3-day Itinerary of Cheap and Popular Things to Do in San Francisco
Spend the next three days engulfed in all San Francisco has to offer with this 3-day itinerary of cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco.
Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison, and the iconic houses that marked your childhood (Hint: Full House, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Princess Diaries)
Except for Alcatraz Prison, the majority of the popular and instagrammable spots are free or less than $20.
Throughout my entire stay in San Francisco, I used public transportation or walked. They have a great transportation system that will take you anywhere around the city. Scooters are also available and are a cheap transportation method.
San Francisco, with its insanely steep hills, will have you skipping cardio and leg day for the next few days after this trip. But you will have crossed so many things off your list.
*Solo traveler approved
Day 1:
On day 1 of cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco, you will visit In-N-Out, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Alcatraz Prison. All locations are within walking distance, except, of course, the island.
In-N-Out
Price: $10-$20
In-N-Out is a fast food staple! A must! Everyone will ask you.
Every time I’m anywhere in Cali, I always make time for their double burger and their fresh fries.
If you’ve never visited, In-N-Out is a fast food chain that serves only fresh ingredients. Nothing is frozen. This is what makes it so delicious. Especially their fries. For this same reason, to keep the quality of their food they only serve a small radius covering California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas.
Their menu is small, so it makes it easy to choose your meal. With that said, if you see a long line (which you always do), just wait it out. It will move quickly.
I promise it’s worth it. And if you think it’s overhyped then at least now you can enter the debate if In-N-Out is worth it.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Hear me out, In-N-Out with a view. But also there is a high chance you will not find seating inside, so you’ll have to take your food outside.
Head over to the Fisherman’s Wharf. Right where the sign is located, there is a patio setting overlooking a music stage. Find a seat, enjoy the view, listen to amazing musicians, people watch, and enjoy your meal.
Pier 39
Pier 39 is a hub for several attractions. Think Santa Monica Beach or Navy Pier. There are several dining options, shops, rides, and the famous sea lion dock (more information on Day 3).
Help out your digestion and take a stroll down the pier. Walk over to Pier 39 and enjoy the beautiful sunset view.
On your stroll to Pier 39, you will see a lot of souvenir shops. Skip them. Magnets and keychains are overprice. Shops in Chinatown will have the same ones for a cheaper price.
Alcatraz Prison
End your day with breathtaking views of the sunset and learn about the worst prisoners.
Alcatraz Prison, located on a small island off the shores of San Francisco, housed some of the most notorious criminals. This is the place where the worst of the worst were kept. If you broke prison rules, Alcatraz was your final destination.
The prison stopped being active in 1963 and now serves as a historical glimpse of prison life, where people can visit.
The prison offers tours all day but groups them by day and night tours. I purchased my tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises, a verified seller. Note: Be careful with sellers promising cheaper tickets.
I opted for the night tour, which was about $15 more than the day tour. The night tour offered the most stunning sunset views on the ferry ride. You can also overlook the city’s skyline at night from the island.
One of the things that sets the tours apart is that at night, the staff opens sections of the prison that would otherwise be closed off to the day tours.
The ambiance is supposed to feel a little different too, almost adding a spooky element to it. As someone who is highly afraid of the paranormal, I didn’t feel or see anything spooky. Thankfully.
I will say that only the main building is well-illuminated and most of the island is dark, this makes it feel creepy outside.
Day 2
On day 2 of cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco, you will visit Chinatown, snap the coolest shots of the city at the Cable Car View, visit Castro and Mission District, and visit the Princess Diaries firehouse.
Chinatown
Known as the oldest and most established Chinatown in the United States, you are bound to be delighted by an assortment of native food, herbs, and hanging lanterns.
It is one of the best cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco.
Please note that many of these businesses operate cash only. Make sure to take out cash before making your way here.
Bakeries
Chinatown has an amazing array of bakeries. Most of them are within the vicinity, which makes it perfect to sample from a few locations.
Before heading to any of these vendors, I recommend you read the reviews. For several locations, the most recent reviews aren’t happy with the price gauge, quality of ingredients, and inaccurate business operation schedule. This is not to deter you, but rather to make an informed decision before heading to your final destination.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Price: $2-$20
The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been open since 1962, offering custom homemade fortune cookies.
Did you know? Fortune cookies are presume to originate from San Francisco and NOT China.
This a popular spot for several reasons.
1. The cookies are homemade. You can watch employees taking a flat cookie, stuffing it with its fortune, and folding it to create its famous shape at rapid speeds. All within a couple of feet of you.
Trust me when I tell you that you can taste the difference between the cookie you get from your favorite local Chinese food spot and this one. I love a good fortune read but am slightly indifferent to the taste of the cookie. But these cookies-you will want more than the sample one.
