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Discover 33 Free Things to do in San Francisco in 2023! From parks to museums to viewpoints, wildlife (and extra!) – discover the town with out breaking the financial institution.
San Francisco. Home of the enduring Golden Gate Bridge, Silicon Valley, and a significant Pacific Coast seaport, San Francisco is a metropolis that epitomizes variety. An city and multicultural metropolis, this huge metropolis, the thirteenth largest within the United States additionally packs an actual punch when it comes to outside actions.
Surrounded by unbelievable landscapes, woodlands, sprawling nationwide parks and sea life, this pure peninsular splits San Francisco Bay from the huge Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect location for these desirous to discover each land and sea.
Attracting round 26m guests every year (making it one of many greatest locations to go to within the USA!), this metropolis’s plethora of cultural heritage, beguiling histories, spectacular iconic landmarks, and outside areas make it the perfect metropolis to take pleasure in with out an excessive amount of of a pressure on the pockets and that can assist you out we’ve put collectively an inventory of among the greatest issues to do at no cost within the spectacular metropolis of San Francisco.

Map of Free Things to Do in San Francisco

Free Parks & Open Spaces in San Francisco
San Francisco provides up a lot to discover, from uncovering intriguing structure with a number of cultural influences to seaside magnificence spots, and exquisite inexperienced open areas, make sure you take a look at among the metropolis’s gorgeous parks and gardens that are free to discover.
Golden Gate Park

Japanese Tea Gardens

The Japanese Tea Garden options a wide range of conventional Japanese parts, together with pagodas, stone lanterns, and a koi pond. The backyard’s essential tea home serves a wide range of teas and snacks, together with conventional Japanese inexperienced tea and candy mochi.
Visitors can stroll by way of the winding paths of the backyard, admiring the colourful colours of the varied plant species, together with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and Japanese maples. Along the best way, guests may take within the sound of operating water from the backyard’s many streams and waterfalls.
One of the highlights of visiting the Japanese Tea Garden is experiencing a standard tea ceremony, which is obtainable day by day. During the ceremony, company are served tea and small sweets in a standard Japanese setting, full with tatami mats and low tables.
For those that need to study extra concerning the historical past and tradition of the Japanese Tea Garden, there are additionally guided excursions out there, led by educated docents who present insights into the backyard’s design, historical past, and cultural significance.
Botanical Gardens

The backyard is split into a number of distinct areas, together with the Mediterranean Garden, the Redwood Grove, and the Garden of Fragrance.
Visitors can take free guided excursions of the backyard, that are led by educated volunteers and supply perception into the crops and their histories. Alternatively, guests can discover the backyard on their very own and absorb the fantastic thing about the flora at their very own tempo.
Lands End

The park can also be house to a number of historic websites, together with the Sutro Baths ruins and the Point Lobos Shipwreck, which could be explored by guests.
Mission Dolores Park

The park contains a playground, tennis courts, and a soccer area, making it a well-liked spot for households and sports activities fans. It additionally boasts gorgeous views of the town skyline and the Bay, making it an amazing spot for picnics and stress-free within the solar.
The park is surrounded by a various neighborhood, offering guests with entry to native eating places, cafes, and retailers, ought to it’s worthwhile to seize one thing to eat or a number of souveniers whereas exploring the realm.
Twin Peaks

Standing 922 toes in elevation, Twin Peaks 64-acre parkland is a well-liked vacationer spot, and with quite a lot of climbing routes, Twin Peaks provides guests present guests totally different views of the town’s skyline, in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge.
As you hike as much as the highest of Twin Peaks, you’ll be surrounded by stunning pure surroundings that features rolling hills, lush greenery, and vibrant wildflowers. Once you attain the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Bay Area.
On clear days, you’ll be able to see for miles in each route, and the views are particularly gorgeous at sundown or at night time when the town lights come alive.
The Twin Peaks can also be a wonderful location for nature fans and chook watchers. The park is house to a number of species of birds, together with hawks, eagles, and owls, in addition to different wildlife corresponding to deer, coyotes, and raccoons.
Walk by way of the Presidio

