5 Affordable (and Authentic) Experiences in San Francisco

by  Blane Bachelor | Oct 14, 2013
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA / ibsky/iStock

San Francisco is arguably one of the world’s most enchanting cities – but it’s also one of the most expensive, too (weekend rates for a mid-range hotel will set you back around $250 a night, on average). But a trip to the City by the Bay doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. Here, five ways for visitors to get an affordable, yet authentic SF experience – in other words, while you're saving money, you'll be mingling with the locals too. Need further incentive? October is a beautiful month to visit, with fewer crowds than summer and still-warm days.  

Spend a sunny afternoon at Crissy Field: America’s Cup may be over, but there’s still plenty of action to enjoy at this beautiful, grassy stretch of waterfront: kite and windsurfers whipping across San Francisco Bay, scores of sailboats, and incredible views of the Golden Gate Alcatraz. Pack a picnic (there’s a Safeway nearby) and join the locals who congregate here, especially on weekends. Or, for a sure kid-pleaser, mosey over to House of Air, a trampoline park housed nearby in a cluster of former military warehouses on Old Mason Street.

For affordable, unique souvenirs with real SF flavor – think posters with lovely Deco artwork, handcrafted soaps, and beautiful books about local hotspots – the Warming Hut is a hands-down winner (unfortunately, it’s currently closed because of the government shutdown). Even if it’s sunny, be sure to bring layers, since the weather can quickly turn chilly.

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Window shop (and people watch) along Valencia Street. The most vibrant street in the Mission District, Valencia is bursting with quirky shops and even quirkier characters, from free-spirited artists to tattooed hipsters who call this ‘hood home.

To get there, take BART to the Mission/24th Street station, walk one block west, and browse your way up the street. Some highly recommended stops: 826 Valencia, a head-scratching hybrid of writing center and pirate supply store where you can pick up affordable, offbeat souvenirs (like $5 eye patches and $1.75 skull-and-crossbones dice); Paxton Gate, which specializes in weird, whimsical gifts and housewares inspired by nature (mounted insects are a popular seller); and Radio Habana Social Club (pictured above), a pint-sized wonderland where you can tuck into a $10 plate of Cuban comfort food and a $6 goblet of sangria while puzzling over the funky art made from discarded junk.

Feast at the Ferry Building. This spectacular building – which once fell into disrepair and was in danger of being torn down – is now one of the culinary gems of San Francisco. A cornucopia of food shops and eateries beckon with local gourmet goodies, from the impossibly fresh bivalves at Hog Island Oyster Company to the cheese of Cowgirl Creamery (ask for a sample); indulge in a budget-friendly buffet with small plates from wherever strikes your fancy. Oenophiles, meanwhile, will love the California-leaning list at the Ferry Building Wine Merchant. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a farmer’s market offers a wide bounty of local produce.

Play old-school video games at Musée Mécanique.  This quirky, one-of-a-kind destination is one of the few reasons to stop by tourist-choked Fisherman’s Wharf. Housed in a large warehouse, the museum is one of the world’s largest private collections of coin-operated art, with 300 antique games and musical instruments – most of which cost a mere quarter to operate (there are on-site change machines, too). Entry is free, too, making this offbeat spot an ideal and affordable way to take a trip down memory lane.

Tour the city by bike. San Francisco is routinely lauded as one of the country’s best biking cities, and two-wheeled tours are a great way to kick around the sights while getting some exercise. For newbies, the best – read: flattest – neighborhoods to ride are the Marina (you can venture all the way to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge) and the Mission; Golden Gate Park, which does have some mild rolling hills, is a recommended choice too. Bike rental facilities can be found around the city, or check out the newly launched Bay Area Bike Share. It’s ideal for quick jaunts, as 30-minute rides are free of charge (3-day pass $22, or 24 hours for $9).

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