BUDGET 20 THiNGS TO DO FOR lESS THaN $10 Traveling on a budget can be tricky, but San Francisco has dozens of free or affordable experiences that’ll up the fun-factor without breaking the bank. Here are 20 of our favorites. Amoeba Music A music-lover’s delight that sells an impressive collection of new and used vinyl, DVDs and CDs, this Haight St. stalwart offers a $1 bin where you can search for hidden treasures. Amoeba also periodically hosts free live shows and events. CHEAP FUN: Camera Obscura Next to the famed Cliff House Restaurant is a tiny museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The “Giant Camera” is open daily, offering viewers a 360-degree “live feed” of the beach below and the surrounding environs for just $3. and classic art without having to drop a dime — unless, of course, you find something you simply can’t live without. Golden Gate Bridge When it comes to a visual representation of the City by the Bay, look no further than its iconic bridge. Spanning 1.7 miles, it’s easily walkable and well worth the time. At the south end is the Welcome Center, a good introduction to the story behind the bridge’s creation. Autodesk Gallery Named a top destination by Wired magazine, this space overlooking Market St. presents unique exhibits that illustrate the creative design possibilities using Autodesk products. Explore exhibits on everything from a car that’s grown using seeds to computer-generated film magic. Coit Tower Murals Built in 1934, the tower is a fixture of the San Francisco skyline. A trip to the top does require a ticket, but the artwork in the lobby is free for the viewing. Created by 25 artists (some of whom were branded as communists), the murals pay homage to the working class. Golden Gate Park More than 1,000 acres of green meadows, towering redwoods and world-class museums grace this popular park. Free highlights include the buffalo paddock, Japanese Tea Garden, Stowe Lake and the Hamon Observation Tower (inside the de Young Museum), where you’ll get a 360-degree view of the city. Bi-Rite Creamery The lines may be long for a scoop at Bi-Rite, but it’s well worth the wait. For less than $10, you can enjoy a double scoop of the delectable small-batch ice cream at the original Bi-Rite Creamery in the Mission, or dig into a classic banana split at the new Bi-Rite Café in Civic Center. Ferry Building Marketplace Along the Embarcadero is one of the city’s most historic structures. Graced with a 245-foot tall clock tower, the Beaux-Arts building hosts food vendors, restaurants and specialty shops inside, while outside there’s a farmers market three days a week. Herschell-Spillman Carousel Located at Golden Gate Park, this 1914 beauty features a menagerie of rideable animals, including horses, ostriches, zebras, lions, dogs and even a frog. The inside panels are covered with depictions of Bay Area landscapes. Fort Mason This former U.S. Army post located in the Marina District is where you’ll find a variety of creative spaces, including the Readers Bookstore (sales benefit local libraries), the Interval (where you can grab a drink for less than $10) and the Museo Italo Americano, where admission is always free. Boudin Bakery Many are already aware of San Francisco sourdough, and Boudin at Fisherman’s Wharf is well-known for its distinct, irresistible taste. You can buy a loaf and enjoy it by the docks. You can also head upstairs to their on-site museum and learn the history behind the world-famous bread. Legion of Honor At the western end of the city, this enchanting museum displays a collection of ancient and European art in a magnificent Beaux-Arts building. On the first Tuesday of each month, admission is free (though special exhibition fees still apply). Geary St. Art Galleries Create your own self-guided tour of some of the city’s best artwork. Steps away from Union Square, you can pop in and out of the many galleries lining Geary St. to view contemporary 58 . sftravel.com
San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide 2019: Page 58
