
Which, believe me, you'll appreciate. 😂
Chinatown — A Little Shopping and a Lot of History
After leaving the museum, we navigated those aforementioned hills toward Chinatown.
Despite my questionable sense of direction, we eventually arrived!
I hadn't spent much time in San Francisco's Chinatown since childhood, and while some things have changed, I still love the atmosphere. Chinatown is the oldest established Chinatown in North America, and you can see its deep historical roots reflected in the neighborhood's art and architecture.
The colorful storefronts, hanging lanterns, bustling sidewalks, and beautiful murals make this neighborhood a wonderful place to explore.
We wandered through gift shops, admired the street art, and enjoyed the sights.
I also purchased a fan to help combat the unexpectedly warm weather.
One small shopping tip: not everything advertised as a bargain actually is one.
Compare prices before buying!
The murals were particularly interesting, and we spent some time admiring the artwork before making our way back toward the cable cars.
Lombard Street — Those Hills!
Next came Lombard Street, famous for its winding, flower-lined section of roadway.
We walked down the stairs alongside the famous curves and then climbed back up to catch our cable car.
Was it a little strenuous?
Absolutely.
Was it worth it?
I think so!
My advice is to take your time, stop when you need to, and enjoy the views.
There's no prize for reaching the top first.
An Unexpected Discovery — The Museum of the Eye
After returning toward Ghirardelli Square, we stumbled across another unexpected gem: the Museum of the Eye.
And what a fascinating little place!
This free museum explores the history of ophthalmology, vision, and eye health through exhibits and interactive experiences.
There were even virtual reality activities!
My sister has always been interested in medical subjects, so this was right up her alley.
Some of the exhibits were a little advanced for my niece, but she enjoyed the interactive displays.
I love discovering places like this.
They're not necessarily the attractions that appear at the top of every tourist itinerary, but they can turn out to be some of the most memorable stops.
Fisherman's Wharf and Some Unexpected Friends
By this point, we were ready for lunch.
We stopped at the restaurant above Boudin at Fisherman's Wharf and enjoyed our meal with views of the waterfront.
Then we continued toward Pier 39, hoping to see the famous sea lions.
Unfortunately, there weren't many around that afternoon.
But we did find a few friends!
We noticed one sea lion that appeared to be injured and reported it to the appropriate authorities. We were assured that the animal would receive attention.
It was a reminder that these entertaining animals are still wildlife and deserve our respect and protection.
We continued exploring the waterfront, enjoying the shops, crowds, and general atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf.
Coit Tower and One Last Adventure
We finished our sightseeing at Coit Tower.
The tower sits high above the city on Telegraph Hill and offers wonderful views of San Francisco and the Bay.
We decided against paying the admission fee to go to the observation deck.
The views from the surrounding grounds were already spectacular!
Sometimes you don't need to pay for every experience to enjoy a destination.
We had hoped to visit the original Swensen's Ice Cream shop afterward. Unfortunately, parking was nowhere to be found.
So we changed plans.
Again. 😂
Instead, we drove down Lombard Street, experiencing its famous curves from an entirely different perspective.
And finally, we returned to Ghirardelli Square.
Remember how I said we hadn't had any chocolate yet?
Well, we fixed that.
Chocolate, ice cream, and a beautiful San Francisco evening.
Not a bad way to finish an adventure-filled day!
The Holly Abroad Way — A Few Things We Learned Today:
Start early: Popular attractions like the cable cars are much more enjoyable before the crowds arrive. Later in the day, we saw waits of more than 30 minutes at the terminus.
Bring layers: San Francisco weather can change dramatically throughout the day.
Wear comfortable shoes: Those hills are no joke, especially around Lombard Street and Chinatown.
Look for free attractions: The Cable Car Museum and Museum of the Eye were wonderful discoveries.
Don't overschedule: Leave room for unexpected stops, a leisurely lunch, or a change of plans.
Budget for transportation: Cable cars are wonderful, but individual fares can add up quickly.
A note for my plus-size girlies like me: San Francisco is a walking city—we covered eight miles today! Those hills can be brutal, but they're manageable if you take your time. Wear comfortable shoes, stop when you need to, and don't feel guilty about hopping on public transportation for a break. Travel at your own pace!
