Top Culture in California

Take a stroll along the waterfront past Pier 39. I found the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are just as breathtaking and way less crowded than at the pier

If you want to save on parking, consider taking public transit. The area can get pricey, and it's a breeze getting there via the BART or Muni.

Check out the food trucks on the beach side! They have some amazing eats, plus it's usually more affordable than the sit-down restaurants on the Pier.

I think bringing cash is a good idea – some vendors only take cash and you won't want to miss out on some tasty treats!

If you're planning on using the rides, buy the wristband in advance online. It’s a better deal and you’ll skip the line on busy days, which can save you some time!

Don't forget to explore the beach! The sand is wonderful for a leisurely stroll and the ocean view is a perfect backdrop for your photos.

Don’t miss the flight deck - the views are amazing! I actually thought to skip it and almost missed out on some cool photo ops.

My advice is to wear comfy shoes because you'll be doing a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs around the ship. I didn't think about it and regretted it.

If you're on a budget, look for combo tickets with other attractions nearby. I saved some cash that way. Totally worth it!

Grab some snacks before you head over. There's limited food options on the bridge itself, and I mean, who wants to be hangry in front of such an iconic view?

If you can, bike across the bridge instead of walking. It's an amazing experience, and you’ll save time. Plus, you can explore more of the surrounding areas like Sausalito.

Don’t forget to bring a jacket! It gets really windy on the bridge, and even if it’s warm in the city, it can be chilly up there.

I suggest visiting during the week if you can. The weekends get super crowded, and I found it much more enjoyable with fewer people around.

Wear comfy shoes! You'll be doing a decent amount of walking up and down the hilly paths—trust me, your feet will thank you.

Pack a picnic! You can bring your own food and drinks, which saves money and makes for a fun pre-show meal on the lawn

Get there early, around 5 PM, to snag a good parking spot and soak up the vibes before the show starts. It gets packed fast!

My advice is to map out the exhibits you wanna see before you go. The museum is huge, so having a plan will save you so much time!

I found the audio guides super helpful, but you can also just download the app and save some cash. Way easier than carrying a device around!

I highly recommend checking out the local street art while wandering around. Some of it is just around the corners and you can snap unique photos without having to pay for attractions

Plan and stick around for the Wednesday farmers’ market on Arizona Avenue. There are tons of local produce and really affordable snacks - I even got some fresh pastries that were to die for.

If you're looking to save some bucks, grab a coffee at one of the local cafes instead of over at Starbucks. I found a cute little spot named Demitasse that had great prices and awesome brews!

for a stunning view, head to the third-level rooftop of the santa monica place mall during sunset. it's a bit of a hidden gem and really less crowded than the pier. don't forget your camera!

Bring a good pair of headphones for the audio tour! It’s so immersive and you get to hear stories from actual former inmates and guards—total must-have.

If you can, try to catch the first ferry around 9 AM. It’s way less crowded and you can enjoy the eerie quiet of the island before the crowds roll in.

i recommend booking your tickets online in advance as the lines can get super long. i saved a lot of time by skipping the ticket booth entirely!

Dress in layers! It can be chilly and foggy on the island even in summer, and the wind can be a bit brutal at times. I learned that the hard way!

i recommend going to union square on weekdays if you can. it gets super crowded on weekends, and some vendors are just better on those quieter days. i actually got to chat with a few artists selling their work!

If you're into architecture, stroll around and take photos of the historical buildings but don't forget to check for hidden gems out back of the hotels. I found some beautiful details I wouldn't have seen otherwise.

If you're planning to shop, don't forget to hit up the nearby stores on Powell Street. Many have seasonal sales, and I saved a ton on clothes! Just watch for long lines on weekends.

My advice is to grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes instead of the chain ones. The local spots have amazing brews and it adds to the experience. Plus, it’s a great way to people-watch.

Lastly, don't forget to take a stroll along the Embarcadero after your visit. Grab a gelato from one of the vendors and enjoy the waterfront—it's soooo worth it!

My advice is to bring a reusable water bottle. You can refill it at the water fountains, which will save you some bucks instead of buying bottled water.

I recommend checking out the local farmers market on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the plaza. It’s awesome for fresh produce and local delicacies, plus it's free to walk around!

If you’re into unique shops, definitely explore the local artisans and food vendors inside. But do keep a budget because things can get pricey fast if you go wild!