Is a lack of funds keeping you from living out the ultimate college spring break? No need to feel depressed that you’re not on the next flight to Cancun -- San Francisco offers recreation cheap and there’s no need to buy a plane ticket.

SF State’s spring break, March 20 – 29, is only a few days away, and there is hope for students who can’t afford to leave the Bay Area. Cheap activities are scattered from as far south as Pacifica and a short drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park.

Spring break is the one time during the semester when students shouldn’t have to learn anything, but taking lessons in a new sport is an inexpensive way to make the week out of the ordinary.

A plane ticket to Hawaii on www.cheaptickets.com can run upwards of $600. For students who already spent their financial aid, recreate that “hang ten” feeling by taking surfing lessons with the Girls Adventure Out company at Linda Mar beach in Pacifica.

“In March the conditions get much better to surf,” said Claude Silver, cofounder of Girls Adventure Out, who has 10 years experience in outdoor education.

They’ll teach you how to balance on a board while cruising on a wave and how to read a tide chart – to determine the best time to surf. The company provides a wetsuit and the board with the lessons.

To learn to surf go to www.girlsadventureout and select one of the adventure calendars: women or men, fill out the form, and select the date. A confirmation email will be sent giving more details about the trip.

Mention the Xpress Newspaper and this article in the comments box to receive $40 off the $160 regular price of a two-day, six-hour lesson package and a $15 discount off the $90 regular price of a one-day, three-hour lesson package.

Rome can be expensive -- skip the long lines at the airport and visit “ancient” ruins in the Richmond District of San Francisco.

The concrete ruins of the Sutro Baths are just north of the Cliff House, spread over three acres. More than 100 years ago, there were seven swimming pools of various temperatures that held 1.7 million gallons of water and could be filled in one hour by high tides.

“In the Victorian era the baths were thought to have health benefits by increasing blood circulation and flow,” said Park Ranger Bob Holloway.

San Franciscans would travel to the Baths on one of three railroads. Once there, they could enjoy an amphitheater that provided stage shows and three restaurants, accommodating 1,000 people.

“The area is intensely popular on the weekends or a hot day,” said Holloway. “The main draw is it’s a ruins site and in America we have very little sites left because people are always building over them."

The Sutro Baths are free to visit and are part of the 75,000 acre Golden Gate National Park. The ruins of the worlds largest indoor bath house are available to the public anytime. For a guided tour, however, meet at the corner of 48th and Point Lobos avenues by the statue of the lions on March 20, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information call 415-239-2366.

Spring Breakers can recreate Tour de France in San Francisco -- for an easy bike ride, cycle around the Golden Gate Bridge and over to Sausalito. For tougher rides, go through the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, or even up to Mt. Tamalpais.

Renting a bicycle is cheap at Bike and Roll -- the $6 hourly rate for a comfort front suspension mountain bike includes a helmet, lock, maps, and a windbreaker.

The Golden Gate Bridge ride to Sausalito is the most popular trip. The 40-minute bike ride is just enough time for cyclists to enjoy the city views as they journey across the bay. Take the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry back for $7.50.

“The actual bike path starts at the base of Fort Mason down by the Aquatic Park,” said Darryll White, owner of Bike and Roll. “From there you take a short little ride down Long Avenue and make a Right on Lincoln Ave. You’ll see a sign before the parking lot at the base of the bridge that says walking and biking path. After going across the bridge empty out onto Vista Point and catch Alexander Street which will take bring you to Sausalito."

Bike and Roll is located at 734 Lombard Street. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 7p.m. everyday. Call 415-771-8735 or go to www.adventurebike.com for more information.

Backpacking through Europe deserves more time than the week spring break can offer. Nature lovers should consider camping at Yosemite, which gives a quick retreat from the bustle of city life.

"I'm pretty close to going camping for spring break because it's something I usually don't have time for," said Nate Welch, an SF State senior majoring in liberal studies.

There are 13 popular campgrounds in Yosemite and only seven are on a reservation system. If traveling to the park by car, it is a good idea to bring chains during the month of March. They are available for rent in the communities of Oakhurst [Highway 41], Mariposa [Highway 140], and Groveland [Highway 120].

There is a maximum six people and two cars per campsite, so choose your friends wisely. Once at the park check out Yosemite Falls, which is the fifth tallest waterfall in the world.

Yosemite Valley at 3,000 feet deep and just a mile or two wide is a popular attraction known for its rock formations. Half Dome is the most recognizable formation at Yosemite. It sits 4,000 feet above the valley floor and to some hikers is the most sought after landmark in the park.

The $20 price for automobiles allows for seven days in the park. Entrance is available 24 hours. For more information visit www.nps.gov/yose/.

According to David Bratton, of the statistical information department at the San Francisco Visitors Bureau, the most recent survey estimates 13.7 million visitors traveled to San Francisco in 2002.

For only one week this semester, early morning classes are put on hold and pop quizzes cease to exist. Take advantage of it and enjoy what the Bay Area has to offer in your own backyard. Spend spring break close to home, and experience why the tourists keep coming back.