%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-San-Francisco-EXPNSVCALIDEST0725-e7e8602e0f304900bdc20de4660f7abc.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
This City Was Just Named California's Most Expensive Tourist Destination—but Here's How to Visit on a Budget
According to a recent GOBankingRates study, the City by the Bay is the most expensive tourist destination in California, surpassing cities like Laguna Beach and Malibu. San Francisco had an overall cost of living index of 245.5, which is more than double the national average baseline of 100 and accounts for the cost of things like groceries, healthcare, housing, utilities, and transportation.
But while San Francisco's soaring prices might send budget-conscious travelers into sticker shock, there are plenty of ways to soak up the city's charm without emptying your wallet. From free live music to the sweeping views from Twin Peaks, the city remains, at its core, a world-class destination—on any budget.
Most of the city's most iconic sights, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park to Fisherman's Wharf and the Painted Ladies (the pastel homes) are free to visit and explore. (If you go to the wharf, don't miss a visit to Pier 39, which overlooks colonies of California sea lions.)
It doesn't cost a cent to walk around the Mission District and see the neighborhood's famous murals and street art or cruise through Chinatown and North Beach, which are known for their Chinese and Italian heritage, respectively. If you want a dose of nature, head to Lands End and walk the scenic Coastal Trail or hike to the top of Twin Peaks, which offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding bay area.
Beyond exploring neighborhoods and surrounding nature, many of the city's best museums are either free or have free admission days. On the first Tuesday of every month, admission is free to the fine art museums of de Young and Legion of Honor, and on the first Sunday of every month, entrance to the Asian Art Museum is free. Other museums, like the kid-friendly Randall Museum, which offers free, hands-on science and arts exhibits, and the Cable Car Museum are always free. The MoMA is free for visitors ages 18 and under and has 45,000 square feet of art-filled public spaces that are always free and open to the public.
In addition, there are plenty of annual festivals that are free and open to the public—including the music of People in Plazas, which runs through the summer, and the Stern Grove Festival, which offers free concerts every Sunday from mid-June through mid-August. There is also free Shakespeare in the Park theater in August and September.
In addition to free to-dos spread across the city, there are a few activities that are so affordable it's hard to complain. For example, you can hop aboard one of the city's iconic cable cars, which are National Historic Landmarks, for just $8.
While exploring Chinatown, you can pick up a selection of dim sum or pastries for well under $15, or visit a North Beach cafe or retro-Italian bar for a quick (and affordable) espresso or negroni.
With so many low-cost experiences woven into every corner of the city, you don't need a big budget to enjoy California's most expensive tourist destination.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Forbes
New Ways Travel Insurance Can Keep You Safe When You're Traveling
Travel insurance can warn you of imminent dangers such as wildfires. getty Travel insurance may cover you if you get into trouble on your next vacation. But what if travel insurance could help you avoid trouble? Consider a natural disaster like the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. If you'd had a travel insurance policy with Travelex and downloaded its Travel On app to your phone, the insurance company would have sent you real-time updates and access to support. "These alerts can help you react quickly and adjust your plans, which might mean finding a safer area to avoid disruptions," says Will Nihan, CEO of Travelex Insurance Services. "It's an effective way travelers can stay informed and prepared while they're traveling.' This summer, travel insurance companies are embracing a simple idea: If they can keep their policyholders safe, they can prevent a claim from being filed — and that's a win for everyone. The timing is good. Travelers are more worried about safety than ever. A recent survey by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) listed international terrorism, environmental issues like extreme weather or natural disasters, and flight disruptions as their top three perceived travel threats for 2025. A poll of Medjet members reveals 76 percent are more worried about traveling this year. Mike Hallman, CEO of Medjet, says his company had to expand its membership services department to keep up with an influx of calls. "People are definitely more concerned," he says. What should you look for in your travel insurance if you're trying to stay safe this summer? John Rose, chief risk officer for ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company, says the newest travel insurance policies address those concerns with a list of new security features. "Travelers need a comprehensive and adaptable policy to handle the complexities of today's travel landscape," he says. They include: 24/7 assistance services: These should cover a wide range of needs, from emergency medical assistance to navigating local emergencies like natural disasters or political unrest. Medical evacuation coverage: This is essential, especially when traveling to remote or high-risk areas. Ensure the policy covers transportation to a medical facility and the logistics of getting home if necessary. Security evacuation services: With the increasing frequency of civil unrest and political instability, policies should also include