Table of Contents: 20 Things to Do for Less than $10

Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 2

20 Things to Do Under $10 .................................................................................................. 3

Bonus Section #1: 3 Free Self-Guided Walking Tours ....................................................... 11

Bonus Section #2: 5 Tips to Save on Your Visit ................................................................ 19

About SFTourismTips.com ................................................................................................ 22

Introduction

Thank you so much for signing up the SFTourismTips.com email. This email will give

you all the information you need in order to plan an amazing vacation in the city by the

bay, San Francisco.

This book is also a great resource to help you start the planning process. Below, you will

find 20 things to do that will cost you less than $10 per person. The list includes

everything from free attraction to some off the beaten path ideas that are affordable and

fun.

Also, make sure to stop by SFTourismTips.com for more great information to help you

plan your trip!

20 Things to Do for Less than $10

1. 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairs

The 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairs are a must see for those heading to the Sunset District.

The stairs feature a flowing image that drifts all the way from the top to the bottom.

There are 163 total steps and you are free to walk up and down them as many times as

you like. Each time you take a step, a new piece of art appears as the view of the mosaic's

previous step disappears.

Admission: Free

Address: 16th Avenue and Moraga

District: Sunset

Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day

Transit: Muni Light Rail N to Muni Bus #66

Bonus: Head over to 16th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton for a second set of

mosaic stairs in this district called the “Hidden Garden Stairs”

2. Beach Chalet Murals

Absolutely gorgeous murals adorn the interior of the Beach Chalet at Ocean Beach. The

murals were painted during the Worker’s Progress Administration (WPA) era in the

1930s and give a real idea of what life was like during this time period. On the first floor

of this building there are about 10 murals that showcase the daily life of famous San

Franciscans of that time and the tranquil Golden Gate Park. The first level of this

building is also the tourist office for Golden Gate Park. You can stop by for maps and

other advice on what there is to see in the area and the rest of SF.

Admission: Free

Address: 1000 Great Highway

District: Outer Richmond

Hours: Open at 9am during the week and 8am on weekends; Open until 10pm Sunday –

Thursday, Open until 11pm on Friday & Saturday

Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5 & 5L

3. Cable Cars

The historic San Francisco Cable Cars offer a fun, open air cruise around San Francisco.

You will find three different cable car lines. Two run between Fisherman’s Wharf and

Union Square. The other one runs between the Financial District and Nob Hill. This

unique experience is one you will not soon forget.

Cost: $7 per person, per ride

Address: Pick them up in Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial

District

District: Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District

Hours: Run daily between 6am and 1:30am

4. Chinatown Temples

The Chinatown District is rich with history and a must see during your stay. One of my

favorite things to see in this district are the beautiful Chinese Temples. They are free to

visit and only take a few minutes to explore. The Kong Chow Temple and Tin How

Temple have amazing glimpses into the past with their historic sculptures and other

artifacts. The new Ma Tsu Temple is another one I like to visit. It’s colorful and an easy

stop to make along the way.

Cost: All three are free to visit.

Kong Chow Temple

Address: 855 Stockton Street

District: Chinatown

Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm

Transit: Muni Bus #1, 8, 8X, 30, 45, & 91

Ma Tsu Temple

Address: 30 Beckett Street

District: Chinatown

Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm

Transit: Muni Bus #8, 10, 12, & 41

Tin How Temple

Address: 125 Waverly Place

District: Chinatown

Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm

Transit: Muni Bus #1, 8, 8X, 30, 45, & 91

5. City Hall

If you plan to stop in the Civic Center District, make sure to schedule a bit of time to step

inside SF’s gorgeous City Hall. Rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire, this

masterpiece features a beautiful marble staircase and a gives visitors a look inside its

gorgeous golden dome. On its first floor is a small museum. On the lower level, you'll

also find an art exhibit, with an ever-changing collection, that is managed by SF’s Art

Commission.

Cost: Free

Address: 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place

District: Civic Center

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am to 8pm

Transit: Civic Center BART, F-Streetcar, Muni Bus #5, 6, 9, 21, & 71

6. Coastal Trail Hike

For those that love the outdoors, there is no better city hike than the Coastal Trail in the

Presidio. The full California Coastal Trail is a 1,200 mile trail from Oregon to Mexico.