2. They are available in an assortment of flavors and sizes. Flavors include chocolate, strawberry, and green tea. Available for purchase in Costco bulk size or smaller bags.
3. They can be customize. For $2, you can create your cookie by writing your very own fortune. Let the attendant know and they will point you to a countertop with lots of strips of paper and pen.
Also, come prepared with your message. I couldn’t think of what to write on mine, so I wrote something silly. Definitely not fortune cookie level deep and inspiring.
Wrap up your visit by heading over to the souvenir shops, where you will find them at a better price, or walk around Chinatown exploring all the amazing things it has to offer.
Cable Car View
Price: $0-$8
One of the coolest pictures you can take of the city is at the Cable Car View located in California and Powell. Capture the steep hills and cable car synonymous with San Francisco.
To take this shot, you’ll need to be quick. Although traffic is relatively slow, it is a two-way street, and there are cars driving by.
I suggest you have a couple of inspo pictures to reference to make the process smoother.
Optional:
After you’re done with pictures, experience a true cable car ride. A stop is located at this intersection.
Single rides are $8 for adults (no transfers) and free for kids 4 and under.
The Painted Ladies
Price: Free
The Painted Ladies are a historical symbol of the California Gold Rush, showing an affluence of wealth with their Victorian and Edwardian houses. Like many of the houses in San Francisco, these houses bring happiness with their colorful display.
These iconic houses are also feature in the hit show, Full House.
Across the street from these houses is a park. Take a walking or bathroom break here, if needed.
Castro District
Price: Free
Castro District is the hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
Did you know San Francisco created one of the first gay neighborhoods? This is it.
Because of this, there is so much history and endless things to explore on your walk around this community.
During my visit, all streets were closed and vendor shops were put up.
Clarion Alley
Location: Between 17th & 18th and Mission and Valencia street
Price: Free
Clarion Ally is a small street (literally just one block) where the alley is cover by murals from local artists. Experience art through the lens of social justice from artists of all ages and all backgrounds.
The murals were really cool and thought-provoking. All of them revolve around social justice, a requirement, so you see different topics represented in so many creative ways.
Mission District
Dandelion Chocolate
Dandelion Chocolate is a chocolate wonderland, very popular in San Fran. I stopped here for a quick sugar boost and I was delighted to find they sold gluten-free options. And let me tell you, the Oatmeal Cookie is delicious! I was literally nibbling it because I didn’t want it to finish. 44
Women’s Building Mural
Price: Free
If you are into murals, like I am, you must visit the Women’s Building.
The Women’s Building is a women-led non-profit organization. It was the first women-owned and operated community center in the US.
The MaestraPeace Mural, a five-story-high mural that took seven artists to cover, decorates the walls of this amazing organization.
Mission Dolores Park
Price: Free
Commonly known as Dolores Park, this open lawn overlooks the city. Relax, have a seat on the grass, and people-watch.
I personally skipped out on this. I think as local having a place to enjoy the weather and view of the city is great, but as a tourist this was not something I saw as a unique and valuable experience.
Community Thrift
Price: Varies
Community Thrift is a thrift store that has been serving the community for over 40 years. Its earnings support more than 200 local charities.
If you enjoy thrifting, I suggest you give this small business a few minutes, you might find something amazing.
“The Princess Diaries” firehouse
Price: Free
If you’ve watched“The Princess Diaries”, like me, then you know of Engine Company No. 43, a former firehouse where Princess Mia Thermopolis lived.
“The Princess Diaries” firehouse is located on 2601 Lyon St. in the Marina District.
I was hoping tours would be available, but the house is closed to the public. You can see and take pictures from outside. And when I visited, there was no foot traffic, which was perfect for taking pictures.
Day 3
Morning:
On the morning of Day 3 of cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco, you will visit Lombard Street, Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio Visitor Center, Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, and Mrs. Doubtfire house.
Lombard Street
Price: Free
Lombard Street is probably one of the most popular and cheap things in San Francisco. It is such a cool and pretty structural street. It’s known as the “Crookedest Street in the World” because of its snake-like shape.
Located on Lombard Street between Presidio East and Embarcadero.
The path up has a very scenic view that overlooks the San Francisco bay area. And the hairpin turns are decorated with beautiful flowers and is surrounded by Russian Hill mansions.
Tips:
- Arrive early. I arrived around 10am and there was already like 20 people. By the time I left, the population doubled and cars were using the roads more frequently.
- The walk up to this block is VERY steep. A lot steeper than many of the streets in San Francisco. Like take a second look and bring out the hype music steep, so plan accordingly.
- If you’re a solo traveler with a tripod, I suggest you ask a stranger to take your picture. The streets are too slanted for the tripod to stand.
Palace of Fine Arts
Price: Free
The Palace of Fine Arts is breathtaking. Another cheap and popular thing to visit in San Francisco. I
’ve never been to Greece or Rome (which architecture is influenced by) but I imagine the monumental structure experience is almost the same.