Visitors can discover the climbing trails, go to the Presidio Officers’ Club to study concerning the historical past of the realm or take pleasure in a picnic in one of many many scenic spots all through the park.
There are a number of Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints positioned inside the Presidio. Some of the most well-liked viewpoints embrace the Battery East Vista, Crissy Field Overlook, and the Golden Gate Overlook. Each viewpoint provides a singular perspective of the enduring bridge and the encircling pure fantastic thing about the realm. Visitors can select to drive, bike, or hike to those viewpoints for a memorable expertise.
With its abundance of leisure alternatives, cultural landmarks, and pure magnificence, the Presidio is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody trying to expertise the very best of San Francisco. Best of all, it’s utterly free to go to and discover the Presidio, making it an ideal possibility for budget-conscious vacationers or households.
Free Spectacular Views in San Francisco
With many landmarks and traditional picture-postcard views which make San Francisco so distinguishable, there are a selection of locations to get that excellent photograph for ‘the gram’, or just absorb the totally different cultures which have fashioned the town’s historical past.
The Golden Gate Bridge

With a number of vantage factors from which to look at the hanging feat of engineering dotted alongside the shoreline you may spend a day seeing it from each attainable angle (and we did! – a few of our favourite spots had been Baker Beach, Marshall’s Beach and Golden Gate Overlook).
Also, top-of-the-line methods is to take a leisurely stroll throughout it, even if you happen to solely go half of the best way, it’s an effective way to take pleasure in views over the town, the bay and the ocean past.
Lombard Street

The avenue was initially designed to make the steep hill extra accessible for automobiles, and the hairpin turns had been added to make it simpler for drivers to navigate the steep incline. Today, Lombard Street is likely one of the most photographed and visited streets in San Francisco and has turn out to be a logo of the town’s distinctive and quirky allure.
Visitors can drive down Lombard Street, however be warned that it may be a difficult and nerve-wracking expertise because of the tight turns and steep incline. Many guests select to stroll up or down the road as an alternative, taking within the gorgeous views of the town and admiring the gorgeous flowers and greenery that adorn the road.
Go See The Painted Ladies

These rows of painted Victorian and Elizabethan-style homes have turn out to be the colourful emblem of the town’s eclectic structure and have been featured in lots of films and TV exhibits.
The Painted Ladies encompass seven properties, every painted in a special coloration and adorned with intricate particulars and ornate decorations. They are positioned throughout from Alamo Square Park, which provides a surprising view of the properties with the town skyline within the background.
The space is widespread with vacationers and locals alike and is a superb spot for taking images and admiring the gorgeous structure.
Coit Tower

On the best way again down, make sure you go through the Filbert Street Steps Garden for a really fairly descent again towards the Embercado!
Corona Heights

Corona Heights Park is a well-liked spot for nature lovers and hikers with its many trails and lookout factors. Visitors can chill out and take within the spectacular views from the park whereas having fun with a picnic or simply admiring the cityscape.
Free Cultural and Educational Attractions in San Francisco
With round 44 museums all through the town, a vibrant music scene and artwork galleries galore, San Francisco packs a punch when it comes to tradition. Taking a day or two to discover among the free galleries and museums in San Francisco can provide guests a real perception into the wealthy cultural variety of the town.
Fishermans Wharf

One of the highlights of Fisherman’s Wharf is the abundance of seafood eating places, serving up among the freshest seafood within the metropolis. Visitors can take pleasure in a meal of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl or pattern some Dungeness crab whereas taking within the picturesque views of the bay.
In addition to the eating choices, Fisherman’s Wharf can also be house to a wide range of memento retailers, providing all the pieces from postcards and t-shirts to handcrafted jewellery and native artwork. Visitors may discover the historic ships docked at Hyde Street Pier, together with the Balclutha, a Nineteenth-century crusing ship that has been restored to its former glory.
Fisherman’s Wharf can also be an amazing place to catch avenue performers, from musicians and acrobats to magicians and jugglers. These performers add to the colourful and vigorous ambiance of the neighborhood, making it a enjoyable and entertaining place to spend a day.
The Cable Car Museum

