It's no secret that San Francisco isn't exactly the first thing that comes to mind when traveling to the USA. It's one of the top three cities with the highest living costs in America, and the thought of traveling to San Francisco can be pretty overwhelming for budget travelers.
However, all the iconic landmarks in San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Fishermen's Wharf, make it one of the must-visit places on your road trip to the west coast of the USA. The good news? All these places are also some of the cheapest things to do for fun in San Francisco!
You can also get this San Francisco CityPASS to get free entries to some of the top attractions in San Francisco, including the California Academy of Sciences or San Francisco Zoo.
Today we have Jess from Longest Bus Rides to share some of the best places to visit in San Francisco without breaking the bank… Including the best places to eat in San Francisco to start your foodie adventure in this expensive city. Let's dive in!
Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Francisco for Fun
There are many activities and scrumptious foods to be had on a budget in San Francisco, California.
The toll to drive across the Golden Gate bridge is more or less $10 and brings you to Hawk Hill for stunning views of the structure.
Of course, walking across the bridge is free, but be sure to bring a jacket at any time of year for the cold wind. And, maybe Karl the Fog (yes, the fogbank is named) will welcome you.
Golden Gate Bridge.
1. Enjoying the nature
All of the hiking and beaches in the city are 100% free of cost, and bus fare is super affordable. However, if you plan on parking a car, you should also plan on paying—rates vary by location, time of day and other factors, but you can expect to pay around $10 for 2 hours.
So, bring a picnic and enjoy. Be aware that the Pacific Ocean this far north is very cold and most people wear wet suits for surfing and swimming.
2. Visiting Fisherman's Wharf
A visit to Fisherman's Wharf is well worth your time. Observe the making of sourdough breat at Bouchon.
The huge plate glass of windows give an unobstructed view from the sidewalk. From there, walk to the Musée Méchanique for fun with the old fashioned coin operated games and machines (a machine for getting quarters is onsite).
I'd highly recommend trying the famous clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl from one of the many outdoor stands.
3. Watching a show at The Marsh Theater
If you enjoy shows, have a look at The Marsh Theater calendar for an inexpensive, yet high quality live performance. It's usually possible to find budget-friendly tickets. If you can't get one, there are also some free and cheap activities to consider in the surrounding areas.
Free activities include I Spy Tours, walking tiled stairways, and visiting Balmy Alley, which is covered in beautiful, and often political murals.
Also, Golden Gate Park is free to visit – and you can also consider visiting the museum as the entrance fee is pretty reasonable too. Many museums have a discounted Thursday night entry for adults only.
Alternatively, you can enter the gift shop at the De Young Museum, as the shop has a wonderful city view.
4. Indulging in some of the best food to eat in San Francisco
Foodwise, San Francisco has many wonderful bakeries, such as Tartine. It's one of the best places to eat in San Francisco, and for good reasons!
In Chinatown, the bakeries sell dumplings which can be taken to a nearby park for a picnic. The historic neighborhood is the oldest Chinatown in the USA, making it a great place to visit in San Francisco on a budget too. To enhance your experience, you can also join a walking tour to SF Chinatown to learn more about the area.
However, if you have a love for Mexican food, then you must visit a taqueria in the Mission Districts. Snacks, a light lunch, and tacos are pretty cheap to grab when traveling to San Francisco.
Ferry building, San Francisco.
Bi-rite and Humphrey Slocombe have great ice creams with original flavors. Foodies can explore the Ferry Building inside, and on Farmer's Market days on the outside, too. A fantastic variety of regional produce from peaches to olive oil is available for perusing and tasting.
Dynamo Donuts, San Francisco.
Cowgirl Creamery has scrumptious sandwiches for $10 and less. If you're looking for a great donut, sit on the garden at Dynamo Donut's Mission location.
Contributor: Jess from Longest Bus Rides
Jess absolutely loves travel. When traveling, she happily rushes out the door before dawn for her sunrise photography. She has traveled on 6 continents in a bout 30 countries, typically to places way off the beaten tourist track like Mongolian steppe, university towns in Poland or Myanmar recently opened areas.
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