5 Things to Do in San Francisco for $5 and Under

San Francisco is certainly one of the most interesting, eclectic, and well-loved cities in the United States. From the island of Alcatraz, to the Golden Gate Bridge, it is known the world over for its beauty, majesty, and typically Californian charm. And yet, for many visitors, the city also has almost insuperable financial obstacles.

Indeed, just this year Forbes ranked San Francisco as the 7^th most "over-priced," city in America, a reflection on the expense of everything, from food, to lodging, to entertainment. And yet, just because the Bay Area is costly, doesn't mean that cost has to be prohibitive. On the contrary, in honor of low-budget travel, we've presented, below, a list of 5 things to do in San Francisco for $5 and under, a list that will almost certainly leave your family, and your wallet, thanking you.

5. First Tuesdays

It's no secret that San Francisco is home to some of the best museums in the country. What many people don't know, however, is that many of those museums are free on the first Tuesday of each month. That's right, 100% free. So, if you time your visit right, you could just visit Cartoon Art Museum, the African Diaspora Museum, and even the world-renowned San Francisco Museum of Art, all without paying a nickel, a deal that's impossible to pass up.

4. Cable Cars

Want to get a tour of the city before you decide what to do? Look no further than San Francisco's famous "cable cars," the old-fashioned transportation system that will take you to some of the most famous spots in the city. And the best part: a one-way trip on a cable car only costs $5. In other words, not only do you get a world-class tour of the city, but you get to do it for hardly any cost, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

3. Baseball

Maybe you're a fan of baseball, but can't afford a ticket? Look no further than the Giant's famous AT&T stadium, a place where fans can stand on the waterfront promenade of McCovey Cove and watch the game through the archways of the ballpark (albeit, without the clearest view). If you want to take your game even further, try renting a kayak and rowing around the basin with a net: you never know when a homerun ball could come, and leave you with something to fish for.

2. Pier 39

Sure it's a little touristy, but Pier 39 is also one of the most fun things to do in the city. Plus, one of the best parts of the Pier-experience is totally free. Indeed, the massive collection of California Sea Lions that make their home on the docks beneath the Pier don't charge any admittance fee, giving you access to a cacophonous zoo right beneath your feet. Plus, if you're willing to shell out some extra bucks, Pier 39 is home to some of the best restaurants and attractions in the city, providing plenty of things to do after you're done looking at the animals.

1. The Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park

One of the most iconic settings in the city, the Golden Gate bridge remains free to north-bound bicycle and pedestrian traffic, which means you can walk the iconic 1.7 mile bridge without paying a single cent.

And, after you're done with that, try venturing down to Golden Gate park, one of the most beautiful vistas in California. Plus, if that's not enough, the park is also frequently home to one of the cities many free events, including almost weekly concerts, and the notable "Shakespeare in the Park." In other words, not only is this combo free, it's also one of the best ways to see exactly what San Francisco's all about, marking it definitively as the number one thing to do for under $5 in the city.