Cable Car Crawl
Celebrate the Cable Car’s 150th anniversary. Take a cable car crawl and experience legendary businesses.

Tony Bennett once sang about the little cable cars climbing halfway to the stars, but did you know they’d been climbing those hills long before he stepped up to the mic? It’s true! First put into service by inventor Andrew S. Hallidie in 1873, San Francisco’s cable cars are celebrating their 150th anniversary this year—and we’ve got a fun way for you to join the party.
Stops Along the Cable Car Crawl
Visit these legendary San Francisco establishments along the cable car lines for unforgettable experiences.
Scoma’s Restaurant
Scoma’s Restaurant, family-owned since 1965, serves the freshest local seafood daily. Located on the waterfront in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, Scoma’s is just a short stroll from the Hyde Street Cable Car line.
Instagram Handle: @scomassf
Nearest Cable Car Stop: Hyde St. & Beach St.
The Buena Vista Cafe
First established in 1891 as The Buena Vista Saloon, The Buena Vista Cafe has been an enduring hub of hospitality at Fisherman’s Wharf, serving local workers, residents and visitors from around the world. As rich in history as the City itself, “The BV” is one of San Francisco’s longest continuously operating businesses, witnessing the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, surviving the Great Depression and Prohibition, as well as the ebb and flow of ever-changing eras. Its world-famous Irish coffee, introduced In 1952, became an instant favorite, complementing the hearty fare served at lunch, dinner and all-day breakfasts.
Instagram Handle: @thebuenavistasf
Nearest Cable Car Stop: Hyde St. & Beach St.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
Delightfully nostalgic, the iconic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar at the Fairmont San Francisco exudes atmosphere in spades. No wonder, since it was a Hollywood set designer who created the themed look and feel. Guests gather around a large central “lagoon,” once the hotel’s indoor swimming pool. Tropical rain, thunder and lightning storms blow through from time to time, while a band plays from a floating boat.
Instagram Handle: @tongaroom
Nearest Cable Car Stop: California St. & Powell St.
The Westin St. Francis
A stimulating fusion of current and classic San Francisco, The Westin St. Francis offers a timeless respite for the modern guest. Stunning original architecture dating back to 1904 is seamlessly blended with contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology throughout the 1,195 guest rooms and suites and 56,000 square feet of meeting space.
Instagram Handle: @westinstfr
Nearest Cable Car Stop: Powell St. & Geary St.
Share Your Crawl Photos
Snap a selfie or two at all the participating business and while riding on the cable car. Follow these legacy businesses and share the fun on social media using the following hashtags—#SFCableCarCrawl and #AlwaysSF— and tagging the participating establishments.