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Landmarks & Parks

Downtown Gateway

  Market St & Drumm St

Where the California Cable Car line ends, your journey at Downtown Gateway begins! Whether you're a first-time visitor eager to snap a photo that screams San Francisco, a commuter needing a moment to recharge, or a history buff tracing the cable car line’s deep legacy—this reimagined plaza is your front door to all things SF.

Where Heart Meets History

For generations, Robert Frost Plaza—the historic terminus of the California Cable Car line—has served as a connection point, but rarely a destination. Today, the Downtown Gateway project preserves this landmark’s legacy with dynamic elements that allow every visitor to connect with the heart and history of this iconic space.

Capture the Moment
At 7 feet tall and 16 feet wide, the 'Heart SF' sign is more than just a landmark; it's a love letter to our city. Inspired by Tony Bennett’s timeless ballad, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” this installation perfectly frames the parked cable cars at its center and serves as a defining symbol of civic pride, inviting everyone to fall in love with our city.
Explore the Line's Legacy
Beyond the bell, a rich story awaits. These fifteen plaques reveal the fascinating history of San Francisco's cable cars, connecting you to the very tracks that shaped our city. Use them as your unique guide to discover nearby cultural attractions, local businesses, and your next stop downtown!
Settle in & Stay Awhile
We've introduced flexible, modular seating and lush greenery to create a peaceful pocket of rest and relaxation amidst the city’s buzz. Soak up some sunshine, enjoy a quick meal, or kick back for some excellent people-watching! This is the perfect spot to recharge before tackling the rest of your day.

What's Nearby

There's so much more to experience in Downtown SF!

Restaurants

Cafe Terminus
16 California St
72 feet W
Ziggy's Burgers
21 Drumm St
165 feet NW
Coffee Bodega
1 California St
223 feet SW
Oasis Grill
91 Drumm St
292 feet NW

Shopping

Ruby's Old & New
1 Market Street
370 feet E
Nigella
388 Market St
804 feet SW
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
1 Ferry Building
1036 feet NE
Financial District ACE Hardware
140 Pine St
1041 feet SW

Parking

50 California Parking
129 Sacramento St
311 feet NW
550 California Street Parking Garage
633 Sacramento St
520 feet NW
333 Market Street Parking Garage
333 Market Street
827 feet SW
100 Pine St Parking Garage
100 Pine St
909 feet SW

Stewards of the Space

Downtown Gateway is a proud realization of DSFP's award-winning Public Realm Action Plan (PRAP), a comprehensive framework developed in partnership with SITELAB urban studio to activate downtown's public spaces, make downtown more pedestrian-friendly, and bring new energy and vibrancy to our streets.

Explore the Strategy