Budget Super Bowl: 7 Cheap Things to do in San Francisco

Budget Super Bowl: 7 Cheap Things to do in San Francisco
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By Dalia Colon for the CheapTickets Travel Blog

Football's biggest game will be held on Feb. 7 in Santa Clara, California, about an hour outside of San Francisco. After fans shell out most of their money on Super Bowl tickets, they can still score some fun with these cheap bay-area attractions. Here are 7 cheap things to do in San Francisco around game time.

Some cliches exist for a reason. We dare you to visit San Fran and not post fora selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge. Credit San Francisco Travel Association/Can Balcioglu.

Golden Gate Bridge: Selfie potential is just one reason to visit this famous landmark. Check out free outdoor exhibits to learn about the construction of the bridge or take a free walking tour with San Francisco City Guides to learn the more in-depth history of the iconic structure.

Cable Car Museum: Riding cable cars is cheap enough, but visiting the Cable Car Museum is absolutely free. Scope out real parts and historic cable car photos, see antique cable cars up-close and buy a real cable car bell in the souvenir shop. How to get there? Take the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car line, both of which stop at the museum.

Chinatown: The country's oldest Chinatown comprises not one but two adjacent blocks: Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. Wander the alleys, browse the shops and deliberate over which restaurant has the best dim sum. Get the lay of the land during a free walking tour with San Francisco City Guides.

Mission District: The city's oldest neighborhood blends history with new. Mural-lined streets and historic landmarks pay tribute to Mission Dolores, founded in 1776, while new restaurants, art galleries, hipster thrift shops and bars give visitors a reason to return again and again.

Lands End: If your idea of Lands End is a preppy clothing catalog, then you're definitely overdue to explore this scenic part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Hike the gorgeous Coastal Trail, picnic amid the West Fort Miley batteries and explore the ruins of Sutro Baths.

Pier 39: Chicago has Navy Pier. Atlantic City has the Boardwalk. And San Francisco has this hot spot on the edge of the Fisherman's Wharf district. Ride the carousel, marvel at the street performers and take advantage of some of the best people-watching--and sea lion-watching--anywhere in California.

Muir Woods National Monument: Take a break from city life when you escape to this refuge of towering redwood trees, spotted owls nesting and river otters swimming down Redwood Creek. There's no cell phone service in Muir Woods, so feel free to leave your mobile device in San Francisco. Just don't leave your heart.

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