Free things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of those special places to visit where you can have an exciting experience visiting but you definitely have to pay for every bay cruise, expensive seafood dinner or a fabulous show at Beach Blanket Babylon. Yes, you definitely need to splurge for the best things that hits all the wants for a one of a kind experience but there are even more things you can also do on a dime or better yet free! Here’s some of my favorite things to do in San Francisco for free or cheap and have a totally amazing time and experience visiting the City by the Bay.

Free things to do in San Francisco – historic sites, museums, view points, public markets and cool neighborhoods

There’s a lot of free things you can do in this fun city starting with exploring the cool neighborhoods of San Francisco, visiting the many scenic parks, outdoor areas and coastal trails around the city. You can visit museums on free museum days, go to the fabulous outdoor markets and sample artisanal foods and so many more fantastic experiences. Check out more of these free things to do in San Francisco below.

Explore San Francisco’s cool neighborhoods

You can spend days exploring all the exciting and cool districts and fun areas of the San Francisco too many to explore in one quick visit. But here are some of my favorite and unique places worth visiting in the city if you are looking for the best neighborhoods with something different or fun neighborhood to explore as a visitor to San Francisco.

The Filmore district

The upscale Filmore neighborhood is a fun area to visit and hang out with many bars, cafes and cool venues and shops worth checking out. You’ll find international and local brands, design focused shops and galleries, accessory stores and unique shops catering to locals and visitors alike. You’ll find a plethora of international cuisine from Italian, Peruvian, Indian, Mexican to popular pizza and trendy eateries offering wholesome food choices.

The Castro

The Castro district is where the gays meet and socialize but it is open and friendly to all visitors to explore, enjoy some great food and shop in all the colorful clothing, galleries and fun shops on the main streets including Market street. If you’re thirty, there’s a lot of bars, coffee shops and health food shops to enjoy the local scene and vibe of the Castro. If you have some time, take a walking tour of the neighborhood to find out about the Gay history, cultural attractions and current happenings in the Castro.

Ashbury and Haight

This district originally dubbed the hippy and flower child spot for people to wear flowers in their hair, drop acid or their choice of drugs is still a little on the wild side but with more cutting edge and trendy shops that cater to a fun and younger crowd looking for something different and one of a kind. You’ll find a lot of vintage and collectible shops, trendy local brands along with the typical tie dye and tacky poster/t-shirt souvenir stand in the neighborhood.

Hayes Valley

The trendy Hayes Valley area located close to City Hall is a fun place to explore especially if you plan on seeing any cultural shows in the immediate area and want to dine close by. You’ll find fine dining restaurants, trendy wine bars to affordable ethnic restaurants and a cool ice cream shop that serves ice cream ( xxxx) made from dry ice techniques and lots of great choices for toppings. There’s a lot of quirky stores, cool clothing and designed focused galleries and other unique and local brands to discover in this fun neighborhood. While your visiting, check out City Hall and the grand interior hallway with the rotunda.

Divisadero Street

Up and coming Divisadero street is the spot for the latest in good and trendy dining areas to cruise. Locals like to hang out later for happy hour into the late evening as an alternative to the club scene here with plenty of choices for bars, affordable eateries to cutting edge San Francisco cuisine. While you are visiting the area, make sure to check out Alamo Square to see the Victorian ladies with nice views of the downtown skyline and bay.

Explore San Francisco’s ethnic neighborhood

Japan Town

Adjoining the Filmore district Japan Town is a series of public squares and indoor malls catering to mostly Japanese inspired eateries, galleries and stores, dessert shops and everything Japanese inspired. A fun place to hang out in the day time or night, you’ll find some delicious sushi joints, noodle shops to fun hibachi styled restaurants to enjoy when visiting this lively and colorful neighborhood in the city.

Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown district is actually two main venues Stockton street which is the actually shopping, grocery and working venues for locals that visit and the other popular street for visitors is Grant Street with the many colorful shops, galleries, restaurants and cheap souvenir stands of San Francisco inspired clothing, accessories and other gift items you can buy for cheap, cheap.

Little Italy and North Beach

Little Italy and North Beach are two districts next to each other and quite lively to visit during the day time to late in the evening. The Little Italy district is mostly located on Columbus street with a variety of Italian inspired bakeries, trattoria, coffee shops, bars and galleries to tempt you in and hang out for awhile. Make sure you get a chance to visit xxx church on Washington Plaza and walk all the way uphill to see Coit Tower with fantastic views of the city below and the wonderful bay area views from the observation area (fee to take an elevator, but you also can get views from the parking lot area).