It’s honestly so striking, I’m sure this is one of those places that is use for a Quinceanera or wedding photoshoot.
The structures date back to 1915, during the time of the Panama–Pacific International Exposition. Besides its structural grandeur and stunning landscape, the palace also serves as a theatrical venue.
It’s a relatively small area. Unless you walk all around the pond, the excursion probably won’t take you more than 20-30 minutes. But if you want to enjoy peaceful and beautiful scenery, there are a few benches located all around.
This is also a great viewpoint to see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Good to Know: Walk to the middle of the monument to hear your echo.
Presidio Visitor Center
Price: Free
The Presidio Visitor Center is an outdoor space with perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is the start of a national park with a small restaurant, public bathrooms, and plenty of greenery to enjoy.
I really appreciated the multitude of seating options. There are two areas with leaning lawn chairs, a huge lawn area, and more benches.
If you don’t want to travel all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge, then this viewpoint gives you the perfect sights without the crowds. And if it’s cloudy, you have better chances of seeing it from here.
Golden Gate Bridge – Welcome Center
Price: Free
Arguably the most popular attraction and cheap thing in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge.
And the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center is located a couple of feet from the start of the bridge. You can use this location to search for the bridge on your GPS.
Enter this location if commuting through public transportation. The bus will drop you off right in front of the shop.
Visit this place to find souvenirs of all kinds: magnets, puzzles, clothing etc. I bought a Golden Gate Bridge magnet here but realized later it was cheaper to buy the exact same magnet in Chinatown.
San Francisco’s foggiest months are June through August. So when I visited in August, the bridge was not visible.
Here are a few things I wish I would have known before visiting:
- Dress appropriately. The temperature drops in this area (compared to downtown) due to the high winds.
- Check the visibility status of the bridge, especially during the foggy season (April – October. August being the foggiest.). There are a few resources online that provide live feed from different angles of the bridge.
- You can also call the Welcome Center and ask them for a level of visibility of the bridge.
- Remember that nature is very unpredictable.
- Check the cost of the departure bus. There are a couple of buses leaving the Golden Gate Bridge and prices will vary from $3 vs $11 fee.
Mrs. Doubtfire house
Price: Free
If you’re a Mrs. Doubtfire fanatic or grew up watching it, then give this house a visit. Beware, the hill to get here will induce a spike in your heart rate.
Apart from it being the house this movie was filmed in, there is not much more to it. There is no memorabilia or signage this house was used for such an iconic movie.
Basically, come, acknowledge the house, take it in, take pictures, and move on to the next activity.
Evening:
On the morning of Day 3 of cheap and popular things to do in San Francisco, Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, In-N-Out, Sea Lion Viewing Area, and Cable Car Museum.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
Price: Free Access
Start your waterfront experience with the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, a square of Ghirardelli-themed shops.
An outdoor space with several photo ops leading to the indoor shops. Find a sit-down restaurant, an ice cream shop, an all-chocolate store, and a few souvenir shops. See the map here.
I visited one of the chocolate stores looking for unique products and found many chocolate flavors are already sold at Target.
In-N-Out
Price: $1-$10
Walk down the waterfront, enjoy the views, and head over to In-N-Out.
If you are hook on these fries as much as I am then you will follow my lead, otherwise, head over to the next activity.
I stopped by In-N-Out before heading to Pier 39 because I wanted to enjoy my last evening eating one of my favorite meals and watching sea lions. All while the sun sets. Talk about romanticizing your life.
Sea Lion Viewing Area
Price: Free Access
The Sea Lion Viewing Area is located in Pier 39, at the very end of the pier. Walk up to the Sea Lion sculpture, this will mark the start of your path.
Find these adorable and massive marine animals lying on the decks sleeping, yapping, and/or living their best unbothered life.
Tip:
Go up the stairs to the second level deck for a better view of the sea lions and the sunset.
Dress warmly. The temperature dropped like 20 degrees by the time the sun set and it gets windy.
Bonus:
Cable Car Museum
Price: Free
The Cable Car Museum is a cool short stop. Learn about the history of the oldest and only running cable system in the US. See exhibits of passenger tickets, operation tools, and even a replica of the first models.
Be amazed by the running cables and mechanisms that houses the motor that operates the cable cars.
The museum is fairly small and can be covered in 15-20 minutes. I would save this for the last day, let’s kill some time activity.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco is an amazing city. The views are breathtaking, the diversity is incredible, there’s an abundance of food and activities, and the houses are nice to look at.
I visited many of the popular places, but I do think that some are over-hyped. I would still suggest you visit them, so you can form your own opinion. But there are some places I would probably skip. If you want an honest review of these locations, I invite you to read my reviews of these places coming out next week!