Our San Francisco Railway Museum is picking up kudos from visitors and influencers alike.
We’ve been racking up five-star reviews on Google and Square of late. Chris Budd in late December wrote, “Great little museum and gift shop if you enjoy the history of the street car. The workers are VERY knowledgeable and happy to share.” Kyler Duvall’s review in November said, “Out of all the museums Ive been to, the people here were the most thorough. They knew a lot, have lived here a long time, and had been volunteering for just as long. A must for anyone who wants to know knowledge and history of the city, and almost exceedingly one of the most important organizations in history preservation.”
Many other recent reviews in that vein as well. Our staff and docents are consistently complemented for their friendliness and knowledge.
Our museum is also getting fresh accolades in the mainstream media.
Chronicle columnist Peter Hartlaub included the museum as one of “26 San Francisco things to do in 2026”, with the photo above by Jonah Reenders and this copy:
The San Francisco Railway Museum, located across from the Ferry Building on its own F-Line stop, has for years been my go-to place for last-minute gifts.
The museum includes historic photos and a replica of the motorman’s coach for a 1911 streetcar. But I keep returning for the great local merchandise, including transit books, San Francisco puzzles, hoodies, an incredible beanie collection and other oddities. (Who doesn’t want an “Information Gladly Given But Safety Requires Avoiding Unnecessary Conversation” T-shirt.) Stop by next time you’re near the Embarcadero.
Among Hartlaub’s other 25 “SF things to do” this year:
“Ride the cable car with the best views and the shortest lines”: in effect, seconding our nomination of the California Street line as well worth the time of visitors and residents alike, and “Take Muni’s best streetcar to the end of the line”: referring to the, er, N-Judah. Well, at least he called the N a STREETCAR line, which it is, instead of the consultant-concocted “light rail”. We’d pick the F (of course) and the J (for the climb over Dolores Heights and through Noe Valley) ahead of the N, but hey, man’s entitled to his opinion.
Here’s the link to Peter’s entire list (as subscribers, we can share it for 14 days, through January 18, after which it goes behind the Chronicle’s paywall again). All of it’s a worthwhile read, especially our beloved Sam’s Grill!
We thank Peter for his love of public transit and our museum. Stop by any Tuesday through Saturday from Noon – 5 pm to see for yourself. 77 Steuart Street, across from the Ferry Building (F-line Steuart Street stop, Embarcadero BART/Muni Metro station).
