The Historic F-Market Line | SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow’s City Guide
Welcome to an exploration of San Francisco’s vibrant culture and astonishing history. Each month, we’ll focus on a different San Francisco subject, uncovering the stories that have shaped the city’s character. This time around, it’s the historic streetcar F-Market Line. If you’re running the San Francisco Marathon and would like to learn more about the city, or if you’re traveling to the city with a runner and wish to create an itinerary for an awesome weekend, this column offers insights into what makes San Francisco a world-class city. Stay tuned for an exciting journey through San Francisco with new features and discoveries in every edition.
The Historic F-Market Line
Much has been written about Muni’s famous cable cars that climb San Francisco’s steep hills. A fascinating but less well-known component of Muni’s system is the F-Market & Wharves line, commonly referred to as the F-Market. This line runs along Market Street and the Embarcadero, connecting the Castro District to Fisherman’s Wharf.
I’m running a marathon here. Am I in Boston?
What sets the F-Market line apart is its collection of vintage streetcars from different cities around the world, each meticulously restored. These streetcars, some over 100 years old, offer a journey through some of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
San Francisco’s dedication to restoring and operating historic streetcars is evident in its work with the Market Street Railway, a nonprofit organization that assists in the preservation and maintenance of these vintage vehicles.
If you want to learn more about the work of this excellent organization, visit its Railway Museum at 77 Steuart Street, which is just a few hundred meters from the start and finish lines of the Marathon.
Ride the F-Market to the Marathon Expo
On Marathon weekend, you can ride the F-Market Line to the Expo at Fort Mason. There, you will pick up your bib for the race. Take the F-Market along the Embarcadero to the last stop at Jones Street and Beach Street, then walk the remaining 1 mile to the Expo. Halfway to the Expo, you’ll walk up the first steep hill. Enjoy this little preview; you’ll encounter it in the Marathon and the First Half Marathon. Your $3 ticket is good for 90 minutes of travel and transfers. Enjoy the ride!
Do you want to know what streetcars are out? you can find it on streetcar.live!
About Scott Benbow
Scott Benbow is a San Francisco Marathon Ambassador, attorney, nonprofit specialist, and passionate SFM runner. He lives in San Francisco and runs the hills of our incredibly beautiful city with us every year.