The best segment of this trail in San Francisco takes you from Baker Beach to the

Golden Gate Bridge. It’s 2.7 miles long and features amazing cliff views of the SF Bay

and several great views of the area.

Cost: Free

Address: Start near Baker Beach

District: Presidio

Hours: During daylight hours

Transit: Muni #41, 43, or 45 to the Presidio, then take the free PresidiGo shuttle to stop

#21 at Baker Beach (on the Presidio Hills Route)

7. Coit Tower

Coit Tower is a lovely building set on top of Telegraph Hill in the North Beach District.

There are two main attractions to see here. On the first floor, you will find a variety of

murals painted in the late 1930s, which are free to visit. However, you can also pay $8 to

ride the elevator to the top floor, which is where you will find the observation deck. The

second offers 360 degree views of San Francisco. You can see an amazing vista that

includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Alcatraz Island.

Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for seniors (65+) & youth (12 to 17); $2 for children (5-11); it’s

also free if you decide to only visit the murals on the first floor

Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard

District: Telegraph Hill/North Beach

Hours: Daily, May – October, 10am to 6pm; November – April, 10am to 5pm

Transit: Bus #39

8. de Young Fine Arts Museum Tower

While a cost is associated with visiting the de Young Museum ($10 per person which

also includes entrance to the Legion of Honor), you can visit their observatory tower at

no cost. From the tower, you get amazing views of Golden Gate Park and the

surrounding districts. On a clear day, you can also see the Golden Gate Bridge tower

tops, the Pacific Ocean, and parts of downtown SF.

Cost: Free for the Tower, $10 to visit the museum (save $2 on your visit when you show

them your public transit pass or transfer voucher)

Address: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

District: Golden Gate Park

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30am to 5:15pm

Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5 & 44

9. Fort Point National Historic Site

This beauty sits under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s an old military

site and one of the oldest buildings in San Francisco. As you venture inside the fort, you

will learn more about its role in US military history by watching short documentaries

about its history, the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the relationship between

these magnificent structures. Make sure to head up to the top floor for some of the best

close up photos of the bridge and the San Francisco Bay. If you are a Hitchcock fan, you

will know that the fort has been made famous for the scene in the movie Vertigo where

Jimmy Stewart rescues Kim Novak after she jumps in to the freezing San Francisco Bay.

Cost: Free

Address: Marine Drive (Right under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge)

District: Marina/Presidio

Hours: Friday – Sunday from 10am to 5pm during the winter, Thursday – Tuesday from

10am to 5pm in the summer

Transit: Muni Bus #28

10. Free Walking Tours by SF City Guides & the Public Library

In 1978, San Francisco started a free walking tours program for both locals and tourists.

The program is so popular now that they offer around six to seven walks on weekdays

and up to a dozen on weekend days. All of the guides are volunteers and the donations

requested at the end go directly back to the program to help keep it running. The tours

you will find include walks around Fisherman’s Wharf, a behind the scenes look at

Chinatown, and a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge. I take these often to stay in touch

with what’s happening all around the city and I always learn something new.

Cost: Free, although I recommend a $5 to $7 donation, all donations go to keep the

program running

Tour Details: No advanced booking required, just show up at the designated meeting

point 5 to 10 minutes before the tour

Tour Schedule: Click here to visit my site for a full schedule of tours by day

11. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company

A little hidden gem in Chinatown is the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company. When

you stop in here, you can take a peek at how this company hand makes their fortune

cookies for local restaurants and other customers. You can also pick up some of their

delicious creations and see what your fortune holds for you! Taking a picture of their

operations costs $1, but then they send you out the door with a sample.

