What? No ice cream at Ghirardelli Square?
3
You missed out by not going to Alcatraz. It's worth the money.
2
We need to cut through tourist materialism. It becomes a form of greed.
1
I lived in SFO for 5 years BG (before Google) Actually Sausalito then Pacific Heights (should've stayed - SFO is way better than Boston but once one gets off the carousel than it's impossible to get back on, right?): service is sort of the same everywhere whether it's NYC or SFO or Montreal or Tangiers: if it's from someone who's not full of themselves then it's usually good. Not the vice versa.
3
Sorry, but this article, and the whole series of $1000 Day for $100, is so lame it's pathetic. I live in San Francisco and I can tell you this is the worst travel article about the City I have ever read.
6
@Maria Why?
@Maria The article centered around City Lights Bookstore in today's NYT is actually far worse.
One of may favorite free things is a walk on Macondray Lane. It's a pedestrian starred street that extends two blocks down a steep slope of Russian Hill. It's narrow and has a tree canopy, and at times flocks of green parakeets. The architecture ranges from classic Bay Area Mission Style mansions ( killler black trim against weathered shake) to deco and mid-century modern. The San Francisco Art Institute is nearby and has a Diego Rivera mural and usually one or more exhibits that are well curated and often times provocative. Then head to the base of Russian Hill in North Beach and enjoy City Lights Book and a modestly priced meal at one of the cafes nearby.
12
Past Sept, a Saturday spectacular day Blue cloudless skies fleet week,the whole day was a living postcard for my best bud and I. He lives in oakland I in Ft L,Fl, we were invited to a wedding on Angel Island, John's camping bud and his English partner,coffee and pastries on board the ferry, bright a bit chilly but perfect. The ceremony with prob 50-60 friends, cost? priceless and lots of tears, of joy and happiness also priceless.Back on mainland, coffee served by a waiter, friendly, engaging, fun to talk with. cost? who cared the three of us had a 1/2 hour of fun conversation. Found the stairway to Coit Tower, admired the houses and apartments on the way up and down, no charge.John called Lyft to see the Diego mural. Spectacular, No charge.What to do next? Bud said "lets go to the Mark Hopkins"..The hotel, lobby and guests wandering around were abso BEAUTIFUL.Went to top. A bit crowded,and then our day was made by a hostess comment.Said', You two men are the best looking men I've seated all afternoon, if you wait about 5-10 minutes I'll seat you at the best table in the room." And she did. Overlooking the bay,THE BRIDGE,1000's of boats on the water, and bud John said to me",Richard, today was the kind of day San Franciscans live for. A perfect picture postcard"cost ? drinks prob 25$ and I tipped outrageously, 20$ to the waitress and 20 to the hostess. Did I care, Nope. It was our perfect SanFrancisco day cost?, no idea
4
@richard tunney....I've had a few days like that in other places, and now , I'm painfully jealous of your experience in SF....thanks.
When I visit my daughter I always try to do one or more of the free City Guides walking tours, which run by the library, and are excellent. I took a trolley to Chinatown for a tour of Chinese Family Associations, tongs and gangs, which led us on a fascinating look at the history of intrigue in back alleys. When the tour ended, my lunch was a delicious pork bun from the AA Bakery, eaten sitting on a park bench at Portsmouth Square, the center of the largest Chinatown outside China- listening to two men practicing Chinese instruments, while Chinese grandmothers gossiped, and groups of men played Chinese Chess. No tourists in sight.
3
To enjoy and know San Francisco, use local trams and buses but mostly walk it, stopping along the way as things interests you. Try the Embarcadero from the Ferry Building to Ghirardelli Square and back downtown through what's left of Italian North beach and on Grant Ave through Chinatown. Probably the best walk of all and easy to do in a half day. Take the bus from downtown on Geary and ride out to the beach and walk back through Golden Gate Park. Head to the Presidio, and just before its gates and walk around the Palace of Fine Arts and into the old Army base with its history and things like the Disney Museum and its shoreline park It's a very small city, and it's easy to orient oneself on its peninsula. Cheap eats in abundance everywhere. Light jacket, cap, minimal backpack and free local maps and pamphlets. No concierge needed. Off you go!
