Frugal Travel Tips For San Francisco

San Francisco is my favorite city hugging the westChinatown
coast. It is also one of the most expensive especiallyThe Chinatown in San Francisco is second in size in
for hotels. Lucky for the frugal traveler, many of thethe U.S. only to New York City. It is great place to get
sights are free.cheap supplies and an inexpensive meal.
Note: When I first went to San Francisco (driving upLombard Street
from L.A.), I was very surprised by the decrease inKnown as the crookedest street, Lombard is another
temperature. Check the weather before arriving.one of those photo opps tourists love. Walking down is
Fisherman's Wharffree.
Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli SquareThe Golden Gate Bridge
cover about 6 blocks along the waterfront. This touristAnother famous and picturesque walk is across The
destination offers great views of the famous Alcatraz,Golden Gate Bridge. On a clear day, the views are
souvenir shopping, seafood vendor and streetfantastic (and will work off all that great Chinese food
performers. Some of the local "residents" includeyou'll be eating). This suspension bridge is a little less
pelicans and sea lions. The souvenir to take back forthan 9,000 feet long so plan your round trip accordingly.
chocolate loving Moms? Ghirardelli chocolate. This isCable Car Museum
where it all started.Love the cable cars? Then visit the Cable Car
Cable CarsMuseum on Mason Street. Admission is free and the
While at Ghirardelli Square, grab a few photos at themuseum deck overlooks the huge engines and winding
Cable Car Turnaround (the end of one of the lines).wheels that pull the cables. Great photos can be taken
The cable cars, calling San Francisco's living monument,in the vintage cable cars.
are a good break for the weary.A city of different cultures, bordered by the sea, San
Note: There are no transfers with cable cars. EachFrancisco has a perfect mixture of historic attractions
ride requires a new ticket.and modern sights. Many of them free.