13 Of The Best Free Things To Do In San Francisco
San Francisco, California may be known for its exorbitant cost of living and steep hotel prices but visiting this city can be reasonably priced thanks to the area’s many free attractions.
Whether in town for a quick trip or for a full week, you’ll have no problem finding free things to enjoy in The Golden City. Below I’ve listed 13 of the best free things to do in San Francisco.
Tip: Use public transportation, ride share, or travel by foot when possible. Parking in San Francisco can be hard to come by.
The Best Free Things To Do In San Francisco
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
At Moraga Street and 16th Ave you’ll find the whimsical 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. The public staircase is covered in colorful tiles starting with a mesmerizing ocean depiction at the base. The tiled artwork transitions into the earth and sun as you climb the 163 steps. The immaculate landscaping and stunning views make this well worth the climb.
The stairs are open at all hours but be reminded that this is a residential neighborhood, so please be respectful.
Take a Step Back In Time At The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is known for its impressive rotunda built back in 1915. The structure was intended to reflect a ruin of Ancient Rome, and is situated between a lagoon and the exhibition center. A Roman ruin is quite unusual in California making this one of the most recognizable landmarks in the San Francisco area.
The rotunda is free and open at all hours.
Enjoy San Francisco’s Beaches
Highlighted by beautiful, rugged coastline, San Francisco’s beaches offer stunning views perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxing picnic. These aren’t your typical swimming beaches but they’re beautiful and very popular nonetheless!
Be sure to check out the sea life at China Beach and McClures Beach, which are best viewed during low tide. This is one of my favorite free things to do in San Francisco.
The Best Beaches Near San Francisco
- Mile Rock Beach
- Ocean Beach
- McClures Beach
- Chrissy Field
- China Beach
- Baker Beach for excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Note: Many beaches don’t allow swimming due to San Francisco’s cold water and strong rip currents.
Explore Chinatown
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the United States, and remains one of the largest as well. Take in the sights and traditional architecture while you enjoy authentic food, visit a temple, sample tea, or visit the Fortune Cookie Factory.
Grant Avenue runs the full length of Chinatown, you’ll find the most tourist friendly businesses here.
Tip: If visiting in late January or early February be sure to check out the festive and colorful Chinese New Year Parades.
Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge sits at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, and is the city’s most iconic attraction. 40 million people per year cross over the 1.7 mile bridge, with over 10 million traversing by foot (wow!).
How To Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge
You’ll start at the Welcome Center on the south end and eventually conclude up north at Vista Point. The trek takes about 2 hours round trip – assuming you make frequent photo stops, which I’d highly recommend!
Pedestrians are required to walk on the east side walkway and are permitted to cross only during certain hours. Pedestrian hours vary seasonally but are roughly sun up to sun down, you can check exact times here.
If you’re up for a longer walk, access the bridge via Baker Beach. (As a bonus, you’ll find some of the best Golden Gate Bridge views here too!) Follow the beach to Batteries Bluff Trail. Then follow the trail east, cross under the bridge and meet up with the Welcome Center. This is about a 2.5 mile walk.
If you’re interested in the history of the iconic bridge, join a free walking tour, offered Thursdays and Sundays by San Francisco City Guides.
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Photo Credit: Debbie Janowski
Experience Lombard Street in San Francisco
The famous stretch of Lombard Street is characterized by eight hairpin turns and is located near Russian Hill Park. In 1922, it was determined that the 27% grade was too steep for most cars and pedestrians. Therefore the road was created with switchbacks resulting in a quirky and now-famous street adored by tourists.
Fun Fact: This is not the steepest street in San Francisco. Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde holds that title at a 31.5% grade.
The famous stretch begins at Hyde Street & Lombard ending at Leavenworth Street & Lombard and you can drive or walk the unorthodox street.
Lombard has plenty of pedestrian space and can be accessed from either the bottom or the top of the street. If you’d prefer to drive, you must enter at Hyde Street, but be aware there’s usually a long line of cars. Plan accordingly and pack your patience!
The street is accessible at all hours, but this is a residential street (can you imagine?!) so mind your manners.