7
An ABSOLUTE MUST before visiting "The City" is a copy of Café Life San Francisco by Joe Wolff.
"San Francisco, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, is one of the best cities in the world for finding a fine neighborhood café to sit down in with a notebook (or a netbook) and a steaming mocha and artisan pastry. Explore all the neighborhoods of San Francisco-from the Mission to North Beach, from downtown to just north of the city, over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin-through its homegrown cafés."
"San Francisco, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, is one of the best cities in the world for finding a fine neighborhood café to sit down in with a notebook (or a netbook) and a steaming mocha and artisan pastry. Explore all the neighborhoods of San Francisco-from the Mission to North Beach, from downtown to just north of the city, over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin-through its homegrown cafés."
1
I liked this article and think many of the comments offer additional great insights and ideas. One thing that struck me was Lucas's representation of the free City Guides walking tour as "free." While there is no price for admission, my understanding is that the guides leading these types of tours depend on tips from participants. So it's more like "pay what you can." And if you have $100 for a day in SF, I hope you'll give at least $5 or $10 to the person showing you around.
4
Walk the coastal trail of Lands End national park to the ruins of the Sutro Bath houses. This has some of the most breath taking views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. http://bahiker.com/sfhikes/landsend.html
3
Purisima Creek Redwoods, 30 min. south of the city, 1-2miles south of 92 on 35 is a fantastic alternative to crowded Muir Woods. From the ridge line you descend into the forest. A healthy 3-hour loop runs through deep redwood forest and along a gurgling creek. Muir Woods is Redwood Disneyland.
Chinese pastries--made as cheaply as possible and greasy. Try the rice porridge (if you are not a food whimp) --authentic, inexpensive, delicious.
Tartine--ok great food but annoyingly smug. Many avoid it just on principle. Arizmendi's on 9th. avenue, a block and a half from the botanical garden, is the place for scones, coffee, pizza, breads. Excellent food. No nonsense service.
Take a walk on ocean beach.
Go to the top of Twin peaks and watch the sun rise.
If it's raining, fantastic--that's when to visit the Japanese Tea Garden. Fewer people and you can enjoy a cup of tea and zen snacks while enjoying the view of the garden, listening to droplets falling on the goldfish pools.
The ferry is a great idea--and though the Saturday farmer's market at the ferry building is a bit pricely, there are still many things there not to be missed, kumamotos with hog wash, fish tacos, italian cream puffs, baby arugula and fresh mushrooms are a few of the treats that come to mind.
Chinese pastries--made as cheaply as possible and greasy. Try the rice porridge (if you are not a food whimp) --authentic, inexpensive, delicious.
Tartine--ok great food but annoyingly smug. Many avoid it just on principle. Arizmendi's on 9th. avenue, a block and a half from the botanical garden, is the place for scones, coffee, pizza, breads. Excellent food. No nonsense service.
Take a walk on ocean beach.
Go to the top of Twin peaks and watch the sun rise.
If it's raining, fantastic--that's when to visit the Japanese Tea Garden. Fewer people and you can enjoy a cup of tea and zen snacks while enjoying the view of the garden, listening to droplets falling on the goldfish pools.
The ferry is a great idea--and though the Saturday farmer's market at the ferry building is a bit pricely, there are still many things there not to be missed, kumamotos with hog wash, fish tacos, italian cream puffs, baby arugula and fresh mushrooms are a few of the treats that come to mind.
6
REALITY: most of the frugal places require two or more people since they are not safe to visit alone
5
That`s a sad thing to hear.I don`t doubt your words.....it`s just sad to hear that.
1
Really? There isn't one site mentioned in the article that is remotely dangerous. Please provide an example ...!
8
I've lived next to the De Young Museum the past 9yrs and have known about the tower being free until 4:30pm when it closes and free admission every 1st Tuesday of the month. Never heard of it being free after 4:30pm. If you check Yelp, the last time anyone mentioned free admission after 4:30pm was in 2006.
Since I walk through Golden Gate Park every evening, I stopped by at 4:40pm and asked the information desk if admission was free after 4:30pm. The 2 people at the information desk were really confused and never heard of such thing. They asked the 3 people at the member desk and those people never heard of it. I asked the 3 people at the ticket desk and they said you most definitely need to purchase a ticket until the museum closes. People were still in line purchasing tickets.