Cost: Free, but they will request $1 to take pictures inside

Address: 56 Ross Alley

District: Chinatown

Hours: Daily from 9am to 7pm

Transit: Muni Bus #10, 12, 30, 45, & 91

12. Golden Gate Bridge

The “crown gem” of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. This gorgeous attraction is

free to visit. The eastern side of the bridge offers a walking path that crosses the entire

way across to the Marin Headlands and back to San Francisco. Standing on the bridge

you will get a close up of this amazing structure as well as beautiful views of the SF Bay,

downtown SF, Angel Island, and the infamous Alcatraz Island. Make sure you also

spend a little time at the cute museum that was recently built on the San Francisco side

of the bridge.

Cost: Free

Address: Golden Gate Bridge

District: Presidio

Hours: Walking paths open from 5am to 6:30pm during PST, open from 5am to 9pm

during DST, you can drive over the bridge 24 hours a day

Transit: Muni Bus #28

13. Grace Cathedral

Another one of the top attractions in Nob Hill is Grace Cathedral. It is the largest and, in

my opinion, the most beautiful church in San Francisco. The cathedral is open daily to

the public. Stop by for a closer look at its famous golden doors, colorful stained glass

windows, and other gorgeous icons.

Cost: Free, but they do request a small donation

Address: 1100 California Street

District: Nob Hill

Hours: Monday – Friday from 7am to 6pm; Saturday from 8am to 6pm; Sunday from

8am to 7pm

Transit: California Cable Car, Muni Bus #1

14. Hyde Street Pier

This pier was originally built in 1922 for car ferries. At this time, the Golden Gate Bridge

wasn't built yet. These ferries shuttled passengers back and forth between San Francisco

and Marin County. Interestingly enough, this ferry route was officially part of Hwy 101

until the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937. Today, it houses several historic vessels

open to visitors. The vessels currently housed here range from an original ferry used for

this car ferry route to the Balclutha, which is a square-rigged ship built in 1886 in

Glasgow, Scotland to haul wheat to California.

Cost: $5 per person, free for supervised children 15 and under; you can also walk along

the pier at no cost

Address: 2905 Hyde Street

District: Fisherman’s Wharf

Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5pm

Transit: Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde Cable Cars, Muni Bus #30, 47, & 91

15. Japanese Tea Garden

This gorgeous attraction features several traditional Japanese gardens, temples, and

bridges for you to enjoy. It’s a calm and quiet place where you can relax and enjoy its

beauty. It's also close to the de Young Fine Arts Museum and the California Academy of

Sciences so you can visit all three in one trip.

Admission: $8 for adults; $6 seniors (65+) & youth 12 – 17; $2 children (5-11); children

4 & under free; discounts for local residents

Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive

District: Golden Gate Park

Hours: Winter (11/1/ to 2/28) from 9am to 4:45pm; Summer (3/1 to 10/31) from 9am

to 6pm

Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5, 7, 21, 33 & 44

16. Lombard Street

Lombard Street is where you will find one of the "crookedest" streets in the world.

Although it is no longer the most crooked street in the world (or even SF), it is the most

beautiful. The beautiful flowers and trees planted along this brick lined street add to its

elegance. If you want to know an actual "hidden gem" secret about San Francisco, the

most crooked street in San Francisco is Vermont Street in Potrero Hill which is located

just a few miles away.

Cost: Free

Address: Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets

District: Russian Hill

Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day

Transit: Powell-Hyde Cable Car, Muni Bus #30 or 91

17. Mission Murals

San Francisco is home to almost 1,000 murals with the Mission District having the

largest concentration. Swing by Clarion Street (between Mission and Valencia) and

Balmy Alley (between 24th and 25th streets) to admire some of these beautiful works of

art. You can also stroll around the district to spot many more that will amaze you with

their splendor and imagination.

Cost: Free

Address: All Around the Mission District

District: Mission

Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day

Transit: 16th Street and 24th Street BART; Muni Bus #12, 14, 33, 48, & 49

18. Mission San Francisco de Asis

The Mission San Francisco de Asis is a classic mission that was built in 1791. It is

actually the oldest building in San Francisco. You can visit the old mission, the newly

rebuilt basilica, and one of the only graveyards still within the San Francisco city limits.

In addition, you can visit the Mission museum and see the original adobe bricks used to

maintain this sturdy structure.

