If you have a plan trip to San Francisco, mark these places on the agenda: there are 9 attractions to live the city having fun and without spending a fortune.
Index of Article
1. Cable car
Just $6 to get on a cable car, the famous trams San Francisco, the most representative means of transport in the city. At the end of the tour, make a stop at San Francisco Cable Car Museum, where you can better know their operation. In the historical Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse, the place where the cable system operates since 1907, you can see the current cable winding mechanism. You can also admire the ancient carriages of cable cars, including the first specimen dating back to 1873, invented by Andrew Hallidie, The entrance to the Museum is free.
2. Beautiful flower gardens
Whether you have a green thumb, we recommend visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Located in Golden Gate ParkIt extends over 55 hectares and houses more than 50,000 plants from all over the world. If you want to smell roses, orchids, lilies and iris, visit the Conservatory of Flowers, located northeast of the park.
The cost of tickets for the Botanical Garden or the Conservatory of Flowers is $8 for adults and 5 for children. On the first Tuesday of each month, the entrance is free.
3. Free Festivals
During summer and autumn, the cultural calendar of San Francisco is full of extraordinary cultural events – many of which are free. From July to October, People in Plazas , presents 130 free concerts where local artists perform. Not to be missed, from mid-June to mid-August, on Grove Festival Stern, which includes free concerts every Sunday.
Or, in October, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, where you can listen to Bluegrass music (the genre of American country music). If you prefer the classic theater, there is the Free Shakespeare in the Park, at the San Francisco Presidio, which takes place in September.
4. Murales in profusion
San Francisco offers a very exceptional mural repertoire and especially free! The emblematic Coit Tower is the home of famous murals completed in 1930 as part of the first New Deal program for artists. The murals near the Rincon Annex Post Office, were painted by the artist Anton Refregier towards the end of World War II and represent a stylized (and according to some too radical) history of San Francisco. The famous murals of Diego Rivera are also found in the City Club, City College (campus Phelan) and the San Francisco Art Institute; City tour guides offer free murals throughout the year.
5. The Presidio
The former military outpost was under the control of the Spanish, Mexican and American governments since it was founded in 1776. But today the 1,491 hectares of land adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge offer one of the best views of the city. There is also the possibility of a lot of free fun: hiking or cycling, special guided tours for children, picnic areas and military artifacts.
6. Golden Gate
For those arriving by car there is a toll (electronic), but for cyclists and pedestrians, the Golden Gate Bridge is free. This is one of the most photographed facilities in the world, so remember to take a camera with you to capture wonderful images of the bridge and the beautiful view of the city. Bring a jacket with you, even in summer, as it could get cold. Push to Fort Point, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view.
7. Local production
Anchor, one of the oldest brewers in the city, offers on weekdays beer lovers, a visit to its plant (people with more than 21 years have the possibility to taste the product). Remember that for this tour is required the reservation. Staying in yeast, we suggest you visit Boudin, a museum on the history of natural yeast bread.
8. Maritime National Historical Park
The link with the sea was decisive for the development of San Francisco, the Fisherman Wharf and the Maritime National Historical Park. Among the historical ships there are 19th century vessels such as the Balclutha, a three square sailed trees, and an ancient steamboat, Eureka. The self-guided visit of the ships costs $ 5 for adults and is free for young people up to 16 years.
9. Adventure
Take a trip back in time to the Musée Mécanique near Union Square. The entrance to the ancient rooms is free and the prices of the games vary from one cent to one dollar, it is possible to iron arm with a robot or listen to a serenade from a mechanical vocal quartet without spending a heritage. Or head to the Dogpatch district for a visit to the Craft and Design Museum ($ 8 adults, $ 5 boys, free on the first Tuesday of the month). Explore the intersection between art and functionality, with finds ranging from sacred sculptures to modern furniture design.