The museum explores the fascinating historical past of San Francisco’s cable automobiles, which had been first launched within the late Nineteenth century as an answer to the town’s hilly terrain. Visitors can see the large engines and winding wheels that energy the cables, in addition to the intricate mechanisms that management the automobiles.
One of the highlights of this SF museum is the commentary deck, which provides a wide ranging view of the underground equipment that powers the cable automobiles. Visitors can watch the cables in motion, see the automobiles transferring up and down the hills, and study concerning the totally different routes and locations of the cable automobile system.
In addition to the equipment and know-how, the museum additionally contains a assortment of historic cable automobiles, together with the oldest surviving cable automobile from the 1870s, in addition to a number of examples of early electrical streetcars.
Visitors to the Cable Car Museum may study concerning the challenges and triumphs of sustaining and working the cable automobile system, which continues to be in use at present and is a beloved image of San Francisco’s identification.
Overall, the Cable Car Museum provides an interesting glimpse into one in all San Francisco’s most iconic and beloved sights, and is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody within the metropolis’s historical past, engineering marvels, or public transportation programs.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Visitors to the San Francisco Maritime Park park can discover a number of historic vessels, together with the Balclutha, a Nineteenth-century crusing ship, and the Eureka, a historic ferryboat that used to move commuters and vehicles throughout the bay. These ships have been superbly restored and supply an immersive expertise for guests to step again in time and picture what life was like for sailors and passengers within the early days of San Francisco.
In addition to the ships, the park additionally contains a museum with interactive displays that discover the historical past of San Francisco’s waterfront and maritime business. Visitors can study concerning the several types of ships that used to sail the bay, and the individuals who labored and lived on them.
The park additionally provides free ranger-led excursions, which offer a deeper understanding of the historical past and significance of the park’s assortment. Visitors can study concerning the position that San Francisco performed within the California Gold Rush, the historical past of the fishing business, and the significance of the town’s port to commerce and commerce.
Take a Free Walking Tour
San Francisco is a metropolis stuffed with historical past, tradition, and distinctive neighborhoods, and top-of-the-line methods to discover all of it is by taking a free strolling tour. There are a number of tour corporations and organizations that provide free strolling excursions in several components of the town, offering guests with an opportunity to see the sights, study concerning the historical past and tradition, and get some train all on the similar time.
One widespread possibility is the San Francisco City Guides, a gaggle of volunteer guides who provide a variety of free strolling excursions in varied neighborhoods, together with the well-known Haight-Ashbury, the Victorian properties of Pacific Heights, and the historic Mission District. The excursions are led by educated guides who’re enthusiastic about their neighborhoods and love sharing their insights and tales with guests.
Another widespread possibility is the SF Public Library’s “On the Same Page” program, which provides free strolling excursions targeted on totally different themes and matters, corresponding to avenue artwork, literary landmarks, and LGBTQ historical past. These excursions are led by librarians and neighborhood companions who’re consultants of their respective fields and provide a singular perspective on the town’s historical past and tradition.
For foodies, there are a number of free meals excursions out there, such because the SF Public Library’s “Bites off the Beaten Path” and “Culinary History of San Francisco” excursions, which discover the town’s numerous culinary scene and the historical past behind a few of its most well-known dishes.
The de Young Museum

The museum’s assortment of American work contains works from artists corresponding to Mary Cassatt, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Edward Hopper, amongst others. The de Young additionally contains a vary of ornamental artwork and artifacts from varied cultures, in addition to an unlimited collection of artwork of the Oceanic peoples.
One of the most well-liked sights on the de Young Museum is its commentary deck, which provides panoramic views of San Francisco and the encircling space. Visitors can absorb breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and the town skyline from this vantage level.
The de Young Museum additionally hosts a wide range of non permanent exhibitions all year long, showcasing works by up to date artists and exploring varied themes and actions in artwork historical past. The museum’s dedication to variety and inclusivity is mirrored in its exhibitions and applications, which attempt to signify a spread of cultures, views, and voices.
Explore Chinatown

