23 Free Things to Do in San Francisco: A Guide for Budget-Conscious Travelers
San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t free things to do! In fact, San Francisco has a ton of free activities and attractions for tourists and locals alike.
In this blog post, we will list some of our favorite free things to do in San Francisco. Whether you’re on a budget or simply want to see what the city has to offer, these free activities won’t disappoint! Here’s our list of the best free things to do in San Francisco!
Free Things To Do In San Francisco: Visit Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world and it’s free to enter! Within the park, there are tons of free activities and attractions including the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden, and De Young Museum.
There are also free walking tours of the park available, which is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Golden Gate Park.
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park should definitely be at the top of your list!
Take a Hike
San Francisco is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in California. Some of our favorites include Lands End Trail, Twin Peaks, and Bernal Heights. Not only are these trails free to access, but they offer stunning views of the city and Bay Area. If you’re looking for a free activity that will help you explore more of San Francisco, we recommend taking a hike!
Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in San Francisco and it’s free to explore! Walking through Chinatown is like stepping into another world with its vibrant colors, smells, and sounds.
There are tons of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to check out in Chinatown, so be sure to bring your camera.
There are also a number of free attractions within Chinatown, such as the Chinese Culture Center, The Tin How Temple, and Stockton Street lanterns.
Whether you’re looking to experience a different culture or simply want to explore one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, Chinatown is a great option!
The best way to experience Chinatown is D-I-Y on foot. There are also free walking tours available, so you can find one that fits your interests and schedule.
Chinatown is definitely one of the must-see free things to do in San Francisco!
Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous landmark and it’s free to walk across! The best time to visit the bridge is during sunrise or sunset when the colors are at their most beautiful.
There are also free tours of the Golden Gate Bridge available, which is a great way to learn about the history and construction of this iconic structure.
Whether you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time or you’re a local, be sure to add the Golden Gate Bridge to your list of free things to do in San Francisco!
Take a ferry ride to Alcatraz
Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons in the world and it’s free to visit (although there is a fee for the ferry ride). The prison is now a popular tourist attraction, so be sure to book tickets in advance.
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Francisco, a trip to Alcatraz is definitely worth considering!
Take a Stroll Down Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco and it’s free to explore! There are tons of shops, restaurants, and attractions here, so be sure to bring your camera.
Fisherman’s Wharf is extremely popular and for good reason! This area is home to some of the best views of the city, as well as plenty of free activities including street performers, tours of Alcatraz, and the USS Pampanito Museum.
Food Tip: Try out the famous clam chowder bread bowls with several outdoor vendors. You won’t regret it!
If you’re looking for a free activity in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is a great option!
Tip: If you are traveling here by car or have a rental, please take all belongings out of the car and carry them or leave them at your hotel due to smash and grabs across the city. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN THE CAR OR TRUNK!
Visit Lombard Street
Lombard Street is famous for its “crooked” street design and it’s free to visit! This attraction can be busy during peak tourist season, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or during sunset.
There are also several free walking tours of Lombard Street available, which is a great way to learn more about this unique neighborhood. Spring and Summer are the best times to visit as the flowers are in full bloom winding down the street.
Tip: You can rent a GoCar and zip down Lombard Street for an adrenaline rush!
Whether you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time or you’re a local, be sure to add Lombard Street to your list of free things to do in San Francisco!
Visit SFMOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a world-renowned art museum and it’s free to visit for Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of every month from 4-8 pm.
There are also several free walking tours of SFMOMA available, which is a great way to learn more about this iconic museum.
If you’re looking for a free activity in San Francisco, SFMOMA is a great option!
Take a Cable Car Ride
San Francisco’s cable cars are an iconic part of the cityscape and they were free to ride until now! Be sure to hop on one of these historic vehicles and take a ride up and down some of the city’s steep hills. Tickets cost $8 but totally worth it to experience at least once in your lifetime.
Hop on one of these historic vehicles and take a ride up and down some of the city’s steep hills.
Visit The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a beautiful neoclassical structure located in San Francisco’s Marina District and it’s free to visit! This attraction is especially popular during the springtime when the gardens are in bloom. There are plenty of wedding and portrait photoshoots happening daily here and this is where we took our engagement photos as well.
You can enjoy the views and have a small picnic while there.
If you’re looking for a free activity in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts is a great option!
Visit de Young Museum and Legion of Honor
The de Young Museum and Legion of Honor are two world-renowned art museums located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and they’re free to visit the first Tuesday of every month.
Wedding and portrait photoshoots are popular here and is also where Waseem helped me shoot a campaign for a Cbazaar. Check out the post to get an idea of the area outdoors.
