Imagine exploring San Francisco’s vibrant streets, lush parks, and iconic landmarks, all without spending a fortune. In a city famed for its Golden Gate Bridge and bustling piers, these free things to do in San Francisco are not only easy on your pocketbook but also rich in culture and adventure, allowing you to experience the best of the City by the Bay, even on a shoestring budget.
The City by the Bay may be known for steep hills and even steeper prices, but there are tons of cheap and free things to do in San Francisco for those on a budget. This guide will show you how to make the most of your time in the city’s quirky neighborhoods and hidden gems without breaking the bank.
If you’re visiting San Francisco while counting your pennies, you might want to skip the spendy, popular tourist destinations. Instead of Alcatraz, the Exploratorium, and high-end restaurants, check out these free things to do in San Francisco. From enjoying nature to discovering the many unique neighborhoods, you’ll still have a fantastic time.
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Visit Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world and one of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions. And the best thing is that it’s absolutely free to visit. The park spans over 1,000 acres and offers recreational activities, public art installations, and natural wonders. These are some of my favorite free things to do in Golden Gate Park.
Japanese Tea Garden
The beautiful Japanese Tea Garden is a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors can stroll through the garden’s winding paths, admire the koi ponds, and enjoy the lush greenery and traditional Japanese architecture. You’ll find several historic structures, including a traditional tea house, pagoda, Zen garden, and beautiful sculptures like a giant bronze Buddha. Step into the Tea House and enjoy a matcha tea and a sweet or savory Japanese snack for a few dollars.
The garden is especially lovely when the cherry trees bloom, typically from mid-March to mid-April. During this time, pink hues fill the garden, courtesy of the delicate flowers at the center of cherry blossom celebrations across Japan and the United States. It’s a gorgeous spot for a peaceful stroll or a picturesque photo opportunity.
It’s free to enter on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 to 10:00 am. At other times, the admission for non-residents ranges from $3 to $12. San Francisco residents can always visit for free.
Hippie Hill
This popular spot located just inside Golden Gate Park from the end of Haight Street was known as a hub for the 1960s counterculture movement and ground zero for the Summer of Love. That spirit persists, and on any given day you’ll find a diverse group of folks here, people watching, picnicking, playing frisbee, participating in drum circles, watching impromptu performances, or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful views.
Sunday Roller Disco Party
Golden Gate Park’s miles of paved paths and car-free roads lead to the free outdoor roller rink at 6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive is a destination for skaters. Weather permitting, you can rent a pair of skates on Sunday afternoons and join the Sunday Roller Disco Party, when the rink turns into a disco inferno with a live DJ spinning all the groovy hits from the 70s.
Don’t worry if you’re a skating newbie — all skill levels are welcome. And most Sundays, people will teach a few choreographed roller disco dance moves. It’s a great way to get outside and shake your booty!
The Conservatory of Flowers
The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers is a plant paradise housed in a Victorian greenhouse. Inside, you’ll find some of the world’s rarest and most exotic plants in a range of habitats, including a tropical rainforest and a high-altitude mountain habitat. The carnivorous plant room is sure to make your jaw drop.
Admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month – otherwise, it ranges from $3 to $11. Veterans, school groups, and San Francisco residents can always visit for free.
Tour City Hall
San Francisco’s City Hall isn’t just a building to conduct city business — it’s a historic landmark that’s as impressive inside as outside. After the 1906 earthquake destroyed the original City Hall, this public space opened as a testament to the city’s resilience and architectural grandeur.
This massive building stretches over two city blocks, so it’s pretty hard to miss. And more magnificent features await. At 307 feet tall, the building’s dome is the tallest in the United States, surpassing the US Capitol building’s. When you raise your eyes and take it in, you can’t miss the 23.5-karat gold leaf finish, a symbol of San Francisco’s splendor.
When you visit, be prepared for a security screening, including a metal detector and bag check. Once inside, you can embark on a self-guided tour to explore the building’s many wonders. It’s hard to miss the Roman columns surrounding the dome, allowing light to flood the space and highlighting the intricate details and the four round medallions created by sculptor Henri Crenier.
Below the dome is the grand marble staircase, a masterpiece in itself. Dedicated to Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, the staircase has hosted numerous important celebrations and is a popular wedding spot – even Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe tied the knot here!