Fortunately I live right by the museum and wasn't affected by this misinformation, but I can imagine a large family on a budget planning an SF trip would be sorely disappointed to find out they can't just show up at 4:30 and get in free. I suspect Lucas either got in free during a special event or didn't actually do this itinerary and based it off information from 10yrs ago.
Another piece of questionable information is his calculation at AA bakery. Every item he lists is actually $0.90-$1.90 at the bakery, meaning you could only get 3 small pastries + coffee for $4.10. How can 2 people get full from sharing 3 small pastries? That doesn't compare to a full breakfast anywhere.
Since I walk through Golden Gate Park every evening, I stopped by at 4:40pm and asked the information desk if admission was free after 4:30pm. The 2 people at the information desk were really confused and never heard of such thing. They asked the 3 people at the member desk and those people never heard of it. I asked the 3 people at the ticket desk and they said you most definitely need to purchase a ticket until the museum closes. People were still in line purchasing tickets.
Fortunately I live right by the museum and wasn't affected by this misinformation, but I can imagine a large family on a budget planning an SF trip would be sorely disappointed to find out they can't just show up at 4:30 and get in free. I suspect Lucas either got in free during a special event or didn't actually do this itinerary and based it off information from 10yrs ago.
Another piece of questionable information is his calculation at AA bakery. Every item he lists is actually $0.90-$1.90 at the bakery, meaning you could only get 3 small pastries + coffee for $4.10. How can 2 people get full from sharing 3 small pastries? That doesn't compare to a full breakfast anywhere.
9
Well, he may have told the guard he was a journalist doing a frugal travel story and gotten in that way. But, after the story's being published here about free admission after 4:30, I bet there will be lots of people trying to do so.
I do hope he really did this itinerary and did not cheat by doing only some and only writing about the other portion. But, I think there is variation in what amount of food fills some people up vs. others, maybe we are all too used to big portions or maybe he is a little guy with a small appetite. (;
I do hope he really did this itinerary and did not cheat by doing only some and only writing about the other portion. But, I think there is variation in what amount of food fills some people up vs. others, maybe we are all too used to big portions or maybe he is a little guy with a small appetite. (;
3
Great! I really needed this, thanks guys.
I've been going to San Francisco for a week every year since 2010 for the wonderful (and free, thanks to the benevolence of Warren Hellman) HSB festival in Golden Gate Park. I've always been a thrifty traveler. I second ijive's recommendation of the Land's End trail. I'd also suggest hiking through the aromatic eucalyptus forest in the Interior Greenbelt. And, of course, walk anywhere in Golden Gate Park. I highly recommend Adah Bakalinsky's book Stairway Walks in San Francisco. My favorite stairways: Filbert Steps, Lyon St. Steps, Vulcan Stairs and the two beautiful tiled stairs in Golden Gate Heights. I always get the 7-day Muni pass, a great deal since it's good for the pricey cable cars (which I never tire of riding.) My favorite place for breakfast is the Duboce Park Cafe. I love their outdoor seating area. Two great cheap places for breakfast: Howard's Cafe at 9th & Irving and Eddie's Cafe on Divisadero. My favorite budget sandwich: the banh mi at Saigon Sandwich. Favorite margaritas baratas: happy hour at La Rondalla in the Mission. I haven't been to Bi-Rite for ice cream yet...i'm going this year. Go to the Cable Car museum to see the cables spin around the massive pulleys and appreciate the engineering (and it's free.) Go see the murals at Coit Tower (also free.) Walk the labyrinth outside Grace Cathedral, check out the beautiful Garden Court at the Palace Hotel, and visit the Palace of Fine Arts..all free (the Court is free for viewing, not eating.)
9
It's been twenty years since I lived in the Bay Area. One of my Sunday favorites was brunch at the Alta Mira in Sausalito. When the fog lifts there's a beautiful view of the bay/city and the service and food were great.
4
Using BART to get from the Embarcadero to Mission is a poor example.