Visit the Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the world devoted to Asian art and it’s free to visit for the general public on the first Sunday of every month.
Tip: Asian Art Museum is free for social service agencies and nonprofit organizations that work with disadvantaged communities, schools, and youth groups through the Community Access Fund. Send an email to groupvisits@asianart.org two weeks in advance to request tickets.
The Community Membership Program allows for free admission for patrons and workers of certain member organizations, libraries, and small enterprises. Email members@asianart.org to join.
Employees of select corporate partner companies at the $10,000 level and above get free admission. See the list of Corporate Members here for more information.
There are also free walking tours available for the museum, which is a great way to learn more about its history and collections.
Explore The Castro District
The Castro District is home to one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the world and it’s free to explore! This vibrant district is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars, so it’s very photogenic and fun.
There are also free walking tours of the Castro District available, which is a great way to learn more about its history and culture.
Visit Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square is a popular tourist destination located in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood and it’s free to visit! This attraction is home to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, which offers free tours of its factory. The square is also home to a number of other shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Visit The Presidio
The Presidio is a former military base located in San Francisco that has been turned into a national park. It’s free to visit and there are plenty of things to see and do here, including hiking trails, museums, and gardens.
Visit the Japanese Tea Garden (our favorite)
The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful garden located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and it’s free to visit on certain days! This attraction is especially popular during the springtime when the gardens are in bloom.
Free admission for the general public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays if entered before 10:00 am (garden opens at 9:00 am).
Visit Alamo Square
Alamo Square is home to some of the most famous postcard views of San Francisco and it’s free to visit! This attraction can be busy during peak tourist season, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or during sunset.
There are also several free walking tours of Alamo Square available, which is a great way to learn more about this unique neighborhood.
Visit The Mission District
The Mission District is one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Francisco. This neighborhood is home to many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops.
The Mission District is a colorful, developing area with Latino roots and a cool vibe that was named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores.
Traditional taco restaurants and eclectic live-music clubs meld with chef-driven eateries and creative cocktail bars.
There are several tattoo parlors, gourmet ice cream shops, and Dolores Park, a popular weekend hangout with spectacular city views. The iconic murals of The Mission depicting vibrant colors cover the walls of Clarion Alley and are the main highlight of this district!
Visit the Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is a beautiful Victorian-style greenhouse located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and it’s free to visit on certain days! This attraction is especially popular during the springtime when the gardens are in full bloom.
Free admission for the general public is on the first Tuesday of every month.
Explore the Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The garden is extremely popular during springtime due to the blooms.
The SF Botanical Garden is one of the world’s largest gardens, with more than 8,000 species of plants on 55 acres. For an amazing outdoor experience, visit the Ancient Plant Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Moon Viewing Garden, and several other attractions!
The magnolia bloom in February and March is another must. They currently have yoga sessions on the grounds, and the famous Flower Piano event will take place in September.
If you’re an early riser, then you’re in luck! There is free admission for the general public every day from 7:30-9:00 am. If you’re not an early riser, you can try free admissions all day for the general public on the second Tuesday of every month.
You can enjoy a 90-minute walking tour and learn more about what’s currently in bloom in California as well as in other climatic regions such as Chile and South Africa. Pre-registration is required for tours and private tours are required for groups of 6 or more.
Visit City Hall
City Hall is the seat of government for the City and County of San Francisco and it’s free to visit! It’s also where Waseem and I got married before our traditional wedding. This attraction is especially popular during the holiday season when it’s decked out in festive decorations.
There are also several free walking tours of City Hall available, which is a great way to learn more about this iconic building.
Visit The Ferry Building
The Ferry Building is a historic transportation terminal located in San Francisco’s Financial District and you guessed it! It’s free to visit. This attraction is especially popular during lunchtime hours when there are many food vendors here.
Numerous vendors sell produce, coffee, candy, cheese, and prepared food in the soaring, restored 1898 building. Get in during lunch and immerse yourself in the lunch hour rush!
Visit The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is a busy waterfront street located in San Francisco’s Financial District. This attraction is especially popular during the summertime when there are many outdoor events taking place.
Tip: Visit the Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for fresh, local produce.
San Francisco is home to a variety of free activities, which makes it the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers. These are just a few of our favorite free things to do in San Francisco. What are some of your favorites? Let us know on our Instagram @wewanderlustco
We hope you’ll add some of these to your list! Be sure to check out the free walking tours of some of these destinations for more information. Thanks for reading and remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander!