Enjoy A Day In Mission Dolores Park
Dolores Park is located in the Castro District on Dolores Street between 18th & 20th street. This large, hillside park is where you’ll find locals lounging and hanging out on warm afternoons. This is a great place to have a picnic, play games, people watch, and enjoy the uninterrupted views of downtown San Francisco.
Be sure to check out Film Night’s schedule, which is a free outdoor movie shown in Dolores Park.
Tip: This is a great neighborhood to walk around with unique shops and great Mexican food.
Visit The Sutro Bath Ruins
The Sutro Baths are large urban ruins located in the Lands End area of western San Francisco. The site was once a public swimming complex built by Adolph Sutro in the late 1800’s. Fed by the Pacific Ocean this was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world.
Following the heyday of the baths a construction fire destroyed the property in 1966, leaving behind the large urban ruins we see today.
Getting To The Sutro Bath Ruins
To get here park at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center and follow the short trail down to the ruins. Be sure to use caution, this area can be very slippery.
Tip: Be sure to explore the Lands End area while here! Hike Lands End Trail, take in the area’s many lookout points, visit Lands End Labyrinth, or take a walk through Sutro Heights Park.
Photo Credit: Debbie Janowski
See The Historic Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are a row of colorful victorian homes made famous by the television show Full House. The homes, built in the late 1800’s, represent an intricate architectural style not often seen anymore. Many of San Francisco’s homes from this era have been destroyed by natural disasters, most commonly earthquakes.
Where Are The Painted Ladies?
The Painted Ladies are located on Steiner Street between Grove Street and Hayes Street, facing Alamo Square Park. The best views of the Painted Ladies are from the east side of the park.
Admire the Clarion Alley Street Art
Clarion Alley Street Art is a public art display in the Mission District ran by the Clarion Alley Mural Project. The small alley runs for one block and is completely covered in colorful graffiti. This backstreet has housed 900 murals and supported over 700 artists dating back to 1992.
The site is located between Valencia Street and Mission Street and is free for self guided tours.
Have a passion for photography? This alley is an absolute can’t miss for those immersed in the space.
Bike Or Walk Through Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large 1,017 acre urban park. This park is actually about 20% larger than NYC’s famous Central Park, and is home to many attractions, such as the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum, and so many more! While these attractions require admission, the park itself is free.
There’s tons of space to walk around, bike, play games, read a book, or have a picnic. Seeing that the park is over 3 miles long and half a mile wide, it would be easy to spend an entire day here.
Visit The Sea Lions At Pier 39
Pier 39 is one of the top attractions in San Francisco thanks to the abundance of sea lions found here year around. To the marina staff’s initial dismay, the lions took over shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake hit in October of 1989.
It remains uncertain why exactly they ended up here, but the pier does offer natural protection, space, and ample food. The pier has now been embracing these unexpected visitors for the past 30 years.
The sea lions can only be viewed from a distance and you can expect a large crowd of onlookers. You can see them on Pier 39’s K- Dock. The pier is located in Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most famous (and free!) San Francisco attractions.
Check Out A Free Museum Day Or Free Walking Tour
San Francisco has countless museums and historical sites, most of which require admission, however, with some planning you can experience these sites for free.
The California Academy of Science offers free admissions on select Sundays. The Japanese Tea Garden has free admission on select mornings, and the de Young Museum offers free admission on Thursdays, just to name a few.
If a walking tour is your thing check out San Francisco City Guides. The organization, sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library, has been offering free tours for 40 years and provides 80 different tours around the city. Advance registration is required, so check out the impressive list of tours here.
Tip: Also check out the National Parks Free Entrance Days for $0 admission to Muir Woods National Monument.
With so many incredible free San Francisco attractions, it is entirely possible to manage a budget friendly trip here. Any questions or additional ideas?! Please leave a comment below. Happy travels!
Be sure to also check out The Best Cheap Things To Do In San Francisco!
If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional San Francisco guides or head on over to SF Travel!
More Information For Your San Francisco Vacation:
- The Best Cheap Things To Do In San Francisco
- 3 Days In San Francisco Itinerary
- What To Wear In San Francisco
- How To Spend 1 Day In San Francisco
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Makes me want to jump on a plane and visit San Francisco!!
Amazing compilation!!! Loved loved loved reading this post
So glad you like it! Thank you for your help and the awesome photos!