We have another underground / overground system, the Metro, which can get you from Embarcadero to Mission (J line), or very close on all the other lines (stopping at Van Ness & Market), and that $20 pass allows you to use this system if you board at the front of the train.
It's the best way to get to the ocean from downtown without driving.
A better example of where BART is useful is as a cheap ride from SFO or as a means of visiting Oakland or Berkeley.
We have another underground / overground system, the Metro, which can get you from Embarcadero to Mission (J line), or very close on all the other lines (stopping at Van Ness & Market), and that $20 pass allows you to use this system if you board at the front of the train.
It's the best way to get to the ocean from downtown without driving.
A better example of where BART is useful is as a cheap ride from SFO or as a means of visiting Oakland or Berkeley.
4
First of all, several articles in, it appears that Lucas Peterson is doing well at filling the shoes of longtime Frugal Traveler Seth Kugel. Congrats!
I like a lot of these ideas, though for me the cable cars are more idyllic in concept than in reality. They are totally filled with just tourists, and once they become full, you have to fight to see out of them onto the streets. On the other hand, the Cable Car museum is free and well worth a visit for all ages.
I also think that $20 for a day pass sounds very expensive, unless you really want to ride each of the four cable car lines. I think the Clipper Card is a better idea: It's a re-loadable, pay-as-you-go transit card that covers a laundry list of SF area transit, including BART, Muni, and the cable cars.
I kind of felt sorry for Mr. Wolfe, since some of the suggestions he made were really wonderful, and I don't think you can substitute a Kobe steak for a McDonalds hamburger. The redwoods are spectacular and not to be missed. There are tour companies that take you to Muir Woods, dropping you off in Sausalito on the way back, if you desire. While not cheap, it's a lot cheaper than a private car, but you avoid the serious lack of parking and walking quite far just to enter the park.
I like a lot of these ideas, though for me the cable cars are more idyllic in concept than in reality. They are totally filled with just tourists, and once they become full, you have to fight to see out of them onto the streets. On the other hand, the Cable Car museum is free and well worth a visit for all ages.
I also think that $20 for a day pass sounds very expensive, unless you really want to ride each of the four cable car lines. I think the Clipper Card is a better idea: It's a re-loadable, pay-as-you-go transit card that covers a laundry list of SF area transit, including BART, Muni, and the cable cars.
I kind of felt sorry for Mr. Wolfe, since some of the suggestions he made were really wonderful, and I don't think you can substitute a Kobe steak for a McDonalds hamburger. The redwoods are spectacular and not to be missed. There are tour companies that take you to Muir Woods, dropping you off in Sausalito on the way back, if you desire. While not cheap, it's a lot cheaper than a private car, but you avoid the serious lack of parking and walking quite far just to enter the park.
4
I agree with another poster that this is not a realistic itinerary for one day, particularly if taking public transportation. I also agree that taking a ferry to Sausalito would be a better choice. It would have given you great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Perhaps next time the Frugal Traveler could highlight more of the wonderful free activities in San Francisco, including walking the Land's End Trail, visiting Marshall Beach, the numerous City Walks (mentioned in the article), wandering the less touristy streets of Chinatown, visiting a farmer's market, running along the beach at Chrissy Field, etc.
8
Thank you for this enjoyable and informative article. A few additions: If you're in the Mission and it's a sunny beautiful day, tour the 18th century Mission Dolores church and graveyard (next to Mission Dolores park). You will see a ceiling and fresco painted by the native Ohlone people, and the garden is beautiful. If you're in Oakland, make some time to check out the Oakland Museum, a sleeper that is easily the most enjoyable museum in the Bay Area. If they don't have a special art exhibit, the permanent collection has some interesting bits about Bay Area social life and history. Also, if you have access to a car or bus, a hike up Mt. Tam (instead of Muir Woods) is exhilarating.
4
We Uber-shared several trips during our recent week in San Francisco and I would say that those 'Uber conversations' with fellow passengers were definite highlights of our trip. We took the harbor cruise for $15 with one of the barker-bid boats anchoring between Ghirardelli's and Fisherman's Wharf - great views & great fun, too. Muir Woods is a must - though people driving had to park a very, very lengthy hike away. The library sponsors many walking tours in different parts of the city throughout the week - totally free.
