San Francisco is a popular stop for tourists and has a reputation for being a pricey place to vacation. However, it has many fun things to do that are cheap or even free, as well as lots of scenic places to hike and bike. When hunger hits, there are some surprisingly low-cost eateries where you can enjoy good food and get your dose of San Francisco sourdough bread.
Downtown
Put on your walking shoes and head downtown where the streets are lined with boutiques, secondhand book stores, historic buildings and many different types of restaurants. When your feet give out, hop on a cable car for an interesting experience. Head over to Union Park Square's art walk, where local artists and galleries display their works outdoors during the summer months. Stop by The Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown and sample a freshly baked cookie.
Hiking and Biking
Several parks in the area offer hiking and biking trails, including Golden Gate Park, which also offers paddle boating on Sloan Lake. Ride a bicycle across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge at no cost. You can rent a bike at Bay City Bike Rentals at the Fisherman's Wharf and take a guided tour or go on your own furnished with helmets and maps. While at Fisherman's Wharf, take a hike around to see musicians, dancers, magicians and caricature artists.
Beaches
A day at the beach for walking and relaxing is an inexpensive way to enjoy the beauty of San Francisco. China Beach offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is the only beach in the area safe for swimming. The beach is located in the exclusive Seacliff area, where you can stroll or enjoy a picnic. Baker Beach is a walking beach where many often go to watch the sunset, though it can be unsafe for swimming due to unpredictable rip tides.
Where to Eat
A trip to the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market is worth a detour where vendors sell fresh, organic locally grown produce along with cheeses, bread and meats great for a picnic at one of the many parks or the beach. The market is open Tuesday and Saturday. Chinatown has a variety of eateries to choose from where you will get a healthy dose of fresh vegetables at reasonable prices. The Mission District of San Francisco is well-known for El Farolito Restaurant serving excellent tacos and salsa verde at reasonable prices.
Tourist Spots
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has ongoing exhibits of contemporary artists and sculptors. Many of the museums in San Francisco offer free entry. Have a cup of coffee at their coffee bar with a sweet that has been artistically designed by one of their creative artist chefs. Take a city guide tour run by volunteers to see some of the hot spots, or take a trip to the Conservatory of Flowers to inhale the fragrant roses and a short boat trip across the bay to Sausalito to check out the boutiques and galleries.
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