Don’t miss the South Light Room Mini-Museum on the first floor, housing about ten pieces related to City Hall’s history, including the 700-pound head from a statue that once topped the dome of the last City Hall. The ground floor regularly features art exhibits presented by the SF Arts Commission, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
And don’t miss the chance to see the exterior of City Hall illuminated in themed colored LEDs, celebrating events and holidays or showing support for local sports teams.
Take an Urban Hike
San Francisco is a relatively small city known for its distinctive neighborhoods. Despite its hilliness, it’s a great city to explore on foot. And, if you want an affordable way to get from one neighborhood to another, public transportation is a great option. Simply hop on an affordable Muni train, bus, street car, or cable car, and you’ll be there in a jiffy. Here are a few of my favorite San Francisco walking adventures.
Haight-Ashbury and Lower Haight
Nestled on the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, the Haight-Ashbury district rose to fame during the Summer of Love in 1967. As you wander through its streets, walking in the footsteps of legendary bands like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin, who once called this area home, you’ll discover that it still echoes the hippie and flower power generation’s spirit. The famous intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, the epicenter of the 1960s counterculture movement, remains a symbolic landmark, so don’t miss it as a photo opp.
But The Haight isn’t just about the past. The area is a bustling hub with funky shops, eclectic restaurants, and colorful murals, keeping the flower power and hippie vibe alive for a new generation.
Alamo Square
Just a stone’s throw north of Lower Haight is a picturesque snapshot of San Francisco’s charm. This residential neighborhood is renowned for Postcard Row, the 700 block of Steiner Street, where the famous Painted Ladies stand in architectural elegance. These iconic Queen Anne Victorian houses, featured in the opening of the Full House television series, are a delightful sight against the backdrop of the city’s modern skyline.
If the often-moody San Francisco weather is on your side, spread out a blanket in Alamo Square, a large, central green space in the heart of this neighborhood. It’s a great spot for admiring the gorgeous Victorian houses that encircle the park and giving your feet a rest before exploring more of San Francisco.
The Mission
The Mission District is known for its colorful street art and vibrant Latino culture. Mosey down Valencia Street, explore the many murals and street art that adorn the buildings, and stop into one of the many art galleries or boutiques. Don’t miss the iconic Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley, where the walls speak volumes through their vivid and politically charged artworks, reflecting the community’s voice and history.
Are you traveling with kids? Let them burn off some energy at the feature-packed playground at Dolores Park on the neighborhood’s western edge while you sip a latte and enjoy sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline.
If you’re hungry, grab a famous Mission burrito at one of the many taquerias in the neighborhood. My favorites are Taqueria Cancun and Pancho Villa. Be sure to bring a big appetite, because these burritos are colossal and sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Japantown
San Francisco’s Japantown is an excellent destination for those looking to experience Japanese-American culture. Several temples and shrines, like the Nichiren Buddhist Church, the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Church, and the Peace Pagoda, are free and open to visitors.
You can shop for authentic Japanese ceramics, fabrics, and other items along Post Street or the Japantown Mall. Kinokuniya Books is a great spot to check out Japanese literature, comics, and other items. Grab some takoyaki, mochi donuts, or a steaming bowl of ramen if you get hungry.
Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary life. It stands as one of the largest Asian communities outside of Asia and is considered one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. Walking beneath its red lanterns, you’ll discover many hidden treasures. You’ll uncover colorful architecture, historic landmarks, and bustling streets as you explore this neighborhood on foot.
Pass through the ornate Grant Street Gate and stroll up Grant Avenue. You can buy everything from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs to knock-off designer handbags here. Stop into Ten Ren Tea Company for loose teas. Poke your head into the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see how they make this San Francisco original. Visit the Chinese Culture Center and the Chinese Historical Society for free exhibits and events.
Feeling peckish? Chinatown has plenty of affordable restaurants, bakeries, and street vendors. You’ll find everything from savory plump BBQ pork bao to Peking duck and Chinese desserts.
Russian Hill
This neighborhood effortlessly combines charm and history. Start your journey at the intersection of Hyde and Lombard Streets, where you’ll find the world-renowned Lombard Street, often called the crookedest street in the world. This one-block section with eight hairpin turns was designed in the 1920s to reduce the hill’s natural steep slope. Walking or driving down this street offers a unique perspective of the city’s urban layout.