2
The San Francisco - Oakland ferry is not the best call. Why go to Oakland just to turn around and go back? Pay only $12 RT with a Clipper card (easily purchased at the ferry terminal or any Walgreens) to take the ferry to Sausalito, where you will find stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. For lunch, take a leisurely stroll over to the waterfront delicatessen Venice Gourmet, where a sandwich or clam chowder bowl will cost you under $10. Grab a cone of Lappert's Ice Cream for the ferry journey back to San Francisco, and then proceed with the original itinerary.
This article has a lot of good recommendations, but I am doubtful that the author did all of these things in one day. The itinerary is jam-packed and the recommended activities are very far away from each other, especially considering the intent to rely on Muni which is not the most dependable form of transit. The ferry journey to either destination takes a minimum of 30 minutes, and really closer to an hour each way once you consider needing to buy tickets, lining up, boarding and getting settled on the boat before departure. It would take at least 48 minutes to get to Stowe Lake from the Ferry Building, and that is assuming that Muni is on time and there is no traffic.
Anyone would be absolutely exhausted by the end of this itinerary.
This article has a lot of good recommendations, but I am doubtful that the author did all of these things in one day. The itinerary is jam-packed and the recommended activities are very far away from each other, especially considering the intent to rely on Muni which is not the most dependable form of transit. The ferry journey to either destination takes a minimum of 30 minutes, and really closer to an hour each way once you consider needing to buy tickets, lining up, boarding and getting settled on the boat before departure. It would take at least 48 minutes to get to Stowe Lake from the Ferry Building, and that is assuming that Muni is on time and there is no traffic.
Anyone would be absolutely exhausted by the end of this itinerary.
38
Briliant budget turnaround, Mr. Frugal. Consider your Bay Area passport stamped!
Thanks for a great articlle about my birthplace! I love the frugal tour much more than the $1000 one. Since you were at Tartine and willing to stand in line, you should have gone across the street to stand in line yet again for the amazing Bi-Rite Market ice cream cones!
8
My wfie and I do San Francisco at a lot less than $100 per day. We can buy a weekly pass for 27 (senior price). We buy a box of cereal, milk and fruit, and eat breakfast in our room. For lunch we buy various items to carry along, and eat in the parks, For supper we purchase take away, and eat outside or in our room. Of course by that time we are rather exahusted,and do not have the energy to go out to eat. There are many free activities a person can attend, that plus being outside and wandering is what San Francisco is all about. A walk across the Golden Gate bridge, and then taking the ferry back is an inexpensive trip.
8
A few more free/cheap suggestions -
1. Hike from the Cliff House along the Land's End trail
2. Visit Musée Méchanique at Pier 45
3. Check out the huge Diego Rivera mural at City College of SF
4. Sun yourself (with the hipsters) in Dolores Park with some Bi-Rite ice cream
5. Get burritos at Farolito, La Taqueria or Pancho Villa
1. Hike from the Cliff House along the Land's End trail
2. Visit Musée Méchanique at Pier 45
3. Check out the huge Diego Rivera mural at City College of SF
4. Sun yourself (with the hipsters) in Dolores Park with some Bi-Rite ice cream
5. Get burritos at Farolito, La Taqueria or Pancho Villa
11
the Buenavista for an Irish coffee and breakfast on a foggy morning is what I loved best in sf when I lived there 40 years ago- but $40 ??? No wonder people pass it up when I send them there!
2
Fun read and some useful information for this SF native now living on the East Coast.
Maybe because I was always pretty poor when I lived there, the idea of even spending $100 seems the opposite of frugal. So here are some of my tips:
- Simple Pleasures on Balboa - get a Russian tea cake and a cuppa joe. Sit for hours and read one of the dusty books or play a game with regulars (under $4)
- Sit in the empty sheets of the Bandshell at Golden Gate park and muse. (free)
- Walk along the shore at Ocean Beach (free)
- Louis' for chili or a grilled cheese sandwich (under $10) - right near the Cliff House but so much cheaper!
