Excursion boats to the island leave from Fisherman's Wharf. San Francisco is the home of the cable car. The only system of its kind in the world, the cable cars are the only national monument that you can ride. Much easier than navigating the city's crooked, steep streets, the cable cars roll through town dropping off locals and showing visitors all the sights. Tickets are sold from machines at the terminals or from conductors along the way.
Maps are available at each cable car stop.
The 37 cable cars operate 6am to midnight daily. Keep an eye out for the many spectacular sights and vistas that will unfold before you as you explore San Francisco. Go to Twin Peaks in the center of San Francisco for a splendid 360-degree view of the San Francisco Bay Area.