Did you know that San Francisco has affordable attractions that you can see for under $20? Indeed, despite inflation affecting travelers like you, many things can be done on a limited budget. You could spend an entire day in this beautiful city without noticing a dent in your pocketbook. Above all, these San Francisco attractions are not only affordable, but they’re also among the most popular. Some top attractions are free! Of course, these are just suggestions; you can always choose your favorites.
Affordable Attractions in San Francisco
Cable Car Ride
Powell and Market Streets
San Francisco, CA 94103
www.sfmta.com
There’s nothing honestly like riding a cable car in San Francisco. It’s the last of its kind in the world and the first moving National Historic Landmark. Yet, simultaneously, a single ride is $8, which can add up if you’re in a group. Nevertheless, a cable car ride is a must-do attraction, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Although there are several spots where you can board the cable car, the turnaround at Powell and Market is convenient. However, the cable cars aren’t always on time, and many people can wait. In all, there are three San Francisco cable car lines in operation. Other stops are Chinatown, Nob Hill, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. A good rule of thumb is downloading the MuniMobile app to have your fare ready. If you’re interested, there is also the free Cable Car Museum near the Ferry Building.
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Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94133
www.sfrecpark.org
Even if you are unfamiliar with its name, you likely recognize Coit Tower. To be sure, it’s one of the iconic landmarks that shapes the city’s landscape. And, by all means, it’s also a very affordable San Francisco place to explore. Built in the 1930s, the tower is a memorial for firefighters who died in the San Francisco fires. You’ll notice that the 210-foot-tall tower resembles a fire hose. Visible from spots like Fisherman’s Wharf and The Embarcadero, it’s a short walk from North Beach. However, some people may find the Filbert Stairs reaching Telegraph Hill challenging. Fortunately, you can also take the 39 Coit bus to the parking area, which is severely limited. Admission for non-residents is $10 and $7 for older adults and youths.
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F. Kennedy Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 831-2090
www.ggp.org
Like many Golden Gate Park attractions, the Conservatory of Flowers is affordable. It’s just $13 or $7 if you’re an older adult, a college student with ID, or a youth ages 12-17. Equally important are the stunning views of the Conservatory, both inside and out. For example, the gardens surrounding the structure are always colorful and well-manicured. The Conservatory is gorgeous, with the Victorian-era greenhouse dating back to 1878.
Moreover, this Conservatory is the oldest in the country and the oldest in the park. Once inside, you will marvel at the countless numbers of flower and plant species. In doing so, you will quickly understand why it’s a popular spot for wedding photos.
De Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 750-3600
www.deyoung.famsf.org
If you love art museums, the de Young is among the exceptional museums in San Francisco. It’s refreshingly affordable, starting at $15 and $12 for older adults. If that’s not enough, students 18 and over with a valid ID are charged $6, free for anyone under 18. In other words, if you have children, you’re saving money by visiting. Besides, the de Young has an extensive collection, particularly emphasizing American art. For example, you can see works from artists like John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, and Richard Diebenkorn. In addition, the de Young hosts ongoing temporary exhibitions, although they require an extra fee. On the other hand, you won’t see an extensive collection of paintings from European artists. Instead, it would be best to go to the Legion of Honor.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, CA
(415) 921-5858
www.goldengate.org
There’s no question the Golden Gate Bridge will be on your list of things to see. After all, it’s a must-see attraction and among the world’s most famous bridges. However, do you want to see it up close or far away? If you’re going to see it up close, you have several options. For one, you can drive there and hope you find a place to park. Another option is to take a bus to the bridge’s parking lot. That’s not to mention renting a bike or taking a tour bus. On the other hand, if you find these options too tricky, you can still see the Golden Gate. You have several great viewing spots, like Fisherman’s Wharf.