- sit in Washington Square and strike up a conversation with an Italian American, especially someone who's lived in the hood since they were young (priceless)
- Giorgio's Pizzeria on Clement for a really delicious pepperoni pizza (under $15, under $25 with wine)
- Walk up Clement and hit: Goodwill (I got two retro mugs for .75/ea, in turquoise and lemon); any number of cool Chinese markets (backscratcher - $1.00)
San Francisco is not expensive if you know where to look. Enjoy the beauty! Throw a frisbee at the Marina Green. Save your pennies for some good Irish Coffees.
Maybe because I was always pretty poor when I lived there, the idea of even spending $100 seems the opposite of frugal. So here are some of my tips:
- Simple Pleasures on Balboa - get a Russian tea cake and a cuppa joe. Sit for hours and read one of the dusty books or play a game with regulars (under $4)
- Sit in the empty sheets of the Bandshell at Golden Gate park and muse. (free)
- Walk along the shore at Ocean Beach (free)
- Louis' for chili or a grilled cheese sandwich (under $10) - right near the Cliff House but so much cheaper!
- sit in Washington Square and strike up a conversation with an Italian American, especially someone who's lived in the hood since they were young (priceless)
- Giorgio's Pizzeria on Clement for a really delicious pepperoni pizza (under $15, under $25 with wine)
- Walk up Clement and hit: Goodwill (I got two retro mugs for .75/ea, in turquoise and lemon); any number of cool Chinese markets (backscratcher - $1.00)
San Francisco is not expensive if you know where to look. Enjoy the beauty! Throw a frisbee at the Marina Green. Save your pennies for some good Irish Coffees.
17
Great stuff! Thank you.
Be warned. Muir woods on a weekend is a total tourist trap. There are literally thousands of better ways to experience nature in Marin co. than to drive around that lot all day looking for a spot. If you must do it, take the shuttle.
20
For me the Buena Vista is a place more for a pre-dinner drink on a foggy evening, where you can't see out the window, it's so thick. If you're stuck with a warm sunny day, the SF Aquatic park is nearby, where the hardiest of SF swimmers battle hypothermia with freestyle sprints across the protected lagoon.
A bit further West along the Marina, is Greens Restaurant, an iconic vegetarian restaurant, with a glass wall overlooking the yacht harbor and the GG Bridge. It's possible to get their food to go and eat out on the Marina Green, if the prices are too high for you. Buy a good bottle of California wine from the Safeway you can see from Greens.
A bit further West along the Marina, is Greens Restaurant, an iconic vegetarian restaurant, with a glass wall overlooking the yacht harbor and the GG Bridge. It's possible to get their food to go and eat out on the Marina Green, if the prices are too high for you. Buy a good bottle of California wine from the Safeway you can see from Greens.
10
Maybe this is for Day 2, but if you do get to Sausalito don't miss the Bay Model. This cavernous building houses a 1:1000 scale working model of the Bay and its tributaries. Built in 1957 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to study the effects of a proposed dam project (which was then rejected as the result of the tests). FREE and open Tues thru Sat. http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/BayModelVisitorCenter....
33
My SF kids and I discovered the Bay Model by accident one day. It still has its uses as shown by the Mythbusters in the episode in which they attempt to replicate a famous escape from Alcatraz.
2
This column might have merit for offering people travel ideas on either end of the economic spectrum but I don't get the point of a "$1,000 day for $100."
What the author is doing for $100 is different from what $1,000 would buy him so why conflate the two?
What the author is doing for $100 is different from what $1,000 would buy him so why conflate the two?
33
Exactly but there were similar stories by a previous Frugal Traveler. And a big portion of the $1000 day is for a privately chauffeured car.
I think you’re both missing the point - having a comparison is a great twist to the story and is not conflating the two itineraries.
1
The title is kind of misleading, actually you can get much less for better itinerary( $5 to $20).
$2.25 for Muni ride 3 hours or more.( just check ticket timing, backdoor boarding is allowed, and Muni is more focused on safety, not fare inspecting), take full route of #43 and #48 to look at hidden treasures on hill and valley side of the city( Marina, Presidio, Pacific height, West portal, Noe valley, Mission, Excelsior,..)