As you explore Russian Hill, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Bay and the cityscape, making it a photographer’s paradise. The neighborhood also has cozy cafes, boutique shops, and lush parks, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
If you’re up for more exploration, Russian Hill is conveniently located about a half mile from Washington Square and North Beach. This proximity allows for an easy transition to another one of San Francisco’s iconic neighborhoods, where you can continue your adventure and discover even more of the city’s diverse culture and history.
North Beach
No visit to San Francisco is complete without spending time in the iconic North Beach neighborhood — San Francisco’s version of Little Italy with a side of beatnik history. Walk down historic Columbus Avenue and admire the beautiful Italianate architecture. Grab a slice at Golden Boy Pizza or an Italian cold-cut sandwich at Molinari Delicatessen. Finish with a cannoli from Victoria Pastry.
For free entertainment, check out some beatnik poetry at City Lights Books, another San Francisco institution. Writers like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac once hung out here. Next, pop across the alley to Vesuvio Café to toss one back alongside these ghosts of the Beat Generation.
Telegraph Hill
On Telegraph Hill, you’ll find stunning gardens tucked away in nooks and crannies. Look for the famous wild parrots inhabiting the neighborhood as you hike to the Coit Tower. Inside the tower, you’ll see unique murals painted in 1933 as part of the Public Works of Art Project. The murals are considered a national treasure and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of San Francisco.
Climbing the stairs to the tower’s observation deck is free, but you’ll pay between $3 and $10 to ride the elevator. Next, head down the historic Filbert Street Steps to the waterfront, stopping to snap some Instagram-worthy shots.
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- Visit California Academy of Sciences
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Along the Waterfront
Perhaps it’s because I’m a Pisces currently living in the most landlocked state in the Union, but my favorite on-foot experience in San Francisco is strolling along the Embarcadero between the Ferry Building and Ghirardelli Square. This waterfront promenade offers a mesmerizing blend of the city’s maritime history and modern-day vibrancy, where the rhythm of the waves matches the pulse of street life. You’ll encounter these experiences as you stroll this two-mile stretch along the San Francisco Bay.
The historic Ferry Building is a culinary paradise, housing many artisanal food shops and restaurants. It’s a bustling hub where locals and tourists come to savor gourmet delicacies, from fresh oysters to artisan cheeses. The building, a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, offers a charming backdrop for leisurely exploring San Francisco’s finest flavors.
While a trip to Alcatraz is far from free, Pier 33 is your gateway to the infamous island prison turned national park. Ferries depart from here, taking visitors across the bay to explore the intriguing history of Alcatraz. It’s a journey that combines scenic views with a deep dive into one of America’s most storied penitentiaries. I highly recommend visiting if it fits into your budget.
A bustling and lively spot, Pier 39 is famous for its playful sea lions who have made the docks their home. This pier is a whirlwind of activity, offering everything from shopping and dining to entertainment. The sea lions, lounging and barking, provide a unique and amusing spectacle that’s become a quintessential San Francisco experience.
This iconic area is a feast for the senses. Here, you can indulge in a classic San Francisco treat — a steaming bowl of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin Bakery Cafe. Fisherman’s Wharf blends historic charm and modern buzz, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the heart of San Francisco’s waterfront.
Once a chocolate factory, Ghirardelli Square is now a landmark public square surrounded by shops and restaurants. It’s a delightful place to end your waterfront walk, perhaps with a decadent Ghirardelli chocolate sundae as your reward. The square’s ambiance, combining rich history with modern luxury, makes it a perfect spot to relax and reflect on your waterfront journey.
Discover Free Museums
San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable. Whether you need to warm up on a foggy day or find shelter from an unexpected drizzle, the city’s museums offer not just refuge but a journey into diverse worlds of history, art, and science. And the best part? Many of these cultural havens offer free admission days, making them accessible to everyone.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
This museum is a tribute to the city’s iconic cable cars, showcasing their history from the first run in 1873. Visitors can learn about the inventor, the technology, and the ongoing efforts to preserve these historic vehicles. The San Francisco Cable Car Museum houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, and mechanical displays and is always free to the public, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in San Francisco’s unique transit history.