Cost: Suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors

Address: 3321 16th Street

District: Mission

Hours: Open Daily; 9am-4:30pm, May 1-Oct 31; 9am-4pm, Nov 1-Apr 30; 9am-

noon, Good Friday; 9am-4pm, Holy Saturday

Transit: 16th Street BART, Muni Bus #14, 22, & 49

19. Palace of Fine Arts

A stroll through the Palace of Fine Arts feels like a step back in time. This detailed

structure was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. While it’s

undergone some renovations over the years, it still showcases the building’s original

design. Learn more on the free walking tour on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month,

which starts on the corner of Bay and Lyon streets. If you want to take "the perfect

picture," make sure you also walk to the other side of the pond. Focus and shoot back

towards the Palace of Fine Arts with the San Francisco Bay in the background.

Cost: Free

Address: 3301 Lyon Street

District: Marina District

Hours: Open 24 Hours (it’s beautiful during the day, but also breathtaking at night!)

Transit: Muni Bus #28 & 30

20. The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

The famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square are six colorfully painted Victorian houses

with the exact same architecture, built side-by-side each other, near Alamo Square Park.

If you climb up to the top of the hill inside the park, you will also get an amazing view of

downtown San Francisco right behind them. It’s a classic view of SF and one of the most

popular photographs of the city. This cute park is also the perfect place for a picnic

lunch or to relax for an hour or two during your vacation.

Cost: Free

Address: Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove

District: Alamo Square

Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day

Transit: Muni Bus #5, 21, 22, & 24

Bonus Section #1: 3 Free Self-Guided Walking Tours

I love sharing tips to find the best activities all around San Francisco. As a bonus to this

free guide, here are three self-guided walking tours. All three give you the top affordable

activities and attractions in each district that will not cost you too much.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is THE place to see for those visiting SF for the first time. You'll find

dozens of things to do including cruises on the bay, the ferries to Alcatraz, and the

Aquarium of the Bay. None of these mentioned are free, so I’ve created an itinerary for

this district with the best free and inexpensive things to do.

At the end of this itinerary, you will also find a list of other things to do that will cost a

little more. This will allow you to budget for this pricey area of SF.

Stop at Ghirardelli Square

Start your day at Ghirardelli Square on western edge of Fisherman's Wharf. Spend a few

minutes walking around the courtyard. Then step inside the main Ghirardelli Square

store to check out the three machines as they produce the best tasting chocolate in San

Francisco. You will find this store on the main level in the south east corner of the

courtyard.

Walk to the End of the Aquatic Park Pier

After giving your eyes a treat, head across the street and walk through Aquatic Park to

the Hyde Street Pier. Two choices for this pier are to either walk along the boardwalk for

free to check out the historic ships from the outside. You can also pay $5 to step inside

three of these floating museums. My “insider’s secret” is to walk all the way to the end of

the pier where you will get some wonderful photos of both the Golden Gate Bridge and

Alcatraz Island.

Visit the Maritime Museum

Once you are finished with the pier, walk back across Jefferson Street and enter the

Maritime Museum. Inside this museum, you get the chance to learn all about the history

of this lively district. It will take about an hour to visit all of its interactive exhibits and

see the working light from a local lighthouse.

Grab Lunch on Taylor and Jefferson Streets

After your visit the museum, walk east to Taylor and Jefferson Streets. This is where you

will find fresh fish at reasonable prices. Most restaurants in this district are expensive,

so bring along your own snacks and beverages from a local grocery store if you're on a

really tight budget. Tables and benches are available along the waterfront where you can

sit and enjoy your lunch with a free million dollar view of the SF Bay!

Stop by the Musee Mechanique

After lunch, step inside the Musee Mechanique on Pier 47. It’s home to dozens of old

fashioned games, music boxes, and more including the famous automated character,

“Laffing Sal.” You do have to pay to play, but it is free to look around. You can also watch

as others play and spend their money on these old-fashioned machines.

Step out of the Musee Mechanique, turn left, and walk along the waterfront to enjoy

more great views of Alcatraz Island and the SF Bay. Walk toward Pier 39, which is two

blocks east of Pier 47. Along the way, make sure to spend a little time watching the street

performers.

