Traveling is medicine – a balm for your pain, a relaxant for the stress, and it rejuvenates you from the tired stupor of daily life. When people are feeling weighed down, the fresh air of a new place can do wonders. Travelling energizes you and makes you realize how wonderful the world is, especially if the place you are visiting is as full of beauty and culture as San Francisco.
If you have been itching to go on a trip to the bay area but fear for the dent in your bank account, we have got you! Whether for a day or a week, read on for a budget itinerary to the city of San Francisco.
VISITING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Yeah, I know. How utterly touristy. But honestly, it is one of those cheesy things that are worth it. And it’s free! Our tip? Go in the morning before 10 A.M. on a weekday before most of the tourists come in. Or, if you are blessed with clear skies, visit it during sunset time. The view of the setting sun over the ocean is magical.
A STROLL ALONG PIER 39
Another landmark in San Francisco, Pier 39 is filled with souvenir shops and eateries. But what is the pulling force of the pier is the sea lions and the views. Both are free. You can watch the adorable creatures just near you and also get amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz island. You can also stroll over from Pier 39 to the Fisherman’s Wharf as it is quite nearby.
LOTS OF MUSEUMS
Speaking of the Wharf, if you do end up going there be sure to check out many of its cool museums. The Cartoon Art Museum has an admission fee of only 10 dollars per adult. Then there is the Musée Mécanique which houses over 200 musical instruments and arcade games (which you can play for 1 dollar, btw) where admission is free. The de Young Museum and the San Francisco Maritime Museum grant free entry every Tuesday.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Yep, you read that right. No need to empty your pockets for some good music in San Francisco, a city for music lovers, you can find a host of free music festivals to attend here. The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival features over 100 musicians and several stages, every fall. Visiting San Francisco during the summer? Then check out Union Street Festival and the North Beach Festival. Alternatively, you can attend the Stern Grove Festival, which is a live concert, every Sunday and get a taste of the local talent.
WALKING TOURS OF SAN FRANCISCO
If you are more of a history aficionado, maybe join a walking tour by the San Francisco City Guides? The landmarks there have a story to tell. You will get to learn about the neighborhoods of the city, such as Westwood Park and Chinatown. Catch a glimpse of the city’s culture and history on these free tours.
WHERE TO STAY ON A BUDGET IN SAN FRANCISCO?
Now the question arises, how to find affordable accommodation? We have options for that as well. If you don’t mind sharing space, hostels in San Francisco are a great choice. They are about 30 dollars per night, give or take. Check out Music City Hotel and Hostel for vacancies.
But what about a one-day visit if San Francisco is just a layover to your destination? Since you’ll be out about most of the day, it’s going to be tiresome carrying your luggage bag around. But, booking a hotel room seems like such an unnecessary expenditure. Enter San Francisco luggage storage. You can keep your baggage in a safe space and explore the city.
Everything is secured in the San Francisco luggage storage outlets, and even the rates are also low. The Welcome Center at Pier 39 has free luggage storage. Even a few big hotels offer free luggage storage if they have space. Also, the San Francisco International Airport has a paid luggage storage facility available.
That’s all, folks! Hope you found the suggestions helpful for your budget trip to the City of the Golden Gate. Make some memories, click some pictures and enjoy this beauty of San Francisco.
