San Francisco is a great city filled with exciting activities to do for the whole family. The city is jam-packed with things to do that can take about a week if you want to explore them all. Not only that, but the city is very expensive and not conducive to a young traveler on a budget. Here are 5 tips on ensuring you a full San Francisco experience for little to no cost.
1. Driving/walking around
Parking in the city is extremely rare to find. If you do find it, be prepared to spend up to $40 for two hours if you are trying to park close to where you are going. There are parking garages, but they can be fairly expensive depending of the time of day, day of the week, and season you are trying to find the parking spot. You could Uber or Taxi, however, there may be an up-charge depending on the time of day or events going on that day. Though driving may take a while and you have to be comfortable driving in city streets, it gives you far more control on where you want to go and what you can see. This summer I drove around the city and I was able to experience and see far more in a shorter period of time than using a cab/uber.
It may also be cheaper to park somewhere for the day and walk around. Many of the tourist attractions are fairly close distances to one another so it's easy to get there by foot. If you have time to stay a few days, then you can visit each section of the city on a different day!
2. Visit TV Show/Movie Sites
San Francisco has been the setting for many popular TV shows and movies. Some of these include: That's So Raven, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Pursuit of Happiness, Full House, Sister Act 2, Inside Out, etc. (Well these are movies and shows that I have watched which is why I named them). But whatever your favorite show that is based out of San Francisco, it is more than likely free to visit the location. All you need to do is park your car, hop out, take a picture, and get back in the car! It's that quick, easy, and most importantly FREE!
3. The Piers!
There are about 40 piers in the San Francisco, but the most popular attractions are the odd numbered piers.
Ferry Building/ Pier 1 is an important hub for ferries around the bay to come in and dock. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the pier holds a Farmer's Market where you can get food and fresh produce. (Obviously not free but it's nice to visit!)
Pier 39 is the most popular of the piers. Filled with street shows, restaurants, MULTIPLE gift shops, and a huge Mary-Go-Round, there is something to do for the whole family! Walk to the end of the pier and you will see get a marvelous view of the bay along with the choir of hundreds of sea lions. There is a parking garage, however, parking is $10/hour with a maximum of $50/day on weekdays and $60 a day for weekends. So if you want to park somewhere else that's a little cheaper and then Uber to the piers, you can do that!
For more info activities and attractions on Pier 39, click the link!
https://www.inside-guide-to-san-francisco-tourism.com/pier-39-san-francisco.html
4. Fisherman's Wharf
From Pier 39 take a nice stroll due west on The Embarcadero, turn right on Taylor Street and you will run into the infamous Fisherman's Wharf. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions such as the wax museum and many art museums. It is a focal point of immigrant history in San Francisco where Chinese and Italian immigrants caught fish and crab as a living to provide for their families. To find out more info for the Fisherman's Wharf, click the link!
http://www.fishermanswharf.org/history.html
5. The Golden Gate Bridge
Of I have saved the best for last! The Golden Gate Bridge is the staple to ANY San Francisco, well California, visit! Built in 1937, this bridge has become a landmark in California. Spanning across 1.7 miles, it is a great way to see the beautiful San Francisco sky line, Alcatraz, and get your steps in for the day! There is a toll rate to get onto the bridge for about $8. There are numerous ways to get a great view of the bridge without stepping foot on it OR paying a toll. Here is a link to find out more!
https://www.sftodo.com/sanfrancisco/golden-gate-bridge/
Though I said 5 ways to visit The City fairly cheap, I will list some honorable mentions that are still cheap and fun to visit!
1. China Town and Japan Town - Super rich history of Chinese and Japanese immigrants. Plus you'll be able to find amazing authentic cuisine!
2. Golden Gate Park- Sitting on 1,017 acres, the park is 800 acres larger than New York's Central Park. There are recreation classes, a golf course, numerous restaurants and it's home to the Japanese Tea Garden.
3. The Painted Ladies- Located in Alamo Park, these Victorian style row houses have been landmarks to many TV shows and movies!
"Sorry" I don't have any super fancy photos of San Francisco. They are all taken on my phone and edited myself! hahaha But I hope this motivates you to visit this great city and that you can do so fairly cheap!