Spend Time at Pier 39

Once you reach Pier 39, head to the California Welcome Center to pick up your free Pier

39 Fun Pack. It offers a number of discounts and special offers for shops and restaurants

on the pier. After you pick up your fun pack, head to the second floor on the western

side to see the sea lions and visit the new Sea Lion Center. Both are free.

From here, spend some time walking around Pier 39. Some shops offer free samples and

you can use your Fun Pack to save on any purchases you might make there.

This suggested itinerary and walking tour will offer you hours of fun at a very affordable

rate. You are your own guide and don't have to wait for other people. You can take your

time or skip locations if you want. To enhance your day in Fisherman’s Wharf, check out

the list of additional attractions below and their associated costs.

The entire district is small, so it won’t be too much trouble adding any of these to your

day.

Cost Estimate: Lunch outside on Taylor at Jefferson, $6 to $15 per dish

Other Things to Do in this District: Aquarium of the Bay ($19.95), Wax Museum ($26),

Ripley’s Believe It or Not ($25.99), 7D Experience on Pier 39 ($10 for the dark ride, $5

for the LaZer Race), Alcatraz ($30 to $37 based on tour selected), SF Bay Cruise (tickets

start at $30 per person)

Transit: Cable Cars - Powell - Hyde & Powell-Mason; Muni Bus - #30, 47, & 49; Muni

Light Rail - F Streetcar

North Beach

This walking tour takes you past the best places in North Beach. You'll see the views

atop the hill at Coit Tower, step inside it to see its colorful murals, enjoy some tasty

treats along the way, and learn more about SF’s Beat Generation.

Start Your Day at Coit Tower

Start your day in North Beach at the top of the hill at the stunning Coit Tower. You can

either walk up the Filbert Street steps or grab the 39 Bus from the corner of Union

Street and Columbus Avenue to get there. When you first arrive, spend a few minutes

soaking in the views. The parking lot view alone affords you the sights of Lombard

Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the SF Bay. After you are done

admiring the view, head inside. On the first floor, you will find more than a dozen

colorful Works Progress Administration (WPA) Murals produced during the 1930s.

If you want some additional views of the SF Bay and the surrounding area, pay $8 to

take the elevator to the top. If you are on a tight budget, then I’d stick to the views from

the parking lot. If you can swing the $8, you'll find some great views from the top floor.

This attraction was built by money left to the city by a colorful character named Lillie

Hitchcock Coit. She loved spending time with the firemen all around SF. A common

myth is that Coit Tower was built to look like a fireman's hose because Lillie supposedly

had a great affinity for SF's firefighters. That's just a myth, however.

Enjoy Fresh Bread at Luguria Bakery

After your visit to Coit Tower, head back down to North Beach along Filbert Street (take

the stairs or the bus). If you are hungry, make sure to stop at Luguria Bakery on the

corner of Filbert and Stockton streets. They make the most amazing focaccia bread I’ve

ever tasted.

It’s an inexpensive treat to help get you through the day. If you're tight on budget, just

step inside to see what all the fuss is about and enjoy the aroma of the fresh baked

bread. It alone eases those hunger pangs!

Take a Peek Inside Saints Peter and Paul Church

Take a right after leaving Luguria Bakery and walk further down the hill along Filbert

Street to visit Saints Peter and Paul Church. It’s a lovely church that was the backdrop

for Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio’s wedding photos. My “insider’s secret” is that

they actually got married at SF’s City Hall as they both were previously married and

divorced. However, their families would've been upset if they weren't married in a

church. They took pictures here to make it look like they were married in a church so

their families would be happy.

Enjoy Some Fresh Air at Washington Square Park

Once you finish with the church, head across the street to visit Washington Square Park.

This is a great place to spend a little time relaxing and enjoying your treat from Luguria

Bakery, if you haven't eaten it already. Walk around the park and admire its statues.

Also enjoy the great views of North Beach that surround it.

Discover the History of the Beat Generation

Your next stops in this district will help you learn all about SF’s famed Beat Generation.

In the 1950s and 1960s, most of the Beat Generation lived in San Francisco and had

what others called an alternative or radical lifestyle. They were primarily artists and

writers and they included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.

