4 Days of Adventure: San Francisco on a Budget!
Experience the charm of San Francisco without breaking the bank!
22 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
San Francisco is a vibrant city on the west coast of America, attracting millions of tourists every year. Travelers on a limited budget can visit some of the city's most famous landmarks and attractions, such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman's Wharf, while also taking advantage of free activities like strolling through the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood or admiring world-class street art in the Mission District. Budget-friendly lodging options include hostels, Airbnb rentals, and budget hotels, while public transportation is reliable and an affordable way to get around the city.
Travel plan
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- Stay at Green Tortoise Hostel – central location and affordable rooms.
- Visit Golden Gate Park – 1,017 acres of green space with museums, gardens, and stunning photo ops.
- Walk along Fisherman’s Wharf – street performers, sea lions, and sights of Alcatraz Island.
- Eat at In-N-Out Burger – classic Californian burger chain with a cult following.
- Catch the sunset at Sutro Baths – ruins of a once-grand swimming pool with sweeping ocean views.
- Enjoy a continental breakfast at The Mill – a hipster café with artisanal toast.
- Walk down Lombard Street – the “crookedest street in the world” with gorgeous landscaping.
- Visit the de Young Museum – contemporary art and rotating exhibits in a striking copper-clad building.
- Architectural tour of San Francisco – visit the iconic Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and Bay Bridge.
- Dine at Zazie – a French bistro with a cozy atmosphere and brunch served all day.
- Take a drive to Muir Woods National Monument – hike among world-renowned towering redwoods.
- Have lunch at Sol Food – authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with a cult following.
- Take a scenic ferry to Angel Island – hike to the highest point for breathtaking views of the Bay.
- Visit the Exploratorium – interactive science museum with incredible exhibits, perfect for all ages.
- Dine at Burma Superstar – award-winning Burmese restaurant with a unique and flavorful menu.
- Start the day at The Blue Bottle Coffee – a hipster café with top-notch coffee and vibe.
- Visit the Mission District’s colorful murals – the cultural and artistic hub of the city.
- Browse at the Pirate Supply Store – a quirky shop that supports Bay Area writing programs for kids.
- Tour the Mission San Francisco de Asis – historic Spanish church with a stunning garden.
- Eat at La Taqueria – famous for the best Mexican food in San Francisco, go for the burrito.
- No summary necessary. There’s so much to do in San Francisco, this itinerary is just the beginning. Enjoy the endless possibilities!
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to San Francisco by plane is to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) which has multiple direct flights from major cities around the world.
Car
Driving to San Francisco is a great option as it allows you to take scenic routes and make stops along the way. The most direct route is to take Interstate 580 West from Oakland or Interstate 101 North from Los Angeles.
Train
While there are no direct trains to San Francisco, you can take Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train from Sacramento and connect to a bus which will take you to San Francisco.
Boat
While it is not possible to take a boat directly to San Francisco, you can take a ferry from nearby cities such as Oakland, Alameda or Sausalito and enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Area.
Bus
The best way to get to San Francisco by bus is to take Greyhound which has multiple daily departures from cities across California and the United States.