Observations in Springtime

Tourism and San Francisco go together like bread and butter. With all the spectacular views the city has to offer and year-round mild weather, it's no wonder so many people flock here to visit. Even 111 years ago, taking a tour of the town was a popular activity among visitors and locals alike.
 

Open-Air Observation Streetcar in Panhandle | January 1904 U00098

Long before the double decker tour buses, amphibious vehicles full of people honking kazoos and the plethora of other kitschy tourist haulers, San Francisco had observation streetcars like this one, called the "Golden Gate." These open cars, nicknamed "Breezers" by the rail fan community, generally had no walls or side windows so that passengers had the full-immersion experience of the city, cold summer breezes and all.

This particular car was built in 1901 by the Market Street Railway Company right here in SF at the 28th and Valencia streets shop and had outward-facing seating for 72 passengers. After about 14 years of service in the tourism industry, the car was converted for use in regular passenger service.

Today, the closest you can get to an old-fashioned observation car tour is to catch a lucky ride on Muni's "Boat Tram" #228, which runs occasionally on warm sunny days along the F Line.  For a regular adult fare of $2.25 and youth fare of $0.75, the cost of taking a couple of hours to cruise down Market and the Embarcadero with the family is quite a bargain.  Be prepared to have your photo snapped by passersby as the boat car catches nearly everyone's attention when it's out and about.

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