$2.25 for Muni #76 from downtown to Marin headland( most breathtaking view of Golden Gate Bridge) and Bonita lighthouse,Rodeo beach.( weekend only)
$5.00 round trip for Golden gate transit #66 from Marin city or Ferry Sausalito to Muir Wood( weekend only), $6.00 clipper fare from SF ferry building to Sausalito with 2 bridge and Alcatraz close view.
$2.10 for 3 dim sum in Chinatown, enough for rush tourist with tight schedule and limited fund.
If you are first time visitor, just $2.25 Muni ticket from downtown #30 to go though China town, North beach and Fishman's wharf, then #28 to go the Palace of fine art, GG bridge and GG park, transfer #7 back downtown passing Haight-Ashbury.
If you are frugal traveler from east coast, take Spirit $34 from New York( LGA) to Chicago( ORD), then Frontier $64 from Chicago( ORD) to SFO. If you prefer nonstop flight, JetBlue $126 to $149 from New York( JFK) to SFO, all are one way ticket, wide open date available.
$2.25 for Muni ride 3 hours or more.( just check ticket timing, backdoor boarding is allowed, and Muni is more focused on safety, not fare inspecting), take full route of #43 and #48 to look at hidden treasures on hill and valley side of the city( Marina, Presidio, Pacific height, West portal, Noe valley, Mission, Excelsior,..)
$2.25 for Muni #76 from downtown to Marin headland( most breathtaking view of Golden Gate Bridge) and Bonita lighthouse,Rodeo beach.( weekend only)
$5.00 round trip for Golden gate transit #66 from Marin city or Ferry Sausalito to Muir Wood( weekend only), $6.00 clipper fare from SF ferry building to Sausalito with 2 bridge and Alcatraz close view.
$2.10 for 3 dim sum in Chinatown, enough for rush tourist with tight schedule and limited fund.
If you are first time visitor, just $2.25 Muni ticket from downtown #30 to go though China town, North beach and Fishman's wharf, then #28 to go the Palace of fine art, GG bridge and GG park, transfer #7 back downtown passing Haight-Ashbury.
If you are frugal traveler from east coast, take Spirit $34 from New York( LGA) to Chicago( ORD), then Frontier $64 from Chicago( ORD) to SFO. If you prefer nonstop flight, JetBlue $126 to $149 from New York( JFK) to SFO, all are one way ticket, wide open date available.
19
Those are all great tips - except, please DO pay attention to the time you have on your MUNI bus/metro transfer (for those paying cash). Fare inspection is indeed very lax but if you're caught without valid "proof of payment" - even if you're innocent (service delays, etc.) - your fine will be at least $100 and you'll be treated like a criminal. If you're about to run out of time on your transfer and need to ride awhile longer, pay again. And save both transfers. Most of all, enjoy the Bay Area while you're here, and thank you for visiting.
12
Sausalito is beautiful, warm, and sunny. San Francisco is too cold and damp exactly as the song says. Bring a warm coat and wool outfit or two any time you head out there.
9
San Fran was 90 yesterday. With climate change, it may be time to chuckle, or gasp in horror, at Mark Twain's famous quote.
2
Unfortunately, that climate report is changing, thanks to the human race.
1
Thanks! I've got my $100 and I'm ready to go. Nothing beats a day exploring a great city.
3
Great column -- thanks!
5
Perfect. I'd always prefer those inventive experiences anyway. Thanks for the good article.
6
There are cheaper ways to get to the redwoods in Marin County than private car, and it seems a shame to deny a walk under redwoods to someone who has never seen them (and may never have another chance). But if Muir Woods is out of the question, at least take advantage of the fact that redwoods grow in many spots in GG Park. I recommend the Arboretum for redwoods and much more. Also, I hesitate to call the bison "wildlife." Even the raccoons at North Lake (also GGP) are wilder. N. Lake also has great waterbirds: coots, grebes (nesting in plain sight!), great blue herons, egrets, red-shouldered and red-tailed hawks. And red-winged blackbirds in the reeds. There are owls across the street from the bison, and Strawberry Hill in the middle of Stow Lake also has hawks and owls, as well as songbirds.
22
Clever concept, thanks Mr. Peterson.
3
yo - my first memory of SF on a bus tour was up the hill - a cheap Chinese eatery where the smoke flavour from the wok was delicious - mmm !
then of course Golden Gate Park, etc.
then of course Golden Gate Park, etc.