evacuation services for travelers in unsafe situations. Travel delay and interruption protection: If flights are delayed or canceled due to weather, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances, these protections ensure that travelers are not left stranded or without resources. "The travel industry has seen a rise in travel disruptions like flight delays caused by mechanical breakdowns or weather in the travel world," says Terry Boynton, president of Yonder Travel Insurance. "Flights affected by mechanical breakdowns, bad weather, or unannounced strikes could allow travelers to file a claim for lost or out-of-pocket expenses.' One of the newest innovations is real-time alerts like the one introduced by Travelex. It turns out other companies also have new real-time alerts. Real-time alerts can keep you out of trouble this summer Travel insurance companies have added real-time alerts to their apps. Allianz Partners provides geolocation-specific safety and security alerts through its Allyz mobile app. "Should travelers find themselves in an emergency, they can also access a list of local emergency phone numbers and the location of U.S. embassies and consulates through the Allyz app," says Allianz spokesman Dan Durazo. "The app also provides one-touch dialing to reach Allianz's travel assistance team, which can help insured customers with nearly any travel-related problem." Allyz' latest trick: Helping policyholders find medical assistance when traveling outside of the United States. The company recently introduced a doctor visit scheduling service, which gives customers traveling internationally the ability to schedule doctor appointments for unforeseen medical events that require urgent medical attention — anything from a stomach bug to a migraine. The cost of these visits is covered under your policy. Medical help is a popular new travel insurance benefit Travel insurance that provides telehealth services is a trend. 'We're seeing more global telemedicine services included in travel insurance, and it's a game-changer for travelers," says Cai Glushak, chief medical officer for AXA Partners North America. "Being able to connect with a doctor without scrambling to find a hospital in a foreign country makes a huge difference. Whether it's a virtual consultation, prescription help, or just quick medical advice, it ensures convenience and peace of mind to the traveler, especially in a foreign healthcare environment.' For example, Insubuy, a visitors' insurance company, introduced a new feature called Air Doctor this year. It's a mobile-friendly portal that allows policyholders to connect and schedule appointments with English-speaking doctors anywhere in the world. "Advanced telehealth services like these are a great extra measure of security to consider when choosing a travel insurance plan," says James Nuttall, vice president of operations at Insubuy. Medical services like those offered by Insubuy, Allianz and Travelex represent one of the biggest travel insurance innovations for 2025, according to experts. "Many travel insurance companies have begun offering doctors whom travelers can call for medical advice while on vacation," says Megan Rodrigues, owner of Together We Travel, a travel agency. "They are on call 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns that arise. This increases safety exponentially as it eliminates travel time and, in some cases, safety concerns at the local facilities." Travel insurance is adapting to the needs of travelers Taken together, these new features represent a shift in the way travel insurance covers its customers. It's moving away from one-size-fits-all to a product that can protect people no matter where — or how — they travel. That's the assessment of Dean Van Es, CEO of Fast Cover Travel Insurance. "For example, some travel insurance providers now offer coverage for a range of common situations through packs designed for adventure sports, winter sports, and motorcycle trips," he explains. "Of course, it will depend on the exact scenario whether a claim is supported, but this type of insurance can offer travelers some security when taking part in risky activities during their vacation." Robert Gallagher, President of the US Travel Insurance Association, says it's just one-way travel insurance is changing to keep travelers safer. "Travel insurance continues to evolve with new innovations designed to keep travelers safe, especially as global travel risks grow," he says. Looking down the line to fall and winter, he expects travel insurance to continue to change. More providers will offer 24/7 assistance services to provide immediate help during medical emergencies, travel disruptions or security threats. He also sees more insurance companies offering advanced translation services to ensure travelers can communicate effectively with local authorities, medical providers and transportation services. And he sees more providers offering real-time security alerts and location-based updates to help travelers stay informed of potential risks. After all, the best travel insurance doesn't just cover you when something goes wrong — it helps prevent things from going wrong.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
From warzones to tropical islands: Meet the 19-year-old solo traveller who has visited 118 nations
