San Francisco regularly makes the list of the most expensive places to live in the US. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take a trip there. In fact, there are a number of fabulous things to do in the city that don’t involve money at all.
If you’re not sure where to look for free stuff to do, don’t worry. To help you plan your next getaway to The Golden City, this list has 10 of the best free things to do in San Francisco. You’ll be exploring unique neighborhoods, checking out local wildlife and visiting the iconic sites of the city, all without spending a cent. All you have to do is check out this list which has it all.
1. Golden Gate Bridge
2. Mission District
3. Golden Gate Park
4. Cable Car Museum
5. Sea Lions at Pier 39
6. Painted Ladies
7. China Town
8. Ferry Building Marketplace
9. Embarcadero
10. Palace of Fine Arts
Keep reading for more information on each of these fun and free activities in San Francisco.
10 Free Things to Do in San Francisco
1. Golden Gate Bridge
First up on the list of best things to do for free in San Francisco is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
True, any trip to SF isn’t complete without a classic photo with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. But it’s not just a perfect backdrop.
You can actually walk and bike across the bridge for free.
Now, you may not want to walk the full 1.7 miles across and back. But making it to the center of the bridge is just as rewarding.
2. Mission District
Endless possibilities await in the Mission District, the next item on the free things to do in San Francisco.
As the oldest neighborhood in San Francisco, it dates back to the founding of Mission Dolores in 1776.
You’ll find an amazing mix of people and places in the Mission District. The community includes strong Latin American roots as well as a thriving arts scene.
Boutiques, tattoo parlors, gourmet ice cream shops, colorful murals, and traditional Latin eateries are all waiting to be explored in the Mission District.
3. Cable Car Museum
The classic image of a cable car comes to mind when thinking of San Francisco.
Now, you’ll be expected to pay to take a ride on this historic transport. But that doesn’t mean you’ll completely miss out.
Actually, you can learn all about the awesome streetcar and its important role in the city at the Cable Car Museum for free.
Open daily except Mondays, it’s definitely one of the great things to do for free in San Francisco.
4. Golden Gate Park
Since the 1800s Golden Gate Park has been an urban escape into nature.
With over 1,000 acres to enjoy the park has just about everything you’d want in a day at the park.
Go for a jog or bike on the car-less roadways.
Roller Skate or skateboard in the skate park.
Play tennis or a round of disc golf.
Don’t miss seeing the park’s herd of bison as they graze on the paddock.
It’s all available in Golden Gate Park making it one of the best free things to do in San Francisco.
5. Sea Lions at Pier 39
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of sea lions while in San Fran, then head over to Pier 39.
You’ll have a greater chance to see them there than just about anywhere else.
Since the 1990s the sea lions have called Pier 39 home and since then their population has grown.
Although they migrate up and down the Pacific Coast, upwards of 1,500 are known to prefer to chill out on the pier between late July and around mid-May.
6. Painted Ladies
Another iconic image of San Francisco is the Painted Ladies. (No, not the side-show type.) The Painted Ladies are a series of pastel-colored houses that stand side-by-side on Steiner Street.
Their Victorian style and unique color perfectly contrast the downtown skyline in the background.
More than just an ideal photo op, the Painted Ladies have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. Most famously in the opening credits of the hit 80s/90s sitcom “Full House”.
7. Chinatown
There’s no better way to spend the day in San Fran than exploring the historic Chinatown, one of the best free things to do in San Francisco.
The oldest in the country, SF’s Chinatown covers 24 city blocks and has tons to explore.
Make sure to see the Dragon Gate with its ornate design.
Strolling along Grant Avenue with all of its many shops is a favorite thing to do. You can even visit the Fortune Cookie Factory for free too.
The absolute best time of year to visit Chinatown in San Francisco is during the Chinese New Year celebrations!
8. Ferry Building Marketplace
The history of the Ferry Building dates back to the 1890s and was a vital hub for the city.
Today, the building has transformed into a stellar indoor food market.
As one of the great free things to do in San Francisco, you can come to enjoy the sights, sounds, and history of it all.
Fun events happen at the Ferry Building Marketplace all the time. The Farmers Market is legendary and takes place on weekends.
Live music will put you in a happy place during lunchtime or happy hour depending on the day.
9. Embarcadero
Stretching along the eastern shore of the city, exploring the Embarcadero is one of the best things to do for free in San Francisco.
You’ll find gorgeous views of the water, piers taking you out on the water and places to eat.
It’s also where you’ll find the historic Ferry Building Marketplace, Fisherman’s Wharf, and sea lions on Pier 39.
10. Palace of Fine Arts
Built for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is a remarkable space with architecture that resembles that of ancient Greece and Rome.
You can explore the area on various paths in the park and around the water.
If you’re looking to learn more consider joining a free walking tour focused on the Palace of Fine Arts.
Hosted by the non-profit San Francisco City Guides it’s definitely one of the best free things to do in San Francisco.
Final Thoughts on Free Stuff to Do in San Francisco
There you have it: 10 of the best free things to do in San Francisco. It’s easy to see that you can have an awesome time in SF without breaking the bank on every activity. Instead, your days will be filled with fun without requiring an insanely high travel budget.
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I can’t believe anyone would willingly go to San Francisco these days with the videos I’m seeing of blatant crime towards tourists as well as the news reports of businesses leaving the city as fast as they can because of crime and the police having their hands tied. The people who run that city need to be taught a lesson and that means tourism dollars need to dry up. These are way better/safer places to visit!
Diane, thanks for your comment. Sure, there may be safer and better places to visit but if you’ve never been to San Francisco or you’re traveling there for business then that’s probably not going to sway your travel decisions.
And San Francisco is a popular tourist spot in the US. In fact, the San Francisco Travel Association recently published “2022 visitor arrivals grew by 29% to 21.9 million” and 2023 visitor arrivals are expected to reach 23.9 million” so the flow of tourists to San Francisco is not stopping anytime soon.
Now, is San Francisco safe? It’s going to depend on a number of factors but there are several basic safety tips that tourists should follow when visiting any major city or busy tourist destination, like don’t keep your cell phone in your back pocket, don’t leave stuff in your car, be aware of your surroundings, keep your handbag close to your body, etc. This article from SF Tourism Tips travel blog has more specific advice for staying safe in San Francisco.
Cheers,
Susan