The quiet, peaceful side of San Francisco on a budget.
SanFranciscoGuy
Quite simple! I love my city, I'm a frugal spender, and I love the outdoors. While you can get endless lists of busy tourist destinations, consider my list if you want to see the quieter side of my city.
Jun 4, 2006
based on 33 votes
Tips from a resident of San Francisco for a day of fun if your budget is limited and you don't want to skimp on memorable activities. This list focuses on the restful side of San Francisco....places you can go to get away from the tourist throngs and busy traffic and enjoy the city from a local's perspective.
- Category: Perfect day
-
Traveler type: Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors
-
Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Singles, Families with small children, Budget travelers, Tourists, Pet owners
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: San Francisco, Parks, Quiet, Beach, Transit
|
|
1. First, get out of that rental car and get a transit pass from MUNI
|
|
| San Francisco is pretty small -- only 7 miles by 7 miles -- but because it's a major, densely-built city, it's not ideal for exploring by car. Drivers here are extremely aggressive, there are numerous confusing one-way streets that intersect at bizarre angles, some of the hills are VERY steep, and parking is a nightmare. More than anything else, I encourage visitors to get out of their car and experience the city like locals do -- by taking public transportation. Simply put, a 1-day transit pass is the best way to get around San Francisco. MUNI is short for "Municipal Railway" and is the agency that manages the entire transit system for the city -- historic streetcars, cable cars, buses and Metro. A one-day pass is only $11.00 (you'll almost pay it off with two rides on the cable car which is normally $5). There are also 3-day passes for $18 and 7-day passes for $24. You can buy them online or at the airport or at a number of vendors in the city. Just flash your pass to the driver as you board, and you're all set. There are other advantages to using MUNI during your trip: (1) if you have a bike you can bring it with you on the front rack of the buses, (2) most of the buses and Metro are wheelchair-accessibe, (3) you'll really feel like a local instead of hunkering down in traffic in your rental car, (4) it's cheap and easier on the environment. Now I know that many Americans are not familiar with public transportation, but believe me -- it's easy to use, the drivers are often quite helpful, and you can purchase a map at many locations. People of all income ranges, ethnicities, and persuasions use MUNI so you won't stand out as a tourist! |
|
|
2. Next, use that transit pass and head for the coast!
|
|
| When I take visitors on a tour of my city, I find that they really enjoy getting away from the busy downtown and out to the peace and quiet of the Pacific Ocean. The best way to do this is to catch MUNI bus route 38-Geary headed westward. It's the most-used route in the MUNI system, so just ask at your hotel or ask a local to show you the closest stop. The 38-Geary runs through all of the major hotel areas in and around Union Square. Once on board, just find yourself a nice seat and watch the show outside since this route traverses the entire width of San Francisco. You'll see Victorian homes, ethnic eateries, and locals sipping coffee outside. Stay on the bus until the end of the route. Ask the driver to point you towards the ocean and walk about 5-6 blocks. Very soon you will see the shimmering blue ocean and perched at the very edge is The Cliff House, a wonderful place for a quick bite to eat or to take some memorable photos. The view along Ocean Beach is spectacular -- dunes, surfers, waves crashing over rocks, sea lions. Explore the cliffs and caves and ruins of Sutro Baths at the base of the Cliff House. Also, ask someone to point you to the Land's End Trail which starts a bit north of the Cliff House -- within 10-15 minutes on this beautiful walk you will see views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County Headlands unknown to most tourists. |
|
|
3. A quiet stroll through the Presidio
|
|
| The Presidio used to be a huge Army base, but now it is the world's largest natural park in an urban setting. It occupies the northwestern edge of San Francisco and is a real treat. You can use your transit pass and take a number of MUNI bus routes that will get you there (or within a few blocks): routes 1, 2, 29, 30 and 45 are best bets. The Presidio is quite large, but stop at the Crissy Field center, get a map, and talk to the wonderful staff. From there, you can walk to the Pet Cemetery at the corner of McDowell and Cowles. Even if you're not an "animal person", this tribute to loved pets is absolutely wonderful. San Francisco residents and fomer Presidio Army personnel have buried their pets here for decades and many of the grave sites have touching tributes and photos of the loved friends. Rather than being a morbid destination, the pet cemetery is a quiet retreat that celebrates life and the impact of pets on our lives. Don't miss it! Also, take a long stroll through Crissy Field and admire the incomparable views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and Angel Island. Finally, complete your tour with a walk through the Veteran's cemetery and trails through the eucalyptus groves that surround it. Here's a local secret -- find the gate at the uppermost rear portion of the cemetery (at the highest elevation) and start your trail walk there. You'll be amazed that you are in a major American city -- it's so quiet! |
|
|
|
|
|
| Nope, this isn't the South Park of Comedy Central fame, but a small, historic park hidden away in the South of Market (SOMA) area. Use your transit pass and take bus routes 15, 30 or 45 to get you in the vicinity. The park is located between 2nd and 3rd streets, and between Brannan and Bryant. The fact that it's a little tough to find makes it even better and it is truly a local favorite. The park is small and oval in shape and extends for about two blocks. It has a wonderful sense of enclosure since it's completely surrounded by 2 or 3-story buildings and towering trees. Although you can faintly hear the roar of the city in the distance, while you're in the park all you typically hear are the trees blowing in the wind, children playing and dogs scampering about. There are three cafes around the perimeter of the park -- one is Caffe Centro which mostly sells coffee and desserts, a pricier French-themed cafe, and the very pricey South Park Cafe'. This is a nice place to people-watch, to feel like a local, and enjoy a little island of quiet in the middle of the city. |
|
|
5. Get on board MUNI route 76 for a true escape
|
|
| I almost hate to mention this local "secret", but I can't resist. And yes, it's technically not in San Francisco, but your adventure starts there. Anyway, on Sundays only, MUNI runs route 76 which is a true bargain and an unforgettable trip to a gorgeous destination. Check the schedule carefully since the bus runs once per hour. Get on board and sit back as the bus winds through a variety of San Francisco neighborhoods, past George Lucas' new film center, across the Golden Gate Bridge and into the Marin County Headlands. As the bus chugs it's way up the steep headlands roads, you'll see breath-taking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. It's amazing to be in the quiet headlands and simultaneously overlook one of the country's largest cities on the other side of the water. The bus comes to a stop at Fort Cronkhite, right next to the beach. Since the bus returns to the city every hour you can easily schedule a day at the beach for the price of a transit pass, avoiding traffic headaches and the $5 Golden Gate Bridge toll. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy your time at Rodeo Lagoon, overlooking the ocean from grassy cliffs, and the sounds of the wind and waves. A perfect afternoon getaway from bustling San Francisco!! |
|
Compliment SanFranciscoGuy