Solo travel has been on the rise for the last few years, boosted by Gen Z and millennials, leading to younger and younger travellers breaking world records. Arjun Malaviya, a 19-year-old from Westlake Village, California, has already been to 118 countries alone. 'I'm the youngest solo traveller in the world to reach 100 countries- and the youngest person to visit every nation in Oceania. My journey has taken me from escaping Russian airstrikes in Ukraine to spending time with the Taliban in Afghanistan, to exploring the least-visited country on Earth (Nauru),' Malaviya said. This is a step ahead of Lexie Alford, the current record-holder for the youngest person to visit all sovereign countries. While Alford had visited more than 70 countries by 18, Malaviya had ticked off his 100th country at 17 years and 228 days old. His list of destinations also includes a number of less well-visited countries such as Syria, Iraq, Iran, Myanmar, Venezuela, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea, along with more popular ones such as Australia, Germany, Bolivia and Indonesia. Family trips and working multiple jobs Malaviya's love for travel started young, while accompanying his parents, Arpit Malaviya and Anita Venkataraman, the owners of ProDIGIQ, an aviation software company, on business and family trips. By age 16, he had already graduated from high school and finished a general education course at Moorpark College, which meant he could transfer to a four-year university. However, he thought being a 16-year-old on a college campus did not sound appealing. He had already been working multiple part-time jobs during high school to fund a long-held dream: to see the world alone, before turning 20. His gigs included coaching tennis to young local players trying to get on their high school tennis teams, as well as being an office administrative assistant. Related 'You realise there's nothing you can't do': Why solo travel is the ultimate act of self-care Why Thailand's new luxury Blue Jasmine train will be like a boutique hotel on wheels A lack of social interactions during the pandemic further fuelled his wanderlust, as did a lifelong love for geography, which made him want to visit the far-flung places he had only read about before in person one day. So in June 2023, at 17, Malaviya set out on his epic journey, armed with a plan, a backpack and no safety net- despite having never flown alone before. 'The main reason I wanted to travel the world is because I remembered the family trips we used to go on when I was little and it was always my favourite time of the year when we would go on them because I learned so much about different cultures,' Malaviya says. He adds: 'I've always been a curious person, so it was fascinating for me to explore other countries with different languages and people.' From Oceania's most remote islands to Myanmar's rural landscapes Kicking off with relatively easier Southeast Asian destinations like Japan and South Korea to build confidence, Malaviya soon moved on to more ambitious plans like Oceania, South America and Europe. Some of his favourite travel experiences include teaching English to language exchange students in Iraq, visiting the very remote Rock Islands of Palau, a small island nation in Oceania, and villages in Myanmar, along with time spent in and around Caracas in Venezuela. He's helped rice plantation workers in rural Indonesia and experienced rare religious festivals in Iran. He negotiated special access to Saddam Hussein's Babylon Palace in Iraq to explore it firsthand, despite it usually being closed to the public. Malaviya also spent time in villages across Papua New Guinea and Nauru, the least-visited country in the world, spending time with local children and learning about their culture. His travels took him from Brazil's favelas, to Bolivia's salt flats, giving him an opportunity to see the majestic Northern Lights in Norway, meet elephant families in Sri Lanka and explore iconic castles in Slovenia. Related Flying to Portugal in August? Airport strikes could derail your summer holiday plans Fewer flights, more immersion: What is 'tripchaining' and could it help you travel more sustainably? However, it also uncovered some deeper-rooted issues in remote parts of the world, like Oceania. 'I truly believe that some of the most beautiful, untouched nature in the world was in the remote island nations of Oceania. They are filled with some of the kindest people I met throughout my journey and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I took the lack of internet as a positive and used it as a way to unwind and connect with nature and the local people. 'However, I do feel quite sad that when I went to countries like Nauru and Tuvalu, it seemed to me as if a lot of the youth doesn't have that much of a future ahead of themselves due to the fact that they are on an isolated island nation and the cost of a flight to even get off the island is extremely high.' He found that the limited availability of fresh food in these regions and a high amount of food preservatives had also taken a toll on children's health. Malaviya met with Taliban members in Afghanistan, who treated him with surprising kindness and curiosity, wanting to know more about his life in the US, as well as religious leaders in Iran. By sticking to low-cost hostels and Airbnbs, and using his funds from part-time work and childhood savings, he managed to keep costs in check. Travel apps such as Rome2Rio also helped find the most cost-effective and time-efficient routes to destinations, further slashing his spending, as did eating a lot of cheap street food. Throughout his journey, he realised that people across the world are a lot more similar than they are different, despite the challenges and dangers in their own countries. Most people he met seemed to want the same things as everyone else - a job, a good life for their family, education and food. Related Solo travel: How to avoid paying a 'singles tax' and pick the perfect destination Leave me alone: Introverts recommend the best places for solo travel He also thinks that sometimes the perceptions of a country on the global stage may be heavily influenced by their current government, instead of the locals. His goal was never to sensationalise these places or show off his travel, but to always listen, understand and prove to other people that the world is a lot smaller and more interconnected than it seems. He also believes that a curious and respectful attitude can make all the difference. 