San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities to live in the United States. It’s also one of the most expensive tourist spots in the United States, if not the world. Don’t worry though, armed with the right knowledge, you’ll be able to navigate your way through the streets on a shoestring budget. There are plenty of free and cheap options to select from. The city also has decent public transportation, so you can avoid the rental car fee.
Amazing things things to do
Perhaps the best place to go to is Twin Peaks. It’s two peaks standing 922 feet tall into the sky with fantastic views of the entire city. It was originally called “Los Pechos de la Choca” or the Breasts of the Maiden. The best part about Twin Peaks? It’s completely free! Just remember to bring a coat because it can get pretty chilly.
One of the hidden free gems of the Bay Area is Randall Museum. It’s an arts and science museum for children. Exhibits include a simulated habitat for live animals, wild urban animals section, model trains, natural disasters, and other various workshops. This museum is ideal for families with children since many of the exhibits include hands-on activities.
Many attractions have one free entrance day per month including San Francisco Zoo, Exploratorium, and California Academy of Science. The San Francisco Zoo is free on the first Wednesday of each month. It’s a small zoo encompassing 100 acres. There are close to one thousand animals living here including kangaroos, bears, eagles, lions, and penguins. The Exploratorium is also free on the first Wednesday of every month. It’s a hands-on science museum for children. Exhibits teach children about weather, memory, psychology, cells, living things, light, sound, and electronic gadgets. The competing California Academy of Science is free every third Wednesday. It’s slightly larger and is made up of three main exhibits: a planetarium, a rainforest, and an aquarium.
Get lost on Fisherman’s Wharf! Although many San Francisco natives avoid Fisherman’s Wharf and label it as a tourist trap, it’s still a fun place to go. Most of the attractions are heavily marketed towards visitors. But head on out towards the end of the pier for a free show. You’ll see dozens of sea lions sunbathing on the docks. If you’ve got a small budget to work with, consider renting a bicycle and taking it for a spin around the city. It’s fun to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. If you’re too tired to bike back, take the ferry across the bay and enjoy the views.