There aren’t many places in this world that supply me with the feeling I get when I step foot in San Francisco. It’s just one of those cities that embody everything you could ever want out of a location. With beaches on the coastal bluffs of the Pacific Ocean, a land area dominated by recreational acreage, steep hills, artistry and diverse cultures, it’s hands down my favorite city.
While San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, it’s still not impossible to enjoy the city on a budget.
Here are 18 Free Things to Do in San Francisco:
#1: Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
With no surprise, the iconic 80 year-old Golden Gate Bridge is a top tourist attraction in San Francisco. It is the most photographed bridge in the world after all. The Golden Gate Bridge is completely free to view from each and every angle and also offers a one-of-a-kind pedestrian experience. Walk the entire 1.7 miles across to the Marin Headlands towards Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods. Don’t forget your coat before heading up here as the winds will just about blow you away!
#2: Take a Walk through Lover’s Lane at the Presidio
The one thing that I absolutely adore about San Francisco is the amount of recreational space. Lover’s Lane at Presidio park is another incredible area in the city with nature & history. As the oldest footpath in Presidio, it was used in the 18th century by Spanish missionaries. Today, it stands as a 0.6 mile pedestrian trail that features a wood line pathway.
#3: Explore the Historic Battery Crosby
San Francisco is full of history and one of the coolest areas to witness that is near Presidio at the Fort Scott Batteries. This area was used in the early 1900s as artillery weapon platforms and ammunition storage holdings. Before they were used for that purpose, in 1776, New Spain built this area to try and establish their presence. Afterwards, they passed it off to Mexico, who then turned it over in 1886 to the United States. The area became a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1962.
#4: Visit the Labyrinth at Land’s End
One of the best views you can get of the Golden Gate Bridge is from the Labyrinth at Land’s End (except if it’s a foggy day like in the photo below). Regardless if you can snag a good view of the bridge or not, this area is an amazing place to just BE. The Labyrinth at Land’s End was created by Eduardo Aguilera in 2004 as “meditative, circuitous paths for peace, love and enlightenment.”
To get to the Labyrinth, park at the Land’s End Trailhead, walking southwest on the golf cart path. Cross through the gated road, taking a right at the T. Once you get to the split, take a left down the stairs until you’re met by the ocean. Take a right up the dirt path heading north until it opens up to the Pacific Ocean.
#5: Waltz through Golden Gate Park
With 13 million visitors a year, Golden Gate Park is a tough competitor to the other famous parks throughout the USA. While it is only the 5th most visited in the US, it is actually 20% larger than Central Park in New York City. Beginning in the mid-1800s, the city of San Francisco started protecting this area with the hopes of developing it into what actually exists there today. Stroll by the California Academy of Sciences or the De Young Museum. The Musical Concourse located in the center of these museums features a stunning courtyard where the Bandshell, a massive stage for musical performances exists, and food trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines can be found here as well.
The Japanese Tea Garden also exists here and, if you enter before 10 AM, you can get in for FREE!
#6: Walk Up the 16th Avenue Tiles Steps
While I still consider this a hidden gem it’s actually one of the most popular photo spots in San Francisco. Located on Moraga Street on an incline between 15th and 16th avenue at the base of Grandview Park is this stunning 163 step stairway. The Tiled Steps are a project that the residents of the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood have collaborated on since 2003 and is a beautiful representation of the artistic vibe of San Fran.
#7: Walk Down the Hidden Garden Steps
Not nearly as popular as the 16th Ave Tiled Steps nearby, the Hidden Garden Steps are an incredible rendition of San Francisco’s artistic talents. Located on 16th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton Street is a set of detailed mosaic tiled steps. Start from the top and work your way down the white stairs and, at about halfway down, turn around for a colorful surprise. The Hidden Garden Steps are a true hidden gem of San Francisco as some locals actually don’t know about them either!
#8: Scream Like a Kid on the Seward Street Slides
Another of my favorite little areas in San Francisco are these two concrete slides nestled at a tiny park in a residential area on Seward Street. I really wasn’t sure what to expect when we stopped here for a slide down but feeling like kid on a playground is always a good idea, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Grab a piece of cardboard laying on the ground before running up the steep incline. Then, when you’re ready, zoom on down the twisty slide to the bottom.
