Save in San Francisco

It’s OK to leave your heart in San Francisco, but not your wallet. In our continuing series on how to save money when you’re on the road, we turn our sites (and sights) out West to one of the most popular places in the United States.

And, as always, cutting costs in the City by the Bay is a matter of knowing the right URL. Here are a few of my favorites:

SF Guide – The online version of the free guidebook is packed with useful information on inexpensive activities, diversions and lodgings. For example, find links to the Easy Goin’ & California Dreamin’ Guesthouse & Hostel on Mission Street, where room rates start at $16 a night. Some properties offer online booking, although the extra cheap ones tend to lack this useful feature. One of the site’s other cool features is a list of San Francisco “cams.” You can catch a view of town from the Fairmont or Fisherman’s Wharf. Although it won’t save you money, it might help you pack the right clothes for your trip.

SF Girl – Last week we reviewed some of the more unusual online resources where you could find cheap or free cultural events in Manhattan. Well, San Francisco’s got the same great dotcoms, and SFGirl is one of them. Although not specifically geared toward visitors, its helpful calendar offers links to events that don’t cost a penny. Case-in-point: a recent comedy showcase on Fillmore Street featuring some of the city’s hottest up-and-coming comedians, which was completely free. Why spend lots of money on an expensive night on the town when you can catch the funniest acts without paying a dime?

NapaValley.com – You probably won’t want to stay in town the entire time you’re in San Francisco, and if you’re planning to leave, my advice is to point your browser to NapaValley.com and check out some of its free stuff. Not only will you find cool offers on wine tastings throughout the valley, but you’ll also uncork special Internet discounts on balloon rides, spa treatments and tours. Here’s a real deal: mention coupon code NVFR and get 15 percent off at the Niebaum-Coppola winery.

Convention & Visitors Bureau site, which offers a great newsletter with moneysaving tips.

Uh-oh, I just realized that I’ve spend the better part of the column talking about things to do outside San Francisco. But as someone who used to live in the Bay Area, I think that’s what makes this city such an exceptional attraction. It’s not just the city itself, but the outlying areas. Experiencing the cafes of Berkeley. Skiing at Lake Tahoe. Touring the wineries of Sonoma and Napa. When you plan a trip to San Francisco, remember that some of the best discounts can be found online – and just outside of town.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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