Subject: Re: San Francisco Cable Cars
I second Michele's comments--the Hyde ride is the one to take. The others are pretty dull in comparison (esp California). Everything in SF is relatively close, and unless you are traveling with 90-year-olds with back problems (last time, we took my husband's grandparents) it's an easy walk to the Wharf from the end of the line.

Another advantage of using the method Michele recommended--hopping the car at Union Square instead of at Market--is that you may end up on the outside of the car, hanging on--truly the only meaningful way to experience a cable car ride.

JoAnne in Silicon Valley