Now that you know a little more about the Beat Generation's history and relevance, let’s

get back to the itinerary and why you should visit the Beat Museum.

The Beat Museum is located near the corner of Broadway and Columbus (on Broadway

about a block east of Columbus Avenue). Here you can see original works from this

generation, learn more about the women that played a large role, and even see the car

Jack Kerouac drove across America in “On the Road.” If you notice, the car is incredibly

dusty and dirty. This was one of the stipulations to the museum showing it: It was never

allowed to be cleaned or changed in any way.

Find Interesting Books at City Lights Bookstore

After you finish at the museum, take a right and walk back to Columbus Avenue. On the

southwest corner is the City Lights Bookstore. The original owner of this bookstore was

Lawrence Ferlinghetti. He opened it in order to sell the work of his fellow Beat

Generation friends and other books that weren't often allowed to be sold in other stores.

Today, you will still find a number of unique works and it’s fun to spend some time

walking around. Guest speakers and writers often stop by so make sure to check the

schedule when you enter the bookstore.

Admire the Murals in Jack Kerouac Alley

As you leave the bookstore, take a right into Jack Kerouac Alley. On both sides of the

alley, you'll find some colorful street art of San Francisco and its gorgeous attractions.

Make sure to also look down and spend some time reading the quotes on the street.

Sip Cocktails at the Vesuvio Café

Once you are done, head back to Columbus Avenue where you entered the alleyway and

take a right. This is where you will find the Vesuvio Café. This café was a popular spot

for Jack Kerouac. He spent hours and hours working on his writing and drinking away

the day.

Spend some time admiring the pieces of history on the walls. If you decide to sit down

for a drink, be forewarned that the cocktails here are a little expensive. They are,

however, strong and delicious. They even have a drink named the "Jack Kerouac" if you

want to try to get into his mindset for a little bit of time.

This entire North Beach journey will take you most of the day. You can find some cheap

eats along Columbus or Grant avenues. One of my favorite places to grab a slice of pizza

is at Golden Boy Pizza on Green Street (a block east of Columbus Avenue). Here you can

grab a hefty slice of pizza for $2.75 to $3.75 each.

Cost Estimate: Coit Tower $8 (this is to take the elevator to the top, if you just want to

visit the murals then Coit Tower is free); Pizza at Golden Boy is around $2.75 to $3.75 a

slice

Other Things to Do in this District: Beach Blanket Bablyon ($25 to $130 each), Comedy

Shows ($5 to $50 each)

Transit: Cable Car - Powell/Mason line; Muni Bus - 8, 10, 12, 30, 39, 41, 45, & 91

Chinatown

Most of the top places to see in Chinatown are inexpensive. It’s also a good place to look

for souvenirs as many are cheaper here than in some of the other spots in SF. The

suggested itinerary below will take you all day and includes a few cheap places to stop

for lunch.

Start Your Journey at Portsmouth Square Park

Start your adventure at Portsmouth Square Park. It’s the central meeting place for many

locals in this neighborhood. Stroll through the park and watch the locals in action. You'll

see everything from individuals practicing tai chi to groups of men smoking and chatting

the day away.

Admire the East West Bank Building

Leave the park from the northwest corner and take a left onto Washington Street. About

a half a block up, you'll see an interesting looking green and red building called the East

West Bank. This building was the first Chinese telephone exchange in the US.

Discover Chinatown Hidden Gems

Walk back down the hill on Washington Street to Wentworth Place, more of an alley

than a street, and take a left. Stop and admire the beautiful mural about a half a block

down.

The mural is called Peace and Harmony. It shows people of all ages enjoying a day at the

park in harmony.

Continue on to Jackson Street. Stop and take a gander at the pharmacy on the corner of

Wentworth Place and Jackson Street. This is the oldest pharmacy in SF's Chinatown and

worth a small peak inside. If it's closed, you can still get a good feel for what they offer

by taking a look in its front window.

Step Inside the Ma Tsu Temple

From here, head across the street and up the hill just a few feet to Beckett Street.

Continue down Beckett Street (again, more like an alley than a street).