Asian Art Museum
Home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of Asian art, this museum brings the rich cultures of Asia to life. With over 18,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years, including ancient jades, ceramics, and contemporary installations, it offers a rich perspective of Asian heritage. The Asian Art Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month, providing a perfect opportunity to explore its vast collection.
de Young and Legion of Honor
These sister museums offer a wide range of art, from ancient to modern times. The de Young, located in Golden Gate Park, focuses on American art, while the Legion of Honor, in Lincoln Park, showcases European collections. Both museums offer free admission on the first Tuesday of every month for everyone and the first Saturday for Bay Area residents, making these galleries affordable spots to enjoy world-class art.
Sage Advice: If you are a Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, or U. S. Trust cardholder, you can enjoy free admission via their Museums on Us program. It grants free admission to the de Young Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum, and Legion of Honor in San Francisco, the Oakland Museum of California, San Jose Museum of Art, and The Tech Interactive elsewhere in the Bay Area.
Commune With Nature
The Bay Area is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore them in San Francisco.
Lands End
In the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the Lands End Trail takes you on a wild and twisty coastal hike, delivering stunning views around every turn. You will enjoy unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean and the Marin Headlands, and the trail also delivers gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic sights and a popular tourist attraction. You can also explore the ruins of an 1884 public bathhouse, Sutro Baths. And, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some sea lions and seals sunbathing on the rocks.
The Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge
For a former military base, the Presidio is surprisingly picturesque. It’s now a national park that offers a variety of trails, including the famous Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which takes you through a forest and past old military batteries to fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. Plan to grab lunch here, because some of the city’s best food trucks are available daily. Then, work off those calories with the requisite walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. And remember to dress warmly – it’s chilly out there, no matter the season!
Point Bonita Lighthouse
The Point Bonita Lighthouse, constructed in 1855, holds a special place in maritime history as the second lighthouse on the Pacific Coast and the last manned lighthouse on the California coast. This historic beacon, located just across the Golden Gate Bridge along the coast in Marin County, is perched at the end of a sliver of land, offering breathtaking views parallel to the iconic bridge.
Visiting this hidden gem is an adventure in itself. The lighthouse is only open for a few hours each week, so planning ahead is essential. The journey to the lighthouse includes walking through a hand-dug tunnel and crossing the only suspension bridge in the United States that leads to a lighthouse. This unique experience, combined with the stunning coastal scenery and the lighthouse’s rich history, makes a visit to Point Bonita a memorable and educational outing.
Beaches
No one goes to San Francisco to sunbathe, but the city has some fantastic beaches. They’re great for flying a kite, having a bonfire, people-watching, running the dog, and even swimming if you don’t mind a little cold water. If you go all the way to the end of Golden Gate Park, you’ll hit Ocean Beach, a 3.5-mile swath at the city’s west end. Baker Beach, on the city’s northwest corner, has a different vibe, with cypress trees, sand dunes, and close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Enjoy San Francisco on a Budget
San Francisco is an expensive city, but there are plenty of things to do and see that cost little or nothing. Whether you’re looking to explore quaint neighborhoods, take in some culture, or revel in the great outdoors, you can do it in San Francisco and still stick to your budget.
What’s Your Favorite Free Thing to Do in San Francisco?
What are your favorite budget-friendly finds in San Francisco? Have you discovered a hidden gem or a free activity that made your visit memorable? Maybe you’ve found a delightful little café or a scenic spot off the beaten path. Share your experiences, tips, and tricks in the comments section below.
Portions of this article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
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Went to San Francisco many years ago and have been excited to plan a trip back! After reading your article I definitely will plan a visit during the summertime to see those beaches, too. What a fabulous city. Thanks for all these great tips (-:
It’s one of my all-time favorite cities!
Wow! You’ve listed some great things. I love Boudin! The sandwiches are amazing. I also think the Cable Car Museum is a gem. Love it.
The Cable Car Museum is DEFINITELY a super cool, can’t miss FREE stop in San Francisco!
I had no idea San Francisco had so much to offer on a budget. Hippie Hill and the Conservatory of Flowers sound amazing! Can’t wait to explore more of San Francisco’s history without spending a dime and wander around the city on foot.