Visitors to Chinatown can discover the streets and alleys lined with colourful storefronts promoting all the pieces from conventional Chinese medicines and herbs to intricate art work and souvenirs. There are additionally loads of eating places serving up scrumptious Chinese delicacies, from dim sum to sizzling pot to Peking duck, making it a meals lover’s paradise.
One of the highlights of Chinatown is its many temples and cultural landmarks. Visitors can discover the ornate and historic Tin How Temple, which dates again to the 1850s, or the gorgeous Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, the place guests can watch fortune cookies being made by hand.
Another must-see attraction in Chinatown is the Dragon Gate, a towering pink and gold archway that marks the doorway to the neighborhood and serves as a logo of the neighborhood’s satisfaction and heritage.
Visitors may take a guided tour of Chinatown, studying about its fascinating historical past and tradition, and gaining a deeper understanding of the contributions that Chinese immigrants have made to San Francisco and the United States as a complete.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
The Contemporary Jewish Museum provides free entry on the primary Friday of the month.
Located within the Yerba Buena neighborhood of San Francisco, the Contemporary Jewish Museum is a singular museum that explores the wealthy and numerous historical past of Jewish tradition and experiences within the metropolis and past. The museum options a wide range of up to date artworks, multimedia displays, and interactive shows that present guests with an attractive and immersive expertise.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum is understood for its thought-provoking exhibitions that showcase the variety and vibrancy of Jewish tradition. Visitors can discover a spread of matters associated to Jewish historical past, artwork, and identification by way of rotating displays and collections. The museum additionally hosts a wide range of occasions and applications, together with lectures, movies, and performances, that provide additional insights into Jewish tradition and traditions.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Yud Gallery, which contains a distinctive design impressed by the Hebrew letter “Yud.” The gallery showcases up to date Jewish artwork and options rotating exhibitions of rising and established artists.
Wander the Grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts

Today, the Palace of Fine Arts is a well-liked attraction in San Francisco, and guests can take pleasure in wandering the grounds and admiring the gorgeous structure. The constructing’s grandeur and magnificence are positive to depart guests in awe, with its huge rotunda, towering columns, and complicated particulars.
The Palace of Fine Arts is surrounded by a tranquil lagoon, which makes for an ideal spot to chill out and soak in the fantastic thing about the environment. Visitors can stroll alongside the walkways that meander across the lagoon, taking within the peaceable ambiance and having fun with the view of the swans and geese that decision the realm house.
Visit the Wave Organ

It is open all day and free to go to, however the very best time to go to is throughout excessive tide.
Museo Italo Americano
The Museo Italo Americano is a small however fascinating museum that explores the Italian American expertise in San Francisco. This free museum is positioned within the Fort Mason space, which was as soon as a army base and is now a well-liked cultural middle. The Museo Italo Americano was the primary museum within the United States to focus particularly on Italian American artwork and tradition.
Visitors to the museum can discover a wide range of exhibitions that showcase the contributions of Italian Americans to San Francisco’s historical past and tradition. The museum has a set of Italian and Italian American artwork, together with work, sculptures, and pictures. Exhibitions usually discover the themes of immigration, household, and identification.
The Museo Italo Americano additionally hosts a wide range of cultural occasions all year long, together with concert events, lectures, and movie screenings. These occasions usually spotlight the work of Italian American artists and performers and provide guests an opportunity to have interaction with the colourful Italian American neighborhood in San Francisco.
Go Mural Spotting within the Mission District

One of the very best methods to discover the Mission murals is to take a self-guided tour. Visitors can begin on the nook of twenty fourth Street and Balmy Alley, the place they’ll discover a assortment of public artwork murals that depict social and political points, corresponding to immigration, staff’ rights, and gentrification.
Another must-see mural is the Women’s Building mural on 18th Street, which celebrates the achievements of girls and options portraits of well-known girls from around the globe. Other notable murals within the Mission District embrace the “MaestraPeace” mural on the Women’s Building, the “Carnaval” mural on twenty fourth Street, and the “We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For” mural on Valencia Street.
Visit The Ferry Building

The market is house to a wide range of distributors promoting all the pieces from recent seafood and artisanal cheeses to handmade goodies and gourmand espresso. Visitors can pattern native wines, decide up souvenirs, or just browse the colourful stalls.
In addition to the meals corridor, the Ferry Building can also be house to quite a lot of retailers and eating places. Visitors can dine on recent seafood, gourmand sandwiches, or farm-to-table delicacies whereas taking in views of the Bay Bridge and the Bay.
Outside the constructing, guests can stroll alongside the Embarcadero and luxuriate in views of the Bay and the town skyline.
Explore a Farmers Market