As you walk down Beckett Street, you'll see a building with red circular decorations in

front of it. This is the Ma Tsu Temple. When you arrive, step inside for an up close look

at this modern Buddhist and Daoist Temple with its colorful alters and statues.

After you are done at the temple, step outside and take a close look at the two lions

protecting the front of the building. The one with the ball under its foot is male. The one

with the baby under its foot is female. As you walk around Chinatown, you will see that

every entrance (including the Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue) has both a male and

female lion “protecting” it.

Try a Sample at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company

Your next stop is about two blocks away. Head back to Jackson Street and take a right

(you'll head slightly uphill). Cross Grant Avenue and look for Ross Alley. It's about a half

block up from Grant.

Head down Ross Alley about a half a block until you reach the Golden Gate Fortune

Cookie Company. Even though this is a working factory, they welcome visitors. When

you arrive, you'll see a man sitting by the door and he'll indicate if it's okay to enter. Step

inside to see how they make their fortune cookies. He usually offers a sample. You can

take pictures, but they will request a $1 “donation”.

Enjoy Dim Sum for Lunch

After you finish at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, head back to Jackson

Street to sample traditional Dim Sum (Chinese small plates that are either fried or

boiled). Dim Sum is cheap, cheap, cheap (and yummy!)—so it’s perfect for those on a

budget! You can also try a variety of dishes.

One of my favorite places is Delicious Dim Sum at 752 Jackson Street. They're open

every day except Wednesday (an alternative is Good Mon Kok Bakery at 1039 Stockton

Street).

Explore the Chinese Historical Society

After lunch, head south on Stockton Street to Clay Street. On Clay Street, take a right

and head up the hill one and a half blocks to the Chinese Historical Society Museum. It’s

a non-descript brick building on the southern side of the street. This small museum

focuses on the history of the Chinese in America.

Stop by the Kong Chow Temple

After your visit, head back down to Stockton Street and take a right. The second building

on your right (855 Stockton) houses the Kong Chow Temple. Take the stairs or the

elevator to the top floor to find the temple. It's an important temple as it displays the

oldest Chinese artifacts in the US. It's small and a little dusty, so you will have to look

past this in order to find this temple's real beauty.

See the Tin How Temple

If you want to visit another temple, head back to Clay Street (it’s a left after leaving the

Kong Chow Temple) and cross Stockton Street. Walk down Clay Street to Waverly Place

and take a right. This is where you'll find the Tin How Temple at 125 Waverly Place. It's

cleaner than the Kong Chow Temple and showcases other historic artifacts. The only

challenge with this one is that you have to climb four flights of stairs to reach it. There is

no elevator in this building.

Shop for Inexpensive Gifts & Goodies

End your day in Chinatown with a little shopping. You'll find locally owned, small shops

all over the district, but most people flock to Grant Avenue to find cheap and interesting

souvenirs.

If you are a true bargain shopper or are more adventurous, then walk through the alleys

just one block up from Grant Avenue to find some great deals. Don't forget that this is

Chinatown, so it's not rude to negotiate for the best price! However, keep in mind that

some of the owners of these local shops gear their products toward locals, so they may

not speak as much English.

Take a Picture of the Dragon’s Gate

After you finish shopping, exit Chinatown through the Dragon’s Gate on Grant Avenue.

Step across the street where you will get the best photos of the entire gate.

Cost Estimate: Fortune Cookie Company Pictures $1; Lunch at Dim Sum Restaurant $4

to $5 per person

Other Things to Do in this District: You will also find a number of wonderful murals

along the way. Make sure you walk slowly and spend time looking around for these

gorgeous pieces of art.

Transit: Cable Cars - All three cable cars have stops in or near Chinatown; Muni Bus - 1,

8, 10, 12, 30, 41, 45, & 91

Bonus Section #2: 5 Tips to Save on Your Visit

If you are like me and LOVE to save money, then this section is for you! There are so

many ways to save during your visit to San Francisco.

1. Don’t Rent a Car

Parking is really difficult and expensive in San Francisco. For one night of parking, you

will pay at least $25 to $30 a night. Plus, you will then need to pay each time you park

the car at each attraction. This is why I recommend that you don’t rent a car.

