Free or cheap ways to experience San Francisco during Super Bowl week

The NFL is taking over San Francisco and the greater Bay Area this week in preparation for Sunday’s Super Bowl LX. While the Patriots and Seahawks will be training and holding media availability in the South Bay, San Francisco will be full of fan events, including the Fan Experience at Moscone Center and live music across the city. But if you’re looking to take a break from the football madness — whether you’re visiting from Seattle or New England or are a local — San Francisco Chronicle Culture Critic Peter Hartlaub shared a few hidden gems to check out for a uniquely San Francisco experience.Take a commuter ferry to Treasure IslandThe ferry is just $5 each way, and the trip there includes views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island. There’s a new park there, and visitors can soak in some of the best views of Downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Have Lunch at Pier 23 CafePier 23 is just a short walk from the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. Hartlaub says it feels like “a local’s place” where you can grab a small bite and a beer while taking in views of the bay. Continue walking down the Embarcadero to check out Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. Take a ride on the California line cable carWhile most people will flock to the Powell and Hyde line, the California line is often overlooked and that means shorter, or even no, lines. The California goes straight up California Street and features breathtaking views of the city and Bay Bridge. At the top of the line, hop off and take a look around Grace Cathedral and have a Mai Tai at Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel.Take a streetcar to Ocean BeachPart of the public transit system in San Francisco, the N-Judah line runs all the way from the Ferry Building to Ocean Beach. The city’s newest park is built on a former freeway that runs alongside the beach. The two-mile stretch features art, people watching and lots of dogs. The N-Judan also makes stops near Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury.Climb the best stairs in San FranciscoAccording to Hartlaub, “San Francisco is an elite stairway city.” He recommends heading over to Telegraph Hill and get your steps in on the Filbert and Greenwich Steps. You can hike up one set to Coit Tower, take in the city views at the top, and then head back down the other set. Don’t forget to look up or else you’ll miss the flora and fauna, views and even wild parrots that call Telegraph Hill home. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SAN FRANCISCO —

The NFL is taking over San Francisco and the greater Bay Area this week in preparation for Sunday’s Super Bowl LX. While the Patriots and Seahawks will be training and holding media availability in the South Bay, San Francisco will be full of fan events, including the Fan Experience at Moscone Center and live music across the city.

But if you’re looking to take a break from the football madness — whether you’re visiting from Seattle or New England or are a local — San Francisco Chronicle Culture Critic Peter Hartlaub shared a few hidden gems to check out for a uniquely San Francisco experience.

Take a commuter ferry to Treasure Island

The ferry is just $5 each way, and the trip there includes views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz Island. There’s a new park there, and visitors can soak in some of the best views of Downtown San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Have Lunch at Pier 23 Cafe

Pier 23 is just a short walk from the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero. Hartlaub says it feels like “a local’s place” where you can grab a small bite and a beer while taking in views of the bay. Continue walking down the Embarcadero to check out Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Take a ride on the California line cable car

While most people will flock to the Powell and Hyde line, the California line is often overlooked and that means shorter, or even no, lines. The California goes straight up California Street and features breathtaking views of the city and Bay Bridge. At the top of the line, hop off and take a look around Grace Cathedral and have a Mai Tai at Top of the Mark at the Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Take a streetcar to Ocean Beach

Part of the public transit system in San Francisco, the N-Judah line runs all the way from the Ferry Building to Ocean Beach. The city’s newest park is built on a former freeway that runs alongside the beach. The two-mile stretch features art, people watching and lots of dogs. The N-Judan also makes stops near Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury.

Climb the best stairs in San Francisco

According to Hartlaub, “San Francisco is an elite stairway city.” He recommends heading over to Telegraph Hill and get your steps in on the Filbert and Greenwich Steps. You can hike up one set to Coit Tower, take in the city views at the top, and then head back down the other set. Don’t forget to look up or else you’ll miss the flora and fauna, views and even wild parrots that call Telegraph Hill home.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel