Cheap Date Ideas in San Francisco

Pianos that run on coins, a steam-powered motorcycle and Laffing Sal are the stars at Musee Mecanique, on Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf. Entry is free every day.

Bring quarters, since most games cost 25 or 50 cents.

Slow down with a garden walk at Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, which has a gift shop and tea house inside. Admission is free from 9 to 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The garden opens daily at 9am, and the gate closes at 4:30pm in winter and 5:30pm in summer. Pick up tickets at the door, or buy them online first.

Spend a slow day among the Garden of Fragrance, a redwood forest and, in early February, a big magnolia display at San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Entry is free every day from 7:30 to 9am and on the second Tuesday of each month.

The garden opens daily at 7:30am.

Graze on tasters from the stalls at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, then settle onto the pier with your finds. Saturday is the big day, with 100+ vendors around the Ferry Building selling produce, packaged foods and brunch or lunch.

The market runs Saturday from 8am to 2pm, and Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 2pm.

Talk as you walk on a free tour with San Francisco City Guides, such as Gold Rush City or Alfred Hitchcock's San Francisco. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours, and donations are welcome.

Tours meet at points around the city through the morning and afternoon almost every day, with the meeting point depending on the tour.

Walk the Coastal Trail at Lands End, past the Legion of Honor overlook and the USS San Francisco memorial. The hike out to the Sutro Baths ruins is free.

Plan on a moderately strenuous walk if you do the whole Lands End Loop, which covers 3.10 miles out and back. Pack a picnic for the grassy area at West Fort Miley, and see the Sutro Baths ruins. The trails are open 24 hours a day.

Corona Heights Park has a one-mile trail network around the hill to a summit with 360-degree views, and sunset is the time to be there. The views run from Sutro Tower to downtown.

The dirt paths include some steep sections and staircases. The trail off 15th Street from the tennis courts is less crowded. Muni lines 24 and 37 stop nearby.

Climb both peaks at Twin Peaks on a 0.7-mile trail network that tops out at 922 feet with 360-degree views. Expect strong winds.

Most visitors drive to the north peak lot for 180-degree views. Street parking is available off Crestline Drive.

Visit Fishermen's and Seamen's Memorial Chapel, which is free and sits on the old wooden pier opposite Pier 45 in Fisherman's Wharf. It sits above the Bay with bay views and hosts small, intimate weddings.

Conservatory of Flowers, a Victorian greenhouse in Golden Gate Park, is made for walking among plants and flowers together. It is open 10am to 4:30pm with last entry at 4pm, and closed Wednesdays. Go on the first Tuesday of the month for free admission.