Travel Tuesday: Local Edition – Free or Cheap Destinations to take Visitors this Holiday Season

Check out my article here on bayarea.com:

https://www.bayarea.com/things-to-do/free-things-san-francisco-holiday/

Ah, yes, it’s the holidays, and the relatives are uber-excited to come visit you in the Bay Area — which means you’ll have to play host and tour guide for them. *Yippee.*

To stay sane and not use all your hard earned cash taking them out, here are some budget-friendly destinations where you can show your family a good time. Some places are obvious destinations where you may run into fellow tourists, but others are a bit off the beaten path.

Either way, just know you’re in for a good time and an adventure. And because it’s the Bay, there’s definitely something for everyone.

For the Art Lover:

Clarion Alley | San Francisco  

Art can be seen all over the Bay, but venture into the Mission District to Clarion Alley in San Francisco and enjoy the many murals. The walls are covered from end to end by various artists and each one different from the next. Enjoy this unique space because it changes often and reflects culture and political changes.

(Another Tip: Hungry? The Mission is home to lots of food options especially Latin restaurants that fulfill the city’s Spanish food cravings.)

Palace of Fine Arts | San Francisco

Move over Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most picturesque places in the city to enjoy a beautiful work of art is the Palace. Sure you’ll be among couples taking engagement photos or families posing for their holiday cards, but you’d be foolish not to take out your own camera to remember these Greek inspired structures, as they are truly works of art.

(Another Tip: This is actually home to the Palace of Fine Arts Theater where you can catch a show ranging from a comedy to the Nutcracker. Check their site for shows and ticket prices.)

16th Street Tile Steps | San Francisco

These mosaic-tiled steps are gorgeous: images of the sun, the moon, and ocean wildlife can be seen here. Dedicated by the community and artists in 2005, the steps are a great reminder that in the hustle and bustle of a big city you can always find the smallest of gems that make your day.

(Another Tip: Bring your sneakers! There are 163 steps — a perfect amount to do a walk or light jog up and down for a great workout with an amazing view!)

For the Kids (or Kids at Heart):

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo | Palo Alto  

Come one, come all to this donation-based museum and zoo, perfect for the little visitors you may have. There are both hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits where kids get to be kids and explore. Sure, they don’t have the giraffes, gorillas or other big animals that you’ll get in big city zoos but they still have an abundance of animals still happy to see you, like raccoons, bobcats, turtles and more.

(Another Tip: You can head to nearby Stanford to walk around the campus and enjoy the trees or stroll down University Avenue for a bite to eat.)

Tilden Regional Park’s Little Farm and Merry-Go-Round  | Berkeley

An awesome place to take kids outdoors and away from the city is in Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park. You can choose to go to the Little Farm to feed or pet animals like cows, sheep or ducks, or you can head to the merry-go-round, which has been there seen 1911. Yes, the merry-go-round does charge a small fee but come during its “Santa” hours and you’ll get a surprise visit from St. Nick himself.
(Another Tip: The park is also home to a botanical garden, a lake, and even a golf course, among other things. Another plus is there are no fees for parking or dogs.)

Gingerbread House at the Fairmont | San Francisco

  
 One of the favorite kids destinations to see during the holidays in the Bay is the famed Gingerbread House at the Fairmont Hotel. This completely edible Gingerbread House leaves the kids in awe, though I’d remember to tell them not to try to eat it! Along with the Gingerbread House, the entire hotel is decked out in amazing holiday decorations.

(Another Tip: The Fairmont is also home to the famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. Here you can have delicious Hawaiian appetizers and food along with a cocktail or shared lava bowls, complete with mini umbrellas.)

For the Hiker:

Muir Woods National Monument | Mill Valley

A California gem: Hike through Muir Woods to be amongst the old Redwood trees. You’ll find so much life hidden in these woods, from the native plants to the living species. You’ll never know what you’ll run into — a creek, squirrels, ladybugs, and more. There are a variety of hikes to fit your needs, so choose wisely and start early.

(Another Tip: Choose the Stinson Beach Trail and you’ll end your hike at one of the favorite beaches in the North Bay. And don’t forget to bring some snacks for a scenic picnic.)

Mission Peak | Fremont

If you love hiking, and live in the Bay or know someone visiting, chances are you’ve seen a picture of the mountains and the infamous Mission Peak pole. A favorite among the East Bay-ers, don’t think this hike is just a walk in the park; it is a moderately challenging hike and, depending on which route you take, may take you anywhere from three to five hours to complete from start to finish.

(Another Tip: Park on the outside of Ohlone College for free (or just come for the free parking on a Sunday) or pay the $4 for parking. Also, come on an off-day and the line to take a picture with the post may not be so bad.)

Sign Hill Park | South San Francisco

Off the beaten path and in a somewhat suburban area in South City, you’ll find the entrance to Sign Hill Park where you’ll eventually find the HUGE letters that span across the hill saying, “South San Francisco Industrial City.” Atop the hill, you’ll find scenic views of the “other” side of the Bay — the Peninsula and beyond.

(Another Tip: Feeling adventurous? Take some garbage can lids with you to slide down the giant letters for some additional fun.)

For the Photographer:

Land’s End Labyrinth| San Francisco

A unique landmark in San Francisco, the Land’s End Labyrinth is a picture perfect spot from any angle because that beauty of the Golden Gate lies just behind it in the background. Sure, you’ll have to hike a bit to get there, but the camera shot is worth it.

(Another Tip: The Labyrinth is just a small part of Lands End. This is also the same park where you can find the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. Read on to learn more about these two landmarks.)

Twin Peaks | San Francisco

 
Atop the two hills (hence the name), is a vista point that everyone who visits the Bay Area should visit. Come during the day and you can see the entire Bay Area. Come at night and see the lights twinkling among the stars. It’s the best view in town so don’t forget to use that panoramic feature on the camera.

(Another Tip: Check the weather before you take the drive up. Karl the fog may roll in so be sure you go on a clear day or night.)

Grizzly Peak | Berkeley

Similar to Twin Peaks (which you can actually see from this viewpoint) is this vista point in the East Bay with breathtaking views on the opposite side of the Bay. Here, the stunning views of Oakland and Berkeley include the lush greenery down below and the skyline of the City just beyond.

(Another Tip: Come at sunset and you’ll get the best of both views — daytime and nighttime. And don’t forget your coat: It can get a bit chilly up there.)

For the History Buff:

Cable Car Museum | San Francisco

A museum for free-ninety-nine is always the best kind. And a Cable Car Museum in San Francisco definitely makes sense. Here, you’ll actually be able to see the cables that run the four cable cars that travel throughout the city, along with miniature models and old historic decommissioned cable cars.

(Another Tip: You can actually catch a cable car from the museum and purchase tickets if you’re interested. Get an all day pass for $20 or a single ticket for $6 to ride the historic car.)

Marin Headlands | Sausalito

At the Marin Headlands, you can find many different sites to see, but venture to the Nike Missile Site to learn about the Cold War and the role this site had, or head to the Point Bonita Lighthouse built in 1855. There’s so much history in this area you may even want to stay the night — well, maybe not in the winter, but they do have campgrounds available for when you do.

(Another Tip: Be sure to come early and bring your camera, because there’s so much to see in addition to the area mentioned above, including an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge.)

The Cliff House & Sutro BathsThe Cliff House & Sutro Baths | San Francisco

Any place you visit with the ocean as its backdrop is going to be worth it. Check out their websites before heading out to understand the history behind Adolph Sutro and both the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths. You’ll learn how they came to be and what their significance is within the city.

(Another Tip: Download their maps and information guide to keep with you during your time there to get a more in-depth, historical visit.)