Mission district and Valencia

One of the more popular and trendy hang out spots in the city, the Mission district and Valencia are where locals and visitors come to relax, shop at one of a kind local galleries, vintage and clothing stores or find a cool coffee shop, bakery or café to enjoy some people watching and taking in the local vibe. Even though you will find an international selection of cuisine to choose from in the Mission, don’t miss out on trying some of the local taquerias and burrito shops to more trendy Mexican and Latin Inspired eateries in the neighborhood. Also while your exploring, check out the cool street art everywhere especially the graffiti at Clarion and Balmy alley. The coffee, bakery and dessert scene is on fire in this area with so many fun venues to choose from and hang out in colorful surroundings.

Little Vietnam district

The Tenderloin area of the city used to be a little rough and sketchy and it still is in certain pockets, but if you are really craving to try some amazing Pho and other Vietnamese inspired dishes, then Little Vietnam is the place to head out to. Check out this Yelp guide for the best eateries in the area, rated by locals of their favorite spots to visit day or night time.

Outer Clement and Geary Street

Dubbed the new Chinatown district – outer Clement street in the Richmond district offers a variety of Pan – Asian inspired eateries, grocery outlets and other services. Further down past 19^th Avenue, you’ll start seeing more Russian inspired eateries, grocery and delis and other specialty shops catering to the locals in the neighborhood. You can Check  out this local Yelp guide of food venues to try in this neighborhood of the Richmond District

Explore San Francisco’s wonderful parks

Considering that San Francisco is a vast metropolitan area there many green spaces and parks to visit and unwind if your looking for scenery and beautiful landscape in the city to explore. Here are some of the best garden places to check out in the city and some with wonderful views.

Golden Gate Park

Golden gate park is the largest park in the city and well loved for all the outdoor venues and activities, museums and specialty gardens that you’ll find in the park. Starting with the iconic Conservatory at the front entry of the park, you can also walk through the beautiful annuals bed, desert gardens and dahlia garden when it is in bloom. Other fantastic gardens worth exploring include the botanical garden, Japanese garden, rose garden, LGTB garden, the Rhododendron garden and the beautiful natural areas around Stowe Lake. Check out my post here on visit the gardens of Golden gate park for more images and inspiration to visiting the area.

Coastal Trail from Lands End to Golden Gate Bridge

The beautiful coastal trails from the Visitors center at Sutro Tower starts and passes through scenic areas of Lands End and skirts forested walks, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and passes through gorgeous beaches at China Beach, Baker Beach and Marshall Beach. It is a fantastic walk in nature and to see how wonderful this place has been preserved like early California without inhabitants. The coastal trail extends all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge with spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and bridge at many points along the way. Check out my post here on hiking the coastal trails of San Francisco in spring for more images and inspiration to visiting this wonderful area.

Dolores Park

Dolores Park in San Francisco is a lively urban green space that draws locals and visitors alike for its sweeping views of the city skyline, sunny weather, and laid-back atmosphere. Spread across rolling lawns dotted with palm trees, it’s a favorite spot for picnics, people-watching, and casual gatherings. Street musicians, food vendors, and pop-up events often add to the energy, while the playgrounds, tennis courts, and open spaces make it welcoming for all ages. Its location in the Mission District also means you’re just steps away from trendy cafes, murals, and neighborhood charm, making it a perfect stop to relax and take in the city’s personality.

Labyrinth at Lands’ End

The Labyrinth at Lands’ End in San Francisco is a hidden gem perched on a cliffside overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Created by local artist Eduardo Aguilera, this stone labyrinth offers a peaceful, meditative walk surrounded by sweeping coastal views and the rugged beauty of the Lands’ End trail. Visitors come for the sense of calm it inspires as well as the dramatic backdrop of waves crashing below and sailboats gliding past. Reaching the labyrinth involves a short, scenic hike, making it both a reflective and visually rewarding stop for those exploring the city’s wild western edge.

Chrissy Fields

Crissy Field in San Francisco is a scenic waterfront park that blends natural beauty with iconic city views. Once a former airfield, it’s now a favorite spot for walking, biking, or simply lounging along its sandy beach, with the Golden Gate Bridge dramatically framing the horizon. The restored wetlands attract birdwatchers, while wide paths and open lawns invite families, joggers, and picnickers. On clear days, kite surfers and sailboats add color to the bay, and nearby cafes make it easy to linger. Its mix of recreation, history, and postcard-worthy scenery makes Crissy Field a must-visit stop along the city’s northern shoreline.