3
While at the De Young missed the best view of the city in the city: atop the tower of the De Young. Free. 360 degrees. Windows from floor to ceiling.
44
Better get to Doc's Clock while you can, as it's losing it's lease and will close in mid-2017. It is one of a string of San Francisco dive bars that have closed in the wake of an out-of-control real estate market.
26
Anyone who has rich techie friends who have ruined the rentability and small business-ability of SF
to do something to save these things they came here for and claim to love so much, but are just letting slide down the tubes.
Bah.
to do something to save these things they came here for and claim to love so much, but are just letting slide down the tubes.
Bah.
3
Same with NYC, especially Mahattan and parts of Brooklyn.
1
When I go on vacation, I do not want to have to shove my way past people to eat breakfast, wait in giant lines to get a sandwich to go, and eat in a park, or go to dive bars. I do think I would take the ferry ride,though..
9
Well, in your case, bring a bigger wallet.
2
Ferry ride to Sausalito (or Tiburon) rules.
1
Instead of shoving your way past people to eat breakfast, why not talk with them while you stand in line? Half the joy of being anyplace new (or old, come to think of it) is talking with people who live there, or who are visiting. Be open to listening and learning and making new friends ... you might actually find yourself enjoying it!
5
You do not have to eat breakfast at the Buena Vista, but a visit to San Francisco without a morning Irish coffee at the BV is not complete. A must. Sitting at the bar sipping one of those delicious coffees, watching the expert bartenders, and listening to the fog horns (if you're lucky) is a beautiful thing.
21
this is informative, but what about adding scale/frugal accommodation suggestions to this?
8
@gus
Dunno if it is frugal enough,but love the old Marina Motel. Some rooms have kitchens.
Here's where the concierge was right: Do not miss Muir Woods. This monumental experience can be had for under $30. Get a last-minute compact car rental ($20), drive to Muir Woods before 8 AM (for free admission and rockstar parking), spend 2-4 hours hiking beyond the boardwalk, and drive back to SF over the Golden Gate bridge ($6). I'm not the outdoorsy-type, but Muir Woods was literally awe-inspiring.
46
John Muir would roll in his grave to know that people have to pay $30
for access to this natural glory. And that it's jammed with cars and noisy people so that it really isn't nature at all anymore. I live here and I never go there. Huge signs on the freeway "Muir Woods Parking lot full." etc etc All the time.
Sad sad sad.
for access to this natural glory. And that it's jammed with cars and noisy people so that it really isn't nature at all anymore. I live here and I never go there. Huge signs on the freeway "Muir Woods Parking lot full." etc etc All the time.
Sad sad sad.
2
Agreed - early is best. Traffic generally starts to get very bad by 10am. If you happen to get frustrated, downtown Mill Valley is charming has its own redwoods in Old Mill park.
I'd also recommend the drive up to Mt. Tamalpais as long as you're here. Take the short walk around the near-summit - the view of the Bay Area (not to mention the drive itself) is spectacular.
I'd also recommend the drive up to Mt. Tamalpais as long as you're here. Take the short walk around the near-summit - the view of the Bay Area (not to mention the drive itself) is spectacular.
3
"but Muir Woods was literally awe-inspiring."
I couldn't agree more...depending on when you go. Many years ago, while visiting family in the Bay Area for Thanksgiving, I drove to Muir Woods mid-week (Tues or Wed), there were hardly any other people there and I felt the same way you did. I loved it so much that I insisted all of us go there so we went the day after Thanksgiving. This time it was mobbed with people. I could still enjoy the beauty of the majestic trees but it didn't have the same powerful, almost mystical, feeling as when I'd been there earlier in the week.
I couldn't agree more...depending on when you go. Many years ago, while visiting family in the Bay Area for Thanksgiving, I drove to Muir Woods mid-week (Tues or Wed), there were hardly any other people there and I felt the same way you did. I loved it so much that I insisted all of us go there so we went the day after Thanksgiving. This time it was mobbed with people. I could still enjoy the beauty of the majestic trees but it didn't have the same powerful, almost mystical, feeling as when I'd been there earlier in the week.
1