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 Don't Miss Thes‫ ﯥ‬29
Free Things to Do in
San Francisco
Some of the city's most iconic sights and experiences can
be had without opening your wallet. Here are some of our
favorites.

World-class culture, natural beauty and that California disposition—

what's not to love about San Francisco? There's plenty of things to do
here, even if you're on a shoestring budget. Here are some of our
favorite free attractions, including the city's most iconic experiences.

Iconic
San Francisco
Recognized worldwide as being synonymous with San Francisco, these
icons are completely free to visit and should be at the top of any
visitor's itinerary.

The Golden Gate Bridge

You haven't been to San Francisco until you're strolled across this
massive landmark. Luckily for you, the city's biggest icon is always free
for pedestrians. With breathtaking views of the city, as well
as Alcatraz and Angel Island, the Golden Gate Bridge should top your
list.

San Francisco Cable Car Museum

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 San Francisco Cable Car Museum
While the historic cable cars of San Francisco are not running at this
time, it's free to visit the Cable Car Museum % at the corner of Mason
and Washington Streets. Not only can you learn the history of the cable
cars, but also you can see how the entire system runs. This facility isn't
just a museum; it's a crucial and operational part of the city's transit
system.

Chinatown
Exploring San Francisco's famous Chinatown is best done on foot. This
historic neighborhood is always busy and is full of hidden gems that
welcome the curious traveler. If you've still got some pep in your step
after ducking into many shops and restaurants, continue on to North
Beach to experience San Francisco's Italian-American heritage.

LGBTQIA+ History
The Castro is an important historic place for the gay rights movement.

Visit important sites like Pink Triangle Park and the Rainbow Honor
Walk to see plaques honoring significant GLBT activists. The first
Wednesday of the month is always free at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
& Transgender History Museum % (4127 18th St.). One of the first
museums in the world dedicated to the subject, the institution offers a
look into the past century of local events that have shaped this global
community, and this neighborhood in particular.

City Guides Walking Tours &

No matter your interest, City Guides % has a tour for you. All of their
programs are led by local volunteers and they're all free! Despite San
Francisco's hilly terrain, it's a very walkable city, which makes City
Guides a terrific option for getting your bearings, learning a little, and
discovering some local favorites.

Fleet Week
For something a little more high-adrenaline, visit the City by the Bay
:
 For something a little more high-adrenaline, visit the City by the Bay
during its annual Fleet Week in October. The Blue Angels fly high-
octane routines above San Francisco throughout the weekend. You can
see them from almost anywhere in the city, but head to the waterfront
for a truly staggering view of the action.

PIER 39 &
While some of the attractions contained within may charge, exploring
PIER 39 itself is completely free. There are performers, movie
screenings, and of course the lovable sea lions.

Ghirardelli Square &

This beautiful brick complex at the water's edge was once where
famous Ghirardelli chocolate was made. While production has since
moved to the East Bay, there are still plenty of sweet treats to enjoy at
Ghirardelli Square %, which is home to a number of shops and
restaurants. Just enjoying the view and the outstanding seasonal
decorations won't set you back, though.

San Francisco City Hall

Did you know that the dome that caps San Francisco City Hall % is
bigger than the one atop the U.S. Capitol? See it from inside on a free
tour, offered Fridays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bringing a big group? You'll
need a reservation. City Hall is a popular spot to get married. On a tour
or not, you'll see love in action!

Outdoor
San Francisco
While our icons are jaw-dropping, the outdoor spaces in San Francisco
are equally as rivaled. Not only do you have nature at your doorstep,
but you'll also get an amazing view at any of the places mentioned
below. Prepared to be blown away
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 The Presidio &
Urban hiking? Yes, please! A 1,500-acre national park, the Presidio % is
a true gem within city limits. The former military base offers hiking trails,
historic buildings, and multiple picnic locations with epic views. The
newest one, the Presidio Tunnel Tops, opened and has become an
instant classic! There are multiple entry points to the Presidio, and
a free shuttle % to get you there.

Land's End and the Sutro Baths

Lands End is just what it sounds like: the westernmost public park in
San Francisco, where cliffs plunge into the swirling Pacific Ocean. You'll
find beautiful trees, spectacular views, and a stone labyrinth as you
travel along the paths (and please, stick to the paths!). If you want to
feel like Indiana Jones, be sure to visit the site of the Sutro Baths. Once
a tremendous indoor swimming facility built in the 1890s by

entrepreneur and former mayor Adolph Sutro, all that remains today
are the foundations of what was once the city's premier attraction.

Alamo Square Park

Home to one of San Francisco's most noteworthy views, Alamo Square
Park is where you'll find the Painted Ladies, a row of classically
beautiful Victorian homes. On clear days, the city skyline in the
distance creates a backdrop that stuns visitors and locals alike. Don't
forget to pack a blanket; Alamo Square Park is an excellent spot for
a picnic.

Dolores Park
It's far from being San Francisco's largest green space, but Dolores
Park in the Mission is certainly among the most popular with the locals.
With killer views of the downtown skyline, new amenities, and
recreational areas, and unobstructed sunlight, Dolores is where San
Franciscans go instead of the beach. If you want to simultaneously
:
 Franciscans go instead of the beach. If you want to simultaneously
commune with nature and with your fellow man, Dolores Park is the
place to go.

Twin Peaks
In the geographic center of the city, you'll find one of the highest
natural points at which to observe San Francisco. The path to the top of
Twin Peaks can be steep and winding, but the view is a terrific reward.
Just be sure to bring an extra layer; the wind at the summit can be fairly
strong.