These markets are held on totally different days of the week in varied neighborhoods and infrequently characteristic distributors promoting all the pieces from fruit and veggies to baked items, flowers, and artisanal cheeses. Visitors can pattern the products, speak to the farmers and distributors, and benefit from the vibrant ambiance of those neighborhood occasions.
Our favorites embrace the North Beach Farmers Market (open Saturday), Heart of the City Farmers Market (open Sunday & Wednesday), and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
Enjoy Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square is a landmark that was as soon as the positioning of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory, one in all America’s oldest chocolate makers. Today, the sq. has been remodeled right into a vibrant purchasing and eating vacation spot that also celebrates the historical past and legacy of Ghirardelli chocolate.
Take Photos at Umbrella Alley

Not removed from Ghirardelli Square and tucked away between two buildings on Beach Street, Umbrella Alley is likely one of the coolest alleys in San Francisco, that includes murals like California Dreaming, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, and Greetings from San Francisco, in addition to playful installations and brightly coloured balloons and umbrellas, suspended all through your complete enclosure.
This vibrant alley is a continuing work in progress, with new murals commonly painted, such because the Summer of Love Monarch Wall showcasing an imposing 3D butterfly. Every inch of Umbrella Alley is bursting with dazzling colours, even the bottom is roofed in paint!
Entry is free, however the artists admire any donations you could make which assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the gallery.
Visit the San Francisco Public Library

Aside from the library’s huge assortment, it additionally hosts free occasions and lessons all year long, catering to individuals of all ages and pursuits. Visitors can attend guide readings, creator talks, and workshops on matters corresponding to writing, meditation, and yoga. The library additionally provides language lessons in Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese, in addition to laptop lessons protecting matters corresponding to coding, internet design, and digital advertising.
The San Francisco Public Library shouldn’t be solely an amazing useful resource at no cost leisure and training, however it’s also an exquisite constructing to discover. The Beaux-Arts constructing contains a grand marble staircase, excessive ceilings, and ornate moldings. Visitors can admire the structure and art work all through the constructing, together with murals and sculptures by famend artists.
Free Festivals in San Francisco

For instance, The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese tradition with meals, music, and dance performances. The Stern Grove Festival showcases a various vary of music in a scenic outside setting. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a well-liked three-day music pageant that options over 100 acts performing bluegrass and different genres of music.
These occasions provide an amazing alternative to expertise the tradition, artwork, and music of San Francisco with out spending a dime. Be positive to test if there are any free festivals throughout your keep in SF City.
Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum in San Francisco is a must-visit vacation spot for anybody keen on Asian artwork and tradition and is free on the primary Sunday of each month.
The museum’s assortment is extremely numerous and contains artifacts from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia. One of the museum’s most well-known items is a 2,000-year-old jade burial go well with from China, which is intricately detailed and gorgeous to see in individual. The museum additionally options rotating displays that showcase the variety and richness of Asian artwork and tradition.
Free Nature and Wildlife Attractions in San Francisco
While the town itself is a metropolis of multicultural structure and concrete way of life, there are a selection of issues to do at no cost within the metropolis and its surrounding areas that can assist you really feel nearer to nature.
Visit a well-liked Whale-Watching Spot

If you don’t thoughts escaping the town, or have your individual car and need to take a highway journey, Point Montara Lighthouse and Pigeon Point Lighthouse are widespread places for whale recognizing on a transparent day.
Walk amongst the Giant Redwoods

See the Sea Lions at Pier 39

Summary of the Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco California
So with an abundance of tradition, among the worlds most iconic landmarks, unbelievable historic establishments, museums and parkland, its no surprise the town of San Francisco is such a well-liked US gem. And with a lot all on provide within the comparatively compact surrounds of the peninsular, this metropolis is actually a bucket listing vacation spot for anybody desirous to discover and uncover the charms of California with out an excessive amount of of a pressure on the pockets.
And that’s a wrap on our full listing of the very best free issues to do in San Francisco, which is stuffed with issues it’s worthwhile to know in ensuring you get probably the most out of your San Francisco trip! We hope they had been useful in planning your SF City journey but when now we have missed something, please tell us within the feedback.
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