and yeah it's annoying. But sometimes it is regulars on the route that the conductor knows have fastpasses.

I echo the votes for Haight St - lots of cafes, cheap restaurants, fun shops, close to the park (altho at that end it's full of homeless drunks) .

If you are more into art the new De Young in the park is pretty great - and if you just want to ride to the observation deck at the top it's free (but then you don't see any of the art)