Mount Davidson &

Though perhaps not as famous as Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson is, in
fact, taller (but just by a smidge). The benefit of Mount Davidson,
though, is that it tends to be the less visited of the two sites, meaning
that your time in the parkland on Davidson's slopes will feel much more
like an escape from the urban jungle below.

Golden Gate Park

Independent of its incredible attractions, Golden Gate Park is still a
world-class, urban green space. Wide lawns, hidden groves, and
rolling hills make it an easy and memorable place to explore. Entrance
to the park is free, and it's also no charge to see the park's towering
windmills, resident bison herd, or flowing waterfall (yes, a waterfall).

Fort Point
Located underneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort
Point is one of the oldest American military bases on the west coast.
Now decommissioned, Fort Point is a free museum that not only
educates you about San Francisco's military history but also offers
some awe-inspiring perspectives of the enormous bridge above.

Fog Bridge
Want to see some art while you're outside? Take in Fog Bridge #72494,
an installation created for the Exploratorium % by Fujiko Nakaya. Fog
Bridge stretches 150 feet between Piers 15 and 17 and is shrouded in
:
 Bridge stretches 150 feet between Piers 15 and 17 and is shrouded in
the mist created by water that is pumped through many nozzles at a
very high level of pressure. Pedestrians can walk through the fog and
cool down, and they can get a taste of the cool and quirky exhibits that
the Exploratorium offers. Fog Bridge is now powered by desalinated
water from the bay, which means that it has a minimal environmental
impact.

Salesforce Park
Sitting as the crown of the Salesforce Transit Center %, Salesforce
Park % is a green oasis in the heart of the bustling South of Market
neighborhood. Guests can enjoy this 5.4-acre urban park with green
spots on which to relax, a children's playground, and a jogging track all
four stories high. Throughout the structure, you'll find public artwork,
from beautiful tiled floors to illuminated modern art and a sensor-
activated fountain.

Artistic
San Francisco
The arts & culture scene in San Francisco is so varied that there is
something for everyone. Museums? We have them in spades. Murals?
There on every corner. Events? There's one every week just about.

Free Museum Days

Most of the museums in San Francisco open their doors for free to
visitors at least once a month. The free days are usually the first
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday of each month. While these days can
get crowded, they're still a great deal. Participating museums include
the Asian Art Museum %, the California Academy of Sciences %,
the de Young Museum % and the Legion of Honor %, and many more.
For more about San Francisco's must-see museums, click here.
:
 For more about San Francisco's must-see museums, click here.

Mission Murals
Public art is everywhere in San Francisco, but nowhere is it more
abundant than in the Mission. Colorful murals in a variety of styles,
created by many different artists over the years, each with their own
unique viewpoint, can be found all over the neighborhood. The most
popular ones can be observed in Clarion and Balmy Alleys, where the
art flows uninterrupted from one building to another.

EXPLORE OUR GUIDE TO THE MISSION MURALS!

The Wave Organ

This permanent artistic installation at the water's edge in San
Francisco's Marina uses the shifting tides to create music. When the
waters of the bay lap against the Wave Organ's PVC piping, it produces
sound. It's a wholly natural aquatic symphony that's guaranteed never
to sound the same—and it's free to enjoy.

Readings at City Lights

Any literature lover should visit City Lights %, the legendary bookstore
in North Beach (261 Columbus Ave.). This historic shop was once a
popular hangout for legendary writers of the Beat movement like Allen
Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. Today, you can go to City Lights to hear
regular readings by famous authors and up-and-coming writers, poets,
performance artists, and more.

Palace of Fine Arts

The only remaining structure from 1915's legendary Panama-Pacific
International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts % is an open-air,
classical structure partially surrounded by a man-made lake. In short, it's
one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the entire city. There's
no charge to explore the grounds or watch the guaranteed parade of
wedding parties pass through as they line up for that perfect picture.

Stern Grove Festival &

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 Stern Grove Festival &
From mid-June to mid-August, you can attend a series of free Sunday
concerts at Sigmund Stern Grove %. This popular performance series
in the Sunset features a wide range of genres, from classical music to
rock.

Lindy in the Park

Do you like to dance? Then head to Golden Gate Park on Sundays for
Lindy in the Park. You can take a free half-hour swing dance lesson
starting at 12:00 p.m. You don't need a partner, just a willingness to
learn!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

A San Francisco original, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival %
features live performances of everything from country to punk rock
(hence the title). Past performers have included everyone from local
unknowns to megastars like Randy Newman, Cheap Trick, and

Emmylou Harris. The entire weekend of music is free and fills Golden
Gate Park with the kind of vibe that hasn't been felt since the Summer
of Love.

Grace Cathedral &

Atop Nob Hill sits Grace Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure with
labyrinths, gardens, and a regular schedule of excellent free musical
performances. There's no charge to enter, even if all you want to do is
marvel at its incredible architecture.

The Harmon Observation Tower at the

de Young Museum &
Rising high above the trees on the north side of Golden Gate Park is
the de Young's Harmon Observation Tower %. It's free for all, whether
or not you've visited the museum (but you really should; it's great). An
artistic piece in its own right, the Tower was a bit controversial when it
was built; but once naysayers stepped inside and took in the 360-
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 was built; but once naysayers stepped inside and took in the 360-
degree views of the city from the top, they quickly changed their tune.

While this is a list of free things to do in San Francisco, there's plenty

other ways to visit San Francisco without breaking the bank.

HOW TO VISIT SAN FRANCISCO ON A BUDGET

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