How to Visit San Francisco on a Budget

San Francisco is a top U.S. tourist destination. But for many, it can break the vacation budget. Here are some ideas on how to have a great time without spending a lot of money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Think about what you enjoy doing on vacation. Are you a foodie, music lover, art fanatic or all of the above? Decide what activities and sights are most important to you during your trip.
2. Now it's time to open your laptop. San Francisco has lots of free and low-cost activities for a range of interests. For example, if you enjoy art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art offers free admission the first Tuesday of the month, and the Asian Art Museum lets you in free the first Wednesday of the month. Do an Internet search and you'll be surprised.
3. Food! San Francisco is a haven for Foodies, and caters to every budget. Once in town, pick up a free copy of the SF Weekly to find a wide variety of restaurant choices in every budget and nearly any cuisine. Tourist picks near Fisherman's Wharf will be good but expensive. North Beach has great budget Italian, and downtown there is great Vietnamese, all at very affordable prices.
4. Hotel rooms will undoubtedly run the greatest expense during your trip. Sure, the online websites will help you find a deal on a big name hotel, but for the really budget-conscious, check out the motels in the Marina District/Cow Hollow area (think Lombard Street). Vestiges from the fifties, these little gems offer basic rooms with a retro flair and are close to a lot of good SF action. One of my favorite suggestions to students is the Surf Motor Inn. It's not the Ritz Carlton, but with what you save you can splurge on a great dinner.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick up the local entertainment guides for the real bargains. Tourist guides offer tourist prices.
• Check out Golden Gate Park with a picnic: A perfect and low cost San Francisco day!
• Entertainment bargains abound: get online and check out the free museum days and art galleries downtown.
• Don't buy bargain tickets from anyone on the street. It's illegal and likely a waste of money.
• San Francisco is an "eat well, sleep cheap" City. Don't spend more on a hotel than you have to. The fun is out on the town!