Frugal Travel Tips for San Francisco

San Francisco is my favorite city that hugs the west coast. It is also one of the most expensive, especially for hotels. Luckily for the frugal traveler, many of the sights are free.

Note: When I first went to San Francisco (driving from Los Angeles), I was very surprised by the drop in temperature. Check the time before you arrive.

fisherman’s wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square cover approximately 6 blocks along the waterfront. This tourist destination offers great views of the famous Alcatraz, souvenir shopping, seafood vendors, and street performers. Some of the local “residents” include pelicans and sea lions. The souvenir for chocolate-loving moms? Ghirardelli chocolate. This is where it all started.

cable cars

While in Ghirardelli Square, take some photos at the Cable Car Turnaround (the end of one of the lines). The cable cars, the living monument of San Francisco, are a good rest for the tired.

Note: There are no transfers with cable cars. Each trip requires a new ticket.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is second in size in the US after New York City. It’s a great place to get cheap supplies and a cheap meal.

lombard street

Known as the crookedest street, Lombard is another one of those photo opportunities that tourists love. Downloading is free.

the golden gate bridge

Another famous and picturesque walk is to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day, the views are fantastic (and will make up for all the great Chinese food you’ll eat). This suspension bridge is just under 9,000 feet long, so plan your round trip accordingly.

Cable Car Museum

Do you love cable cars? Then visit the Cable Car Museum on Mason Street. Admission is free, and the museum deck overlooks the huge engines and winding wheels that pull the cables. Great photos can be taken on the old cable cars.

A city of different cultures, bordered by the sea, San Francisco has a perfect blend of historic attractions and modern sights. Many of them free.