Free Things to Do in San Francisco: 18 Ways to Embrace the Bay on a Budget
A west coast oasis of art deco architecture, sprawling parks, and unparalleled art museums, the Golden Gate City has long captured the imagination of intrepid travelers.
However, San Francisco is far more than Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious catamaran cruises. This bustling metropolis is home to heaps of gratis attractions, activities, and landmarks. Follow along to discover the 18 best free things to do in San Francisco.
Let our experts act as your San Francisco city guide to complementary fun. No matter the time of year, there’s always something free in San Francisco that will capture your imagination.
Exploring the city’s stunning vistas is one of the many free activities in San Francisco that will leave you in awe. Achieve your zen in the Japanese Tea Garden, or work up a sweat as you climb Twin Peaks.
Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, there are endless activities to do in San Francisco California without spending a dime From enjoying the spooky tunes of a wave organ concert. To learn about the history of the ubiquitous cable cars. You’ll find a variety of experiences that are completely free San Francisco treasures.
San Francisco Hotels
Ready to preserve that vacation budget? Before we dive into all of the free things to do in San Francisco this weekend, we suggest you sort out your accommodations. While we’ve yet to find a way to procure free hotel suites, we can offer sizzling savings with a variety of our San Francisco hotels.
From elegant rooms just moments from Union Square to nautical theme rooms serving up sweeping Bay views, our hotels offer up the ideal spot in which to tackle the city’s top attractions.
Things to Do in San Francisco for Free
Wander around a quaint wharf, score some epic bridge photos, or check out live animal exhibits at the Randall Museum. Whether you are in the mood for windswept self-guided walking tours or want to hang out with some barking mammals this Northern Californian haven delivers!
California Welcome Center – Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Is it your first time visiting ‘Frisco? If you feel like you could benefit from the 411 on this mecca of Fog, wine, and more, then swinging by the Visitor Center would be advisable. The California Welcome Center is located at Pier 39 and features city guides, tourist information, and maps.
Pop in for a chat with the knowledgeable staff who are always offering free advice and city guides. In addition to helping you plan your gratis itinerary, visitors can also take advantage of internet access, luggage storage, and both wheelchair and stroller rental services at the center.
Pier 39 – Address: The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
While there are rafts of retail and restaurants to explore at Pier 39, what really captures our hearts is the gang of world-famous Sea lions who have made this marina their home. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Embarcadero. Where you’ll find plenty of free stuff to do in San Francisco while soaking in the Bay Area’s beauty
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Since 1990 hoards of these barking, whiskered pinnipeds have made the dock their home. Sneak on by to score some photos of these boisterous marine mammals as they soak in their daily vitamin D.
Explore Fisherman’s Wharf – Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, CA, USA
Pull on that favorite cable knit sweater and pack up a thermos of coffee or hot cocoa to accompany your coastal exploration of Fisherman’s Wharf. Located in the northern waterfront area of the city, this charming neighborhood is a popular tourist attraction.
Known for its fishing fleet, quaint shops, and seafood, it’s well worth an early morning stroll. The nearby Ferry Building Farmers Market is a great spot to sample local delicacies, one of the best ways to experience free things to do in the Bay Area. While window shopping is free, we suggest squirreling away a few bucks to taste some creamy chowder or fresh sourdough boudin.
Golden Gate Bridge – Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA, United States
Complete your sojourn to San Francisco when you marvel at one of the world’s most recognizable bridges. Clear out that memory card as you’ll want to snap endless photos of this architectural marvel of design and engineering.
Constructed in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge delivers a moody, panoramic vista of San Francisco Bay. Vibrantly colored in International Orange, you can cross the 1.7-mile bridge by foot or bike.
Golden Gate Park – Address: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, United States
Sun-soaked picnics, free museum visits, and drum circles oh my! If you’re looking for free things to do in San Francisco today, a visit to Golden Gate Park should be at the top of your list.
Golden Gate Park’s over a thousand acres of green space contains a plethora of free attractions for both tourists and locals alike. Revel in the blooming bulbs of the Tulip Garden. Catch a boat race, courtesy of the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, or tackle the trail to Rainbow Falls.
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Discover the beauty of the San Francisco Botanical Garden, one of the best free places to visit in San Francisco for nature enthusiasts. Plan for a free museum day when you visit the de Young Museum as a San Francisco resident. Or, work on achieving inner peace in the company of koi ponds, pagodas, and regal lanterns at the Japanese Tea Garden.
Asian Art Museum – Address: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
Ready to travel east? Explore works of staggering cultural beauty and significance without ever leaving the Bay Area when you swing by the Asian Art Museum. Conveniently located across the plaza from City Hall, the museum houses a collection of over 18,000 works.
Discover masterpieces more than 6,000 years old, or admire Hindu deities sheathed in bronze. From exhibits that explore art inspired by Bollywood, to treasured Japanese ceramics, and the oldest known Chinese Buddha. There are diverse collections to admire. For complimentary admission come by on the first Sunday of every month.
Wave Organ – Address: The Wave Organ, 83 Marina Green Dr, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
Unlike any concert you’ve ever attended, a performance by the Wave Organ manages to strike the perfect balance between weird and wonderful. Be sure to visit at high tide for an optimal display of sounds from this system of PVC tubes and concrete pipes.