#9: Indulge in the Vibrancy of Castro Street
My absolute favorite area in all of San Francisco is Castro Street. If you feel any sort of inferiority to society in your life, come here where the notion of acceptance exists. Feel like walking down the street in your whitey tighties? Go for it! (Yes, we’ve seen this!) Want to party in a club from 10 AM to 2 AM? You can do that here, too. Literally, anything goes in this area and you can absolutely tell there is no judgment from anyone. It’s the kind of place to be who you want to be, say what you want to say and love who you want to love.
#10: Have a Picnic at Mission Delores Park
The most chill atmosphere you’ll get in all of San Fran is at Mission Delores Park. On the weekends the entire area is jam-packed of college kids drinking beer, smoking J’s and playing spike ball. During the weekdays, you’ll find self-proclaimed lyrical dancers gracefully moving to the music on their jukebox. You’ll watch dog-walkers let their clients run free, fighting over frisbees & slobbering on tennis balls.
We spend a lot of time in Mission Delores on our visits to San Fran. Bringing along a cooler of beer and lunch, we spend our time watching Netflix or playing cards. Not many more places in San Fran are as chill as Mission Delores!
#11: Remember Full House at the Painted Ladies
If you were a Full House fan like me growing up, you’ll totally appreciate this free activity! A short mile walk from Mission Delores Park are the Victorian homes, the best postcard spot in San Fran. Although the houses were built in the late 1800s, they didn’t earn their fame until the 1960s. At that time, the houses were repainted in 3or more colors to show off their architectural details. While they’re most famous for being featured in Full House, they’ve also appeard in over 70 different movies and shows.
#12: Embark On a Brew Hop-On-Hop-Off Tour
If you’re looking for something a tad more adulty, try out the Drink SF Beer Shuttle. The San Francisco Brewers Guild created a free hop-on-hop-off tour that showcases the local breweries on every third Wednesday of the month. Each time a different neighborhood is featured with shuttles operating every 10 minutes from 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Check out the schedule on the website here to see where the next Meet the Brewers night starts!
#13: Dance the Evening Away at a Rooftop Concert Party
San Francisco has a brand new 5 acre park on top of the Transit Center, located at 200 Folsom Street. The center holds free rooftop concert parties every Wednesday from Aug. 15 – Oct. 24 at 5 PM and is a can’t-miss free event in the city.
#14: Experience the Asian Culture in Chinatown
I’ve never been to Asia and, quite frankly, I never really had any interest of visiting either. But, the day we stumbled into Chinatown in San Fran changed my mind about that completely. Totally taken aback by the insane prominence of Chinese culture here, I couldn’t stop ranting and raving about it afterwards. There were multiple moments where I truly forgot that I was in my home country. Chinatown is a must-see free stop while on a visit to San Fran.
#15: Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39
One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco is watching the sea lions at Pier 39. On the northwest side of the pier are multiple floating pallets for the sea lions to sunbathe and sleep. If you’re an animal lover like me, you’ll be beyond entertained watching them interact with one another here.
#16: Breathe In the Smells at the Fisherman’s Wharf
The Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the busiest tourist areas in the city but for good reason. Fresh clam chowder stands line the boardwalk and is the main draw for visitors. Enjoy some authentic seafood while watching vendors perform and stroll along the popular shops along the way like Krispy Kreme and the M&M store.
#17: Check Out the Historic Arcade at the Musée Mécanique
While it may not be completely free, it’s definitely close enough. Head into this one-of-a-kind interactive museum that consists of 20th century penny arcade games. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time about 100 years.
#18: Play a Life-Size Game of Chess at the Courthouse
A stunning area in San Francisco is the square in front of the courthouse. Watch the trolleys go by, snag some grub from a food truck or, for free, play a life-size game of chess!
Read More California Travel Posts HereLike This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links which means that, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
When I went to San Francisco, I was only able to spend a few hours there, but the next time I go there, I will definitely check these other places out. You looked so lovely! xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
You are so kind, THANK YOU! San Fran is definitely in my top 3 favorite cities. The vibe there is just so different than from anywhere else I’ve been! I really do hope you are able to return someday, it has so much to offer!