| San Francisco is one of the most historical cities in the | | | | donations from those who are interested. They also |
| United States and a fascinating one to visit. While it is | | | | offer private group tours for a nominal cost. However, |
| known to be an expensive city to live in and travel to, | | | | these need to be booked in advance. |
| quite ironically it offers a lot that one can do for free. | | | | Daily Garden Tours |
| One of its most popular attractions, especially for | | | | The San Francisco Botanical Garden Society offers a |
| budget travelers, is its free tours. Here is a snapshot of | | | | free garden tour everyday of the SF botanical garden. |
| some of the best opportunities San Francisco offers | | | | This green sanctuary is a resplendent urban oasis |
| to learn and have some fun, while you walk and pay | | | | spread over 55 acres of space, and containing over |
| nothing! | | | | 7500 varieties of plants from around the world, some |
| The San Francisco City Guides | | | | of which are no longer found in their native habitats. |
| The tours of the San Francisco City Guides are | | | | Nature lovers will be hard-pressed to find a more |
| conducted by trained and knowledgeable volunteers, | | | | pleasing spot in the city. |
| and the idea is to discover the history and architecture | | | | The daily garden tours are led by trained and |
| of San Francisco on foot. There are several different | | | | knowledgeable docents. The tour departs from the |
| tours everyday in different parts of the city, and the | | | | bookstore at 1:30 pm Monday - Friday, and at 10:30 am |
| beauty of these tours is that they never get canceled, | | | | & 1:30 pm on the weekends. Additionally, it starts |
| whether it is hot or cold or raining. The only days they | | | | at the Friend Gate (north entrance) at 2 pm on |
| do not offer tours are on Thanksgiving, Christmas, | | | | Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays. |
| Christmas eve, New Year's eve and New Year's day. | | | | Jelly Belly Factory Tour |
| The City Guides have about 200 different volunteers | | | | This may just be the recipe for a wonderful day for |
| on the job currently, offering 30 different tours every | | | | die-hard sweet lovers. A guided factory tour of this |
| month. In all, they have nearly 100 tours on their list, | | | | famous candy brand is also a perfect outing, if you are |
| spread over 15 different regions. The best part is that | | | | visiting San Francisco with kids. You can be sure that it |
| you do not need to book your spot. Simply turn up at | | | | will be a day full of fun and color and excitement! In all |
| the right time and start walking! | | | | it takes about 40 minutes, and in this time you will get |
| A detailed schedule for the day, and the forthcoming | | | | to see candy making in action as well as learn how |
| month is available easily on their website. The tours | | | | this candy making factory actually conjures up 150 |
| typically start sometime during the morning and last for | | | | different treats. You will also discover the secret |
| 1 1/2 to 2 hours. | | | | behind the famous Jelly Belly jelly beans, and get to try |
| While these tours are free, The City Guides accept | | | | a few samplers. |