The rooftop park at Sales Force downtown in San Francisco

The Salesforce Park in downtown San Francisco is an elevated urban oasis set atop the Salesforce Transit Center, offering a lush, four-block-long green space high above the city streets. Filled with gardens featuring plants from around the world, winding walking paths, and shaded seating areas, it’s a refreshing escape in the middle of the bustling financial district. Visitors can enjoy skyline views, art installations, and a rotating schedule of free events such as yoga, music performances, and gardening classes. Its unique setting above the transit hub makes it both a peaceful retreat and a modern architectural attraction in the heart of the city.

Moscone Center

The Moscone Center in San Francisco is the city’s premier convention and exhibition venue, drawing visitors from around the world for major conferences, trade shows, and cultural events. Spread across multiple modern buildings with sleek glass facades, it offers expansive exhibition halls, meeting spaces, and public art displays. While primarily a hub for business and industry gatherings, its central location near Yerba Buena Gardens, museums, and dining makes it easy for visitors to blend work with leisure. Whether attending a tech expo, comic convention, or international summit, the Moscone Center serves as a gateway to both professional networking and exploring the vibrant downtown scene.

Visit the 2^nd largest park at McLaren Park

McLaren Park, San Francisco’s second-largest park, offers a sprawling escape into nature with over 300 acres of trails, open meadows, and wooded hills. Known for its quieter, less-crowded atmosphere compared to other city parks, it’s a favorite for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying panoramic views from spots like Philosopher’s Way. The park also features a golf course, playgrounds, and a small lake, making it versatile for both active recreation and laid-back picnics. Seasonal events and outdoor concerts add local flavor, while its location in the city’s southeast offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for visitors seeking a greener side of San Francisco.

Free public markets in San Francisco

There are many weekly markets that happen in every neighborhood of the city, but these markets below are the most popular and larger venues worth visiting if you want to try something local and fresh from the region.

Weekend market at the Ferry Plaza

The weekend market at the Ferry Plaza in San Francisco is a lively showcase of Northern California’s food culture, set against the backdrop of the city’s historic ferry building and sweeping bay views. Dozens of local farmers, artisanal food makers, and specialty vendors fill the plaza with fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, flowers, and gourmet treats. Visitors can sample seasonal flavors, chat with growers, and pick up ready-to-eat dishes from some of the city’s top food purveyors. With street performers, waterfront views, and the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries in the air, it’s a vibrant gathering spot that blends shopping, dining, and sightseeing into one memorable experience.

Alemany flea market

The Alemany Flea Market in San Francisco is a treasure hunter’s haven, offering an ever-changing mix of vintage goods, antiques, collectibles, and quirky finds every Sunday. Set in an open-air lot, it attracts both casual browsers and serious collectors searching for everything from mid-century furniture and old records to costume jewelry and one-of-a-kind curiosities. Bargaining is part of the fun, and the atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a diverse crowd adding to its charm. Located just off Highway 280, it’s an easy stop for those looking to uncover unique souvenirs and get a taste of the city’s eclectic, secondhand culture.

The Alemany Flea Market is open every Sunday year-round, rain or shine  in the city. The market hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM ,vendors usually set up before opening and must wrap up by 3:00 PM.

Free San Francisco activities and attractions

Free walking tours of San Francisco

Free walking tours in San Francisco offer a fantastic way to explore the city’s rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks without spending a dime. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours often cover areas like Chinatown, the Mission District, North Beach, or the downtown waterfront, sharing stories about the city’s culture, architecture, and hidden gems. While the tours don’t have a fixed fee, it’s customary to tip the guides based on your experience. These tours are a great option for visitors who want an engaging, budget-friendly introduction to San Francisco, providing insider tips and a chance to connect with the city beyond the usual tourist spots.

You can check out the different tours offered around the city here, please note that the guides do rely on tips for the time spent leading these local tours.

Free museum days visits on First free Tuesdays

Many San Francisco museums participate in the “First Free Tuesday” program, offering free admission on the first Tuesday of each month. This initiative makes it easy for locals and visitors alike to access a range of cultural experiences without the usual cost. Participating museums often include well-known spots like the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and the California Historical Society, among others. It’s a great opportunity to explore diverse exhibitions, from art and history to science and culture, in a relaxed, crowd-friendly setting. These free days encourage more people to connect with the city’s rich cultural scene, making it a popular and budget-friendly option for museum lovers

This is to the main popular museums of San Francisco including the Legion of Honor, De Young Museum, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of Craft on certain days

Wells Fargo History Museum

Maritime Museum

Other cool things that are free to do around San Francisco

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie factory tour

Check out the Bison at Golden Gate Park

Book readings at cool City Lights and Green Apple bookstores

Free movie screenings at Dolores Park, Union Square and Washington square

Six summer weekends in a row of classic films

Japanese Tea garden – free before 10am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Visit San Francisco Landmarks for free