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Built into the tip of the Marina Boat Harbor jetty the sounds will vary depending on the time of day you visit. Factors such as the wind, the waves, and certain tides will all make the organ’s bellows, splashes, and trickles more pronounced. Get as close as you can to a pipe for a personalized concert for one!
Fort Point – Address: 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
Calling all Hitchcock fans! Feel free to geek out over this Vertigo throwback when you visit this National Historic Site. Wander through the colorful murals of the Mission District, one of the many things to do for free in San Francisco that immerses you in local culture.
While the fortification was initially built in 1861 to ward off Confederate attacks that never came. Today this infamous spot is best known for its sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views and its appearance in Vertigo. Head here early in the day to scope out the scenery or enjoy a guided Park Ranger tour of the site.
Hike Twin Peaks – Address: Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA 94131, USA
Who says you can’t stay fit while on vacation? Change gears from museums to mountains when you plan to hike the nature trails of Twin Peaks. Not to be confused with the noir TV program of the same name, San Francisco’s Twin Peaks tops out at 922 feet in elevation.
Originally called ‘Los Pechos de la Choca’ by early Spanish settlers. Today this park and subsequent climb allows you to observe how San Francisco’s landscape looked prior to development. Observe lush areas of grassland, coastal scrub, and more as you keep your eyes peeled for the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, brush rabbits, and coyotes.
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Take in the peak’s staggering 360 views when you hike the .7-mile trail or combine it with additional trails on the southern and eastern slopes of the park for more vigorous exercise. Afterward, spend an afternoon at the Presidio, where military history meets lush landscapes, offering plenty of free San Francisco explorations.
Legion of Honor – Address: Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
Sculpture, Greco-Roman architecture, and cutting-edge art exhibitions entice visitors with an artistic eye to another must-see among free things to do in SF: the Legion of Honor. Take some time to explore the outdoor grounds of this stunning art museum and you’ll be blessed by Joan of Arc statues, Rodin’s The Thinker, and more.
Don’t forget to enjoy the opulent Salon Dore inside, or take a peek at temporary installations such as the works of John Singer Sargent or prints gifted by Crown Point Press. Score gratis tickets are available on the first Tuesday of every month or every Saturday for Bay residents.
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City Lights – Address: City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Bookworms unite! If you’ve ‘forgotten’ to pack those hiking boots, don’t fret. There are still plenty of free ways to occupy your time in SF without breaking a sweat. Get lost in the stacks at the legendary City Lights as you browse through staff picks, best sellers, and more.
This iconic bookstore was founded back in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and instantly became a hangout for the Bay Area’s literati. Check out their famous Pocket Poets Series or peruse their events schedule to sit in on a poetry reading, book discussion, or debate.
Cable Car Museum – Address: San Francisco Cable Car Museum, 1201 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States
All aboard! Discover the story behind the infamous cable car when you stop by 1201 Mason Street. The Cable Car Museum offers an intriguing look behind the history of this ubiquitous form of San Francisco public transportation. In addition to uncovering the mechanics behind grips, breaks, and tracks. Visitors will also be privy to a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays, and more.
Just one of the many museums in San Francisco that is free to visit, Cable Car enthusiasts will be able to peek at three antique cars from the 1870s and the only surviving car from the city’s first cable car company!
Randall Museum – Address: Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Seeking shelter from a rainy San Fran afternoon? Don’t let a little fog damper your plans. Swing on by the Randall Museum in Central San Francisco for hours of biology, mechanics, and art.
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For animal lovers, the Randall Museum offers free stuff San Francisco style, with live animal exhibits and interactive displays. Little ones will love playing in the Toddler Tree House, while nature enthusiasts will be in awe of the museum’s live animal exhibits.
Get to know the distinct ecosystems of California from rich Riverlands to dry deserts. Admire the downy feathers of the Barn Owl, or try to count the scales on a slithering rough green snake. For some more underwater adventure, take part in ocean exploration as you watch deep-water footage from submersibles interact with ocean plankton, or touch a sea star.
Leisurely mornings filled with Fog, cafe au lait, and freshly baked sourdough bread, followed by afternoon strolls across the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s something simply cinematic about a San Francisco vacation.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there are plenty of free things to do in San Francisco, California that showcase the city’s unique charm. Unfortunately, we are not all blessed with a blockbuster budget. Thankfully, the Golden City is packed to the gills with free attractions, activities, and sights.
Soak in the seaside ambiance when you visit the picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf. Or develop a new appreciation for Buddhas and Hindu goddesses when you frequent the Asian Art Museum. Get lost in the pages at City Lights, or channel your inner Kim Novak when you visit the stunning Fort Point lookout.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s an abundance of San Francisco free things to do that will make your trip unforgettable. From towering Redwoods to cascading Golden Gate Park falls, there’s no end to the simple pleasure of San Francisco.
Free Things to Do in San Francisco FAQs
What is The Most Famous Thing in San Francisco?
San Francisco is synonymous with iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. The Golden Gate Bridge, with its striking orange hue, stands as the city's most recognizable symbol, drawing millions of visitors each year.
What is The Best Time to Visit San Francisco?
The best time to visit San Francisco is typically considered to be late summer and heads into the fall. This period offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.
How Do Tourists Get Around in San Francisco?
Walking is an excellent way to explore San Francisco's hilly terrain and charming neighborhoods. The city's local MUNI buses and light rail, trolleys, underground Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, and streetcars offer efficient and affordable transportation options for covering longer distances.
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