Visiting San Francisco on a Budget
Sometimes, you’ve just got to take the plunge and head to the adventure. That’s what I did when I moved to San Francisco on a spur of the moment whim, only because I hadn’t seen the Pacific Ocean. It was a bit of a reckless dive, with about $8,000 in savings, $1,250 monthly rent, and no job at hand. But hey, we all make crazy decisions sometimes, don’t we?
Lucky for me, I landed a job on a cruise ship within a month, so I wasn’t in town all year round. Still, the few months I spent jobless in the city taught me a lot about enjoying San Francisco without spending a fortune. I developed quite a fondness for the city, as brief as my stay was.
I truly believe that San Francisco is a must-see city. You should visit it sooner rather than later, you know. You’ll find lots of affordable places to stay, from hostels to reasonably priced hotels, as long as you know where to look.
San Francisco, despite its image as a tech-giant hub, hasn’t lost all of its 60’s charm. There’s plenty of inexpensive (or even free) activities, if you just know where to look. Are you a yoga fan? The city’s parks often host free yoga sessions! It was such a culture shock for me – this New Jersey native.
Just wandering around and sightseeing can be fun. Fisherman’s Wharf has lots of places where you can spend, but just walking around it is an experience all its own. You should check out the street performers, walk across Golden Gate Bridge and admire the Victorian houses on Steiner Street- which you might recognize from Full House.
For the explorers, you can drive or walk down Lombard Street with its eight hair-pin turns. And don’t miss the Wave Organ while you’re near Golden Gate Bridge. Just remember, it’s best at high tide!
Part of being on a budget involves being resourceful and thinking outside of the box. You can save more by staying in a hotel with a fridge and microwave and buying groceries. But remember, don’t hesitate to splurge on some of the exclusive experiences San Francisco offers, like a visit to Alcatraz, delicious fresh bread from Boudin Bakery, or a ride on a cable car.
Remember, being thoughtful with your money allows you to spend it on experiences you really want.
Before we finish, don’t forget to treat yourself to an ice cream at Mitchell’s. Trust me, the avocado and ube flavors are to die for. Happy travels!