There are many important and historic sites of San Francisco that are wonderful to explore and mostly free. Check out all these suggestions below

Golden Gate Bridge

City Hall

Cable car turnaround and museum

Palace Hotel atrium

Ferry Plaza building

Palace of Fine Arts

Golden Gate Park Promenade with the bandstand, Japanese Gardens, De Young, Natural Science

Visit Fisherman’s Wharf

Explore Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge

Check out the Sutro Baths

More cool free things and places to visit in San Francisco

Amazing stairs and views of San Francisco

Gingerbread homes at Alamo Square

Union Square

Ferry Plaza terminal

Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge

Sunset on Ocean Beach or the Headlands

Sunrise at Golden Gate bridge parking lot (SF side)

Go visit and volunteer at Alcatraz clean up days

Free museum days in San Francisco

Architectural walking tours of San Francisco

Visit the crookedest street in San Francisco

See inside of Coit Tower – but pay to take the elevator to the top

Best view of Golden Gate Bridge is walking at Baker Beach

Visit Ocean Beach and the Cliff House

Check out the Bay Bridge lit up at night in the Embarcadero Bayfront

Free wine tasting at Fat Grapes in Treasure Island

Great panoramic views of the city at Treasure Island

Presidio pet cemetery

Sea Lions at Pier 39

Check out the Wave Organ at Chrissy Field

Stewart street Slide

Explore the Yerba Buena gardens

Skatin Place hang out in summer time

Balmy street and Clarion Alley murals

Chinese Tin How Temple

16^th Avenue Murals

Museo Mechanique

Visit the Art Galleries of San Francisco

Randall Museum

Rincoln Annex Post Office Murals

Free views of San Francisco from above

If you are looking for spectacular views around the city, check out these fun parks and venues with amazing views of the city.

Bernal Heights

Twin Peaks

Dolores Park

Coit Tower

Hilton tower observation

Macy’s Cheesecake Factory terrace

Visit the observation tower of the De Young museum for free

Visit the  churches of San Francisco for free

San Francisco cathedral

Grace Cathedral

Mission Dolores

Glide memorial concert ensemble

Free San Francisco events

There’s a lot of free events that happen yearly in San Francisco that are a fun experience and mostly free, take a look at these various events below

Stern Grove concerts

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Comedy Day in the Park

Weekend food trucks at Fort Mason

Major festivals in San Francisco

Golden Gate Park band concerts

San Francisco free Shakespeare festival

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

Fillmore Jazz Festival

Swing dancing at Golden Gate Park

Hike the national park at the Presidio

Cherry Blossom Festival and parade

Chinese New Year Parade

How to get around San Francisco cheap or free

Here’s an outline of how to get around San Francisco on a budget or even for free:

1. Walking

• Best for: Exploring neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Mission, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
• Cost: Free.
• Tip: Be ready for steep hills; bring good shoes.

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2. Biking & Scooters

• Bike Rentals: Bay Wheels (by Lyft) docked and dockless bikes.
• Scooter Rentals: Companies like Lime and Spin.
• Cost: Usually $1 to unlock + per minute fee; still cheaper for short distances.
• Tip: Use unlimited ride passes for Bay Wheels if biking a lot.

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3. Public Transit (Muni)

• Muni Buses & Metro: Covers most of the city.
• Cost: $2.50 (Clipper card) with free transfers for 2 hours.
• Cheap Passes: 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day Visitor Passports allow unlimited rides.
• Tip: Skip cable cars unless you get a pass (they cost $8 per ride).

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4. Free Transit Options

• Cable Car Museum: Free to enter, fun way to see the system up close.
• PresidiGo Shuttle: Free within the Presidio, connects to downtown.
• Union Square–Chinatown Shuttle: Seasonal, sometimes offered free.

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5. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

• Best for: Getting to/from the airport or East Bay.
• Cost: Varies by distance, cheaper than taxis or rideshares.
• Tip: Use only for longer distances, not within SF itself.

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6. Ferries & Discounts

• Cheap Bay Views: Take Golden Gate Ferry or SF Bay Ferry for scenic rides.
• Clipper Card: Offers discounted fares on ferries compared to cash tickets.

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7. Rideshare Hacks

• Shared Options: UberX Share or Lyft Shared can be cheaper than solo rides.
• Tip: Best used at night when public transit slows down.

Check out these locations for free and cheap things to visit

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Further reading about San Francisco

Things to do in San Francisco

20 Quirky, fun and trendy places to visit in San Francisco

Places to eat in San Francisco

San Francisco views from above

The cool stairs of San Francisco

Fun and unusual things to do in San Francisco

Best views to photograph in San Francisco

Conclusion on free things to do in San Francisco

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