'At the end of the day, if a local in another country sees a kid solo travelling and you need help, they are going to want to help. I noticed that the world is filled with so many kind people who did so much to help me, whether it was inviting me to their home for a meal or snack or driving me somewhere.' Some of the places he would especially love to return to include Iceland, Palau, the Philippines, Iran, Venezuela and Bolivia. Warzones, airstrikes and detainment It hasn't always been pristine beaches and stunning landscapes, though. Malaviya has had to keep a calm head and think on his feet to get himself out of some very harrowing situations along the way, including escaping unexpected Russian airstrikes in Odessa, Ukraine, in November 2023. 'I visited Odessa because I was in the capital city of Chisinau, Moldova and I noticed that it was only a three-hour bus ride to Odessa and thought it would be a nice day trip. I took the bus to Odessa in the morning, and when I got there, air strike sirens started going off immediately,' he said. 'All the buses had been cancelled since the road was iced over, so I had to go to the bomb shelter and stay there for a few hours before exploring the city for a little bit, then finding a bus that was going to drive back very slowly so that it doesn't skid on the icy road.' He eventually made it back to Chisinau in Moldova but this was by far his scariest experience as yet. Related Europe's safest cities ranked: The top destination offers both historic charm and peace of mind Looking for a slow travel holiday this year? Head to these top destinations for a mindful break Another time, he was detained and prevented from leaving the country by Venezuelan airport authorities who thought he was running away from his parents, since he was a minor. 'I had to negotiate with them for nearly two hours and tell them to view the security camera footage of when I entered the country so they could see that I entered the country alone and was leaving the same way,' he said. 'They thought I had come with my parents and was trying to leave alone. I eventually convinced them and was allowed to pass through immigration and leave Venezuela right before the boarding ended for my flight to Bogota, Colombia.' 'Get comfortable being uncomfortable,' Malaviya says Throughout his extensive journeys, Malaviya held on to one key life motto: learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, no matter what, when or where. He firmly believes this is what helped him grow the most, even beyond travel, and gave him the courage to step beyond his nice Californian hometown. 'Many times, I was put in uncomfortable situations, but since I trained myself to be comfortable with whatever happened during my travels, my judgment was never impaired by anxiety or nervousness, and that helped me get through my travels,' he emphasised. 'For example, if I looked uncomfortable around the Taliban, they might have wondered if there was something I was up to or if I was hiding something, but since I looked so comfortable and calm, they had no reason to suspect I was doing anything.' His biggest piece of advice for young people like himself who want to take the plunge into travelling? 'Just go for it. Go out there and travel! Nowadays, with so much bias in the news on major issues, it is hard to know what is true and what isn't. However, if you go and see what's happening in a place for yourself, no one can take that away from you.' Malaviya is currently a computer engineering student at UC Santa Barbara and plans to continue travelling until he visits the rest of the 195 countries in the world.
Fox News
a day ago
- Fox News
Legendary surfer Dale Webster, who surfed every day for 40 years straight, dead at 76
Surfing icon Dale Webster, a California native who set the record for most consecutive days surfing, has died. Webster, also known as the "Daily Wavester" because of the incredible feat, passed away in Rohnert Park, Calif, his family confirmed to the New York Times and other outlets. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON No cause of death was confirmed, but Webster's brother told the outlet that the surfer had been dealing with a decline in health in recent years. Webster was best known for setting the world record in February 2004 when he hit 10,407 consecutive days of surfing. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, that mark consisted of him surfing at least three waves to shore every day. In an interview with SURFER in 2015, Webster told the magazine that the idea for surfing came about from a friend after he had already been on the board every day for more than two months. "There was a solid south swell in September, and I surfed every day during the swell," Webster said at the time. "Each day the waves got better and better. After surfing 85 days straight, my friend said, 'You should try to surf for 100 consecutive days.' When I got to 100, the story was in the local newspaper. That publicity gave me a little pat on the back to make it to a year. So then the challenge became a year. And so forth." Webster began his journey on Sept. 3, 1975, in Bodega Bay, California. By the time he finished, he had surfed 14,642 days consecutively before having to break the record because of a minor medical procedure. That time totaled over 40 years of consecutive surfing. "He was a surfer, that was his main thing, that was his life ambition. I don't think he ever second guessed it," William Beal, a close friend of Webster's, told the SFGate following the news of his passing. "I know he had a lot of good years here when it was not that crowded. I think he had a pretty well-lived life."
