Top 4 Cheap West Coast Escapes

Take a trip to the sunset coast on a shoestring budget with these ideas:

San Francisco
The City by the Bay isn’t exactly known for its wallet-friendliness, but a trip here doesn’t have to break the bank. Take plenty of free walking tours, gaze at the Golden Gate Bridge (or walk across it!), enjoy free admission to Alcatraz (though you’ll have to pay for the ferry ride there), try the area’s abundant—and excellent—ethnic food, and ride a cable car for just $3.

San Diego
San Diego’s best asset is its scenery, and it’s free—so take advantage of it! Visit one of the city’s many beaches or parks, and buy discounted admission tickets to attractions like the San Diego Zoo at the San Diego Visitor Information Center.

Seattle
Visit the famous Pike Place Market—you can stay all afternoon without spending a cent, except perhaps on some tantalizingly fresh food. Score a CityPass for discounted entry into the Space Needle, boat tours on the Puget Sound, and other attractions.

Portland
Try a hostel or boutique hotel for cheaper digs, rent a bike (the area is very cyclist-friendly), check out Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens from a bird’s-eye vantage point on a $4 aerial tram ride, and check out the famous Powell’s Books flagship store.

-- Text by Meagan Francis

Photo credit: Alcatraz, San Francisco (John A. Martini/Alcatraz Cruises)

California for Less: Trip Ideas for Under Ten Bucks

Name of activity: Redwood National Park visit
Location: Orick, California
Price: Free
Description: Unlike other premier national parks, which can cost $50 a carload, there is no admission fee for Redwood National Park. The park is home to the world's tallest trees, 50 miles of some of the most pristine coastline in the park system, and impressive herds of the largest American elk species, the Roosevelt elk. The park's coastal Orick gateway is approximately 300 miles north of San Francisco.
Dates open/available: Year-round
Website: www.nps.gov/redw

Name of activity: Bay Area Discovery Museum
Location: Sausalito, California
Price: $10 adults, $8 children (1-17), infants free
Description: The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor children's museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. With an emphasis on creativity through play, the museum encourages children ages six months to eight years to develop into curious lifelong learners and explorers. The museum's unique programs feature hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events, and cultural festivals.
Dates open/available: Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed most Mondays and holidays.
Website: www.BayKidsMuseum.org

San Diego Hotel Spotlight: Hotel Del Coronado

San Diego's historic Hotel Del Coronado occupies some of Southern California's primo beach real estate. Set on a spit of land that curves into the Pacific, the beach was named one of America’s ten best by the guru of sand himself, “Dr. Beach.” This 120-year-old Victorian that's played host to 15 U.S. Presidents continues to treat every guest like a celeb. Especially after finishing $150 million of renovations that upgraded every room, added the chic Beach Village, toney spa, fitness area, and new wine, cheese, and chocolate bar, ENO. Meanwhile, families will appreciate the Hotel Del’s Tent City Kids children’s camp.

Photo credit: Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego (courtesy, Hotel Del Coronado)

Top 5 Cheap City Getaways

Take advantage of freebies and think like a local to experience these five big cities on a small budget.

New York
If you stay in a family-friendly hostel or funky bed and breakfast, use public transportation, and scout for deals on food, a trip to NYC can be surprisingly cheap.

Chicago
Don't overlook city passes, use the El when you can, and keep in mind that some of Chicago's most beloved attractions, like the Lincoln Park Zoo and Millennium Park are free.

San Diego Highlights: San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park

When the sun sets in San Diego, the zoo comes to life with nocturnal creatures and events such as Mapapa African Acrobats, stilt walkers, and traditional African music and dance. During the summer, the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park offers special evening hours from June to early September, when the park is open until 9 p.m. and visitors are free to roam the 1,800-acre wildlife haven.

Photo credit: San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park (courtesy, Travmedia)