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Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
www.japaneseteagardensf.com
The Japanese Tea Garden has affordable rates similar to those of the Conservatory of the Flowers. Only in this case does the Japanese Tea Garden offer free admission to residents and veterans. This means that if you’re a veteran or traveling with one or more, it’s free to visit. The country’s oldest public Japanese garden opened in 1894 as part of the World’s Fair. Some original structures remain today, including the famous Tea House and Drum Bridge. This is another beautiful spot in Golden Gate Park, where the garden is renowned for its Japanese architecture and landscapes. Lastly, you will find it interesting that the original gardener, Makoto Hagiwara, is known as the inventor of the modern fortune cookie.
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Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 750-3600
www.legionofhonor.famsf.org
For many locals, the Legion of Honor is their favorite affordable museum in San Francisco. Moreover, the museum arguably holds the finest permanent art collection in the city. In the first place, the Legion of Honor has the majority of the city’s European art collection. That is to say that you’ll see paintings from Monet, Rembrandt, Renoir, and van Gogh. For another, you can also see priceless sculptures, such as Rodin’s “The Thinker.”
On the other hand, the museum is near the coast, which may be challenging to reach without a car.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of free parking and a bus stop for Muni route 18. At the same time, you also have outstanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you walk a bit, you can see other attractions like Land’s End or China Beach.
Musée Mécanique
Pier 45, Shed A
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 346-2000
www.museemechanique.org
There is no question that Fisherman’s Wharf is a top-rated attraction for out-of-town visitors. But it’s important to realize that many attractions aren’t affordable. Although you might be able to fit in a trip to Alcatraz Island, there are alternatives. For instance, you can visit Musée Mécanique for zero dollars. Set in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, this admission-free attraction is an antique arcade center. It holds one of America’s largest privately owned arcade games and artifacts collections. Of course, it’s also affordable, with many coin-operated games that don’t cost you a dollar. The family-owned collection holds over 300 items, including several antique games. By all means, see “Laffin’ Sal,” an animatronic figure from a bygone day.
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Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 376-1704
www.palaceoffinearts.com
The Palace of Fine Arts is clearly among the most recognizable landmarks in San Francisco. The sole remaining structure from a 1915 World’s Fair, it’s not exactly a palace, per se. Instead, there is a Beaux-Arts rotunda reminiscent of a majestic Roman monument. The Palace of Fine Arts has plenty of parking but can also be reached by bus. If that’s not enough, there are more affordable attractions nearby. For example, Crissy Field, with its spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is a short walk away. Also in the area is the Wave Organ, a free attraction near Marina Green. In addition, the Yoda Fountain, as is the rest of the Presidio, is nearby. Lastly, the Walt Disney Family Museum is another attraction in the Presidio. But then again, admission for this museum is over $20.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
1199 Ninth Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 661-1316
www.sfbg.org
The Botanical Garden is not only a gorgeous spot, it’s an affordable San Francisco attraction. Encompassing 55 acres, it’s among the most prominent attractions in Golden Gate Park. On the other hand, it’s also among the most overlooked. Be that as it may, it’s worth visiting, especially if you’re a gardening enthusiast. The botanical garden holds nearly 9,000 plant species representing countries worldwide. This, in itself, may make it difficult to see everything. However, you should see the Magnolias, the Fragrance Garden, and the Andean Cloud Forest. Like the Conservatory of Flowers, admission is $13 for adults and $7 for older adults and youths. In addition, a Gardens of Golden Gate Park Pass is $25 for adults and $21 for youths and older adults. This discounted pass lets you visit the Conservatory, Botanical Garden, and Tea Garden.
Bonus Recommendations:
Lombard Street and Alamo Square
These well-known attractions are among the most popular tourist spots in San Francisco. Although these may be high on your list of things to do, there is a reason why both were left out in affordable San Francisco recommendations. To be clear, both are in residential neighborhoods. There has been a fine line between tourists and people who live along Lombard Street and Alamo Square. That’s because ongoing visitors tend to create traffic congestion and litter. With this in mind, please pay particular attention to your behavior and respect these neighborhoods.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.