The city of San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz Federal State Penitentiary. This scenic Pacific Coast city offers activities galore for those visiting on a tight budget. From cheap cable car rides to exploring San Francisco on bikes, and from sampling organic cheese and breads at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market to playing a reasonably priced round of golf at one of the most historic golf courses in the area, San Francisco has it all!
Explore the Parks
San Francisco offers some of the most picturesque free parks in the state of California. The magnificent 75,000-acre Golden Gate Park, located in the heart of the city, features free admission to its museums and gardens, including the Conservatory of Flowers, the De Young Museum of Art and the acclaimed Japanese Tea Garden. The California Academy of Sciences, offering free admission every third Wednesday of the month, opened in 2008 and houses the Kimball Natural History Museum, the Morrison Planetarium, the Steinhart Aquarium, and a four-story rainforest dome. Golden Gate Park also boasts numerous recreational activities including biking and skating, archery, fly-fishing on Stow Lake, tennis and a 9-hole public golf course located at the west end of the park.
Ride the Cable Cars
Purchase a reasonably priced day pass and explore all that San Francisco has to offer on a Powell-Hyde cable car. Ride to the bustling section of Chinatown or take a car down to the Marina for a waters-edge jog around the Golden Gate Promenade in the 28-acre Crissy Field. Head to The Haight section of San Francisco to the 36-acre Buena Vista Park for an afternoon hike on secluded trails surrounded by oak, pine, eucalyptus and Monterey cypress trees. While there, be sure to stop at Café du Soleil and sample some of the bakery's fresh organic breads and croissants.
Bike the City
Several trails and incredible views make the San Francisco Bay area a biking destination. Spend just a few minutes on a bike and you soon realize why this area is the birthplace of mountain biking. The city accommodates all skill levels, offering easy paved bike paths winding around the bay, shaded trails through the ancient redwoods and more strenuous climbs up the fire roads of Mount Tamalpais. Rent bikes and obtain maps and all necessary gear from Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals, who offer seven convenient rental locations throughout the city.
Visit the Market
The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, located at the foot of Market Street, is a California-certified farmers market operated by the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. The market houses restaurants, cafes, organic butchers, and fresh farm produce. Drop by the Cowgirl Creamery and purchase some tasty, handmade local organic cheese or enjoy an organic dim sum at the Imperial Tea Court. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Play Golf
Enjoy an inexpensive round of golf at the Golden Gate Park Golf Course. This cheap 9-hole course is open to the public and accommodates golfers of all ages and skill levels. Alternatively, opt to play the acclaimed 18-hole Presidio Golf Course. This public course, located on Arguello Boulevard past the historic Arguello Gates, was founded in 1885 and continues to be favored by locals and visiting golfers alike due to the superior grounds and reasonable greens fees.
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