With our unique public transit options, SF also has several unfamiliar driving rules, so it

can be tough to get around San Francisco unless you are used to driving here.

Instead of renting a car, I recommend public transit and/or the hop on/hop off bus.

Public Transportation

Public transit in San Francisco is easy to use and it’s a great way to get around the city. It

will take more time than a car, but you will not have to waste time looking for parking

(or pay for it)! Here are a few recommendations to get around SF from both Fisherman’s

Wharf and Union Square.

From To

Fisherman’s Wharf

Chinatown: #30

Golden Gate Bridge: #30 + #28

Golden Gate Park: F Street Car + N Judah

Lombard Street: Powell/Hyde Cable Car

Union Square: Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason Cable Car or the F Street Car

Union Square

Fisherman’s Wharf: Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason Cable Car or the F

Street Car

Golden Gate Bridge: Any Golden Gate Transit Bus (it will cost more, but it’s faster than transferring twice)

Golden Gate Park: N Judah Light Rail

Lombard Street: Powell/Hyde Cable Car

North Beach: #30 bus (or you can also walk)

Hop On/Hop Off Bus

If this is your first time to SF, I also recommend looking at taking the Hop On/Hop Off

bus your first couple of days. Many offer you the same price for both 24 and 48 hours.

These buses stop at all of the top attractions around San Francisco. When you get to the

stop for an attraction you want to visit, you simply hop off to explore. You will then

return to the same stop and wait for the next Hop On/Hop Off bus to arrive and take

you to your next stop.

It cuts down on the travel time in between and you will also learn all about SF’s

attractions as you ride around town.

You can either buy your tickets in advance or when you arrive. Click here to head to

SFTourismTips.com to learn a little more about the Hop On/Hop Off buses.

2. Book Flight and Hotel Together

You will often be able to save some money when you book your flights and hotels at the

same time. Most of the biggest travel sites offer these deals throughout the year.

If you prefer to book them separate, then check out my Hotel Deals page for a list of the

best deals on hotels right now. It also includes a few other sites that offer ongoing

discounts, so you have other options to help you save money.

3. Use Goldstar to Find Deals on Tours & Other Tickets

One of my favorite places to send people that are looking for deals is Goldstar. This

ticket retailer offers deals at up to 50% off on tours, events, and other activities all

around San Francisco.

It’s the best place to find tickets to bay cruises, walking tours, and theater performances.

I use them all the time to see more of the city without breaking my budget.

Click here to check out my discounts page with top deals on Goldstar.

4. Search Groupon & Living Social for Deals on Food & Activities

You will also find some great discounts on Groupon & Living Social. Both focus on

activities, food, and local services. This is the place to look if you want to spend less on

eating out or want to find a unique activity for your visit.

5. Take Advantage of Discount Passes

You will also find some great discount passes for San Francisco. In my opinion, the best

is the CityPass. It’s perfect for those that love museums and plan to visit the California

Academy of Sciences, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the Exploratorium (or the de

Young).

This pass also includes a ticket on a standard bay cruise and a 7-day SF Muni pass. Click

here to read all about the San Francisco CityPass.

About SFTourismTips.com

Hi, my name is Jill and I’m the owner and founder of SFTourismTips.com. I moved to

San Francisco in the summer of 2003 and have called it my home ever since. I love this

city and want to help everyone that visits get the most out of their trip.

I started my site, SFTourismTips.com, in 2009 and it turned into a full time project for

me in 2011. Every day, the site is growing and changing.

If you enjoyed this guide, I invite you to visit my site for more helpful tips about visiting

San Francisco at www.sftourismtips.com.

Also, I’d love to hear from you and find out what you liked or didn’t like about my site or

this free guide. This will help me improve both for future visitors. Simply fill out the

contact form on my site at http://www.sftourismtips.com/contactme.

Thanks again for signing up for my weekly email. I hope this book gave you a great idea

on what to expect with our emails and also gave you a few additional tips for your

upcoming visit to the gorgeous city by the bay, San Francisco!

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