5 Awesome Things To Do In San Francisco....on the Cheap

I am getting ready to embrace the Ultimate 'F' Word, this year, as I hit Level 50. I am planning my big birthday bash and thought I would share some of my favorite things to do and see in San Francisco, for those who might trek out to spend my Big 5-0, with me, make a weekend of it and enjoy he most beautiful city by the bay. Here are 5 things I LOVE to do in the City.

ATT Park Tour:

Whether or not you love baseball, this is one of my FAVORITE things to do: Tour AT&T Park! It’s filled with spectacular views, great history, fresh air and sheer awesomeness. Tours last about 2 hours and range in price from $12.00 to $22.00. Active Military is FREE! Check the site for up to date tour information:http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/tours/index.jsp#public_tours

Or call: 415.972.2400

The Magic Bus:

There’s a ton of ways to see ‘The Haight’, but, there’s only one way to see it as it once was and to understand the importance of this iconic place in American Rock & Roll History. For me, that is The Magic Bus! The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long. As you cruise down Haight, projectors come down over the windows, showing you footage of The Haight in the sixties. You sing songs and hear stories. You catch The Magic Bus at 280 Geary Street, (Union Square) – Across from Macy’s on Geary. It costs around $60.00. TIMES: Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM and 12:30PM, plus Saturday 3PM (May-Sept)

Visit their site for more information: http://magicbussf.com/

Chinatown Walk:

Chinatown is cool; but, I recommend you never tackle it outside of an organized walking tour. The reason is simple; you will trek through Chinatown and NEVER see it. There’s tons of walking tours. Here’s one I really like are:

Discover Walks. This is a FREE tour, but, the guides do rely on tips—so, tip appropriately! I have taken all the walking tours offered in San Francisco by Discover Walks and have enjoyed them all. However, since everyone wants to do Chinatown, this is a good one. A highlight is the Fortune Cookie Factory and an Opium Den! You have to make a reservation. (415) 494-9255. This tour begins at 9:45 a.m. and it’s definitely not designed for wheelchairs or otherwise challenged folks. Chinatown is a BIG, FREAKING HILL—(San Francisco style!)

Golden Gate Bridge:

Everyone wants to cross the Golden Gate Bridge—and you should! But do it cheap. If you are staying for a few days, buy a week MUNI pass. Weekly passes are good for one consecutive week and there is only a dollar surcharge for the cable car and F Train—(this may change, but, at the moment!) It is valid on all the buses, undergrounds—(excluding BART) and light rail. It’s around $22.00 and a BARGAIN! Our City has great public transit—(when they’re not on strike.) L Take a bus to Park Presidio and catch the #28, which takes you to the Golden Gate Bridge and drops you off at the Vista Point. Cool stuff there. You can always bike or take a tour bus across the bridge. If biking, beware of wind.

Top Of The Mark:

This is one of those controversial places; overrated, expensive, yada, yada, yada. That may be true, but, here’s my experience. These are the BEST views of the City—on a clear day, you can touch heaven; the martinis rock, the atmosphere is fabulous. It’s not designed for children; it is a date, romance spot. Go during Sunday Happy Hour—(4:30—and it will be worth EVERY penny!) I’m not sure it’s worth every penny at other times. ;-) In Nob Hill, 999 California St. Take a #1 and get off at Top Of the Mark!

#sanfrancisco