This is the first entry in a short San Francisco photo series, exploring a few stops around the Bay Area coast and city.

San Francisco’s iconic cable cars aren’t just a mode of transportation; they’re a moving piece of the city’s history and a symbol of its enduring charm. On a recent trip, I rode the California and Van Ness line up to the well-known intersection of California and Stockton Streets, a location beloved by photographers for its striking view of the cable car tracks leading down the hill to the Bay Bridge. This particular spot is so popular for a simple reason: the view it offers is truly spectacular.

It’s not an easy shot to capture, but that’s part of the reward. To get the perfect frame, you need patience to wait for the ideal moment—when a cable car is at just the right point on the hill and the street is clear enough to show off its beautiful slope. Additionally, you’ll also need to dodge traffic and use caution, as cars can come up the street quickly.

With a zoom lens, you can capture the magic of the scene: the Bay Bridge framed at the end of the long, sloping street, creating a balanced composition that tells a perfect San Francisco story in a single frame. The long, straight line of the street, the iconic cable car, and the bridge in the distance all come together to create a truly unforgettable view.

Part of a San Francisco photo series — next up, Alcatraz.