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20 Free Things to Do in San Francisco (2025 Guide for Budget Travelers)
- Elijah
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
San Francisco has a reputation for being expensive, but some of the city’s very best experiences won’t cost you a dime! From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to exploring quirky museums and neighborhood parks, there are endless ways to enjoy the city for free.
We’ve lived in the Bay Area for years and love showing visitors and locals alike that you don’t need a big budget to have an unforgettable time in the city. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, visiting for an event like the Super Bowl or World Cup, or just passing through, these are some of our favorite free things to do in San Francisco!
Iconic Landmarks
Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge:
No trip to San Francisco is complete without walking the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s most iconic landmark. The 1.7-mile span connects San Francisco to Marin County, offering panoramic views of the Bay and Alcatraz. It’s often windy and foggy, but that just makes the walk feel even more dramatic. Start from the Welcome Center on the San Francisco side, where you’ll find exhibits about the bridge’s construction and history, before making your way across.
Painted Ladies & Finch Museum:
The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square are instantly recognizable from postcards and TV shows like Full House. These brightly painted Victorian homes sit on a hill with the San Francisco skyline framed perfectly behind them, making it one of the best free photo ops in the city. You can even go inside one of the homes! The Fnnch Museum is inside one of the Painted Ladies and showcases the playful Honeybear murals of local artist Fnnch. Admission is free, but you’ll need to make a reservation online in advance via Eventbrite.
Palace of Fine Arts
Built for the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of San Francisco’s most beautiful structures. The massive rotunda and lagoon make this a popular spot for wedding photos, quiet strolls, or simply taking in the architecture. The acoustics under the dome are surprisingly good, and if you stand under the arches, you’ll often hear musicians or singers testing the echo.
Lombard Street:
Nicknamed the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street draws crowds for its eight tight hairpin turns lined with colorful flower beds. Whether you drive it yourself or just watch cars zig-zag down the steep slope, it’s one of those “only in San Francisco” moments. The most iconic view is from the bottom of the hill looking up, where you can capture the winding street in full. From the top looking down, you’ll also catch glimpses of Coit Tower and, on clear days, the Bay Bridge in the distance.
Parks, Views & Outdoors
Golden Gate Park:
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park stretches over 1,000 acres and is larger than Central Park in New York. Free highlights include the bison paddock, the waterfalls at Blue Heron Lake, and the tulip garden by the Dutch Windmill. If you’re short on time, hop on the free shuttle that connects major attractions throughout the park. Golden Gate Park is one of the best spots in the city to bike, picnic, or simply wander.
The Presidio:
Once a military base, the Presidio is now a national park with sweeping Golden Gate Bridge views, wooded hiking trails, picnic areas, and cultural sites. One of the newest highlights is the Presidio Tunnel Tops, where you’ll find outdoor seating, playgrounds, and a perfect sunset backdrop of the bridge. This is one of our favorite spots in the city to watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge! The park also connects to Baker Beach and Crissy Field, two of the best free waterfront areas in the city.
Twin Peaks:
At 922 feet above sea level, Twin Peaks is one of the highest points in San Francisco. The short trail to the summit offers 360-degree views of the city, the Bay, and beyond. On a clear day, you can see as far as Oakland, San Jose, and the Marin Headlands. Be prepared for strong winds and fog, which roll in quickly and can obscure the view!
Fort Point:
Tucked directly under the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point is a Civil War–era brick fortress that once protected the Bay. Inside, small exhibits share the fort’s history and the story of the bridge’s construction. Fort Point is open Thursday through Monday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Visit during open hours to see the free exhibits and venture to the fort's roof for amazing Golden Gate views! If you visit outside of opening hours, the views from the parking lot are still amazing.
Sutro Baths:
Built in the late 1800s, the Sutro Baths were once a sprawling indoor saltwater swimming complex. After a fire in the 1960s, only the ruins remain, but today it’s a moody, photogenic spot near Ocean Beach. Visit at sunset for dramatic colors over the Pacific, or combine it with the Lands End coastal trail for one of the most scenic free hikes in the city.
Point Bonita Lighthouse & Trail:
Located in the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse offers a unique view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Lighthouse was built in 1855 to help guide ships through the dangerous Golden Gate straits, and is still in use today! While its suspension bridge is closed indefinitely, the trail still offers unique coastal and bridge views. It’s a short but rewarding hike that feels worlds away from downtown San Francisco.
Mission Dolores Park:
A lively 16-acre green space in the heart of the Mission District, Dolores Park is where locals flock on sunny days. The park’s hillside provides a natural amphitheater with sweeping views of downtown San Francisco. Bring a picnic, grab food from a nearby bakery or taqueria, and enjoy prime people-watching alongside the city’s most eclectic crowd.
Neighborhoods & Culture
Chinatown & Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory:
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and still one of the largest. Walk through the Dragon Gate entrance on Grant Avenue, explore herbal shops and temples, and grab snacks from local bakeries. Don’t miss the free Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can watch cookies being made in real time and sample a few fresh from the press. (Although visiting is free, making a purchase helps support the business!)
Union Square:
The city’s central plaza, Union Square, is surrounded by shops, hotels, and public art. The square itself often hosts events like ice skating in the winter and outdoor art exhibits in the summer. Fun fact: it’s also home to one of the only Nintendo stores in the U.S., making it a great stop for families or gamers.
Japantown:
One of just three remaining Japantowns in the U.S., this neighborhood offers authentic Japanese restaurants, gift shops, and cultural experiences. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Cherry Blossom Festival in April or a free kabuki performance. Even without an event, Japantown’s Peace Pagoda and shopping centers are worth a stroll.
Museums & History
Cable Car Museum:
For a crash course in San Francisco’s most iconic form of transport, head to the Cable Car Museum. You’ll see antique cars from the 1870s and the massive underground wheels that keep the system running today. Admission is free, but note it’s closed on Mondays.
San Francisco City Hall:
This grand landmark is just as impressive inside as it is outside. Its massive dome, (the tallest in the United States), dominates the skyline and makes the building instantly recognizable. Step inside and you’ll find a sweeping marble interior with elegant staircases and soaring ceilings, a favorite backdrop for weddings and photo shoots. There are Free docent-led tours on Fridays (11 AM & 1 PM) that dive into the building’s history, design, and political importance, while also giving you access to areas like the normally restricted Supervisors Chamber. Whether you stop for a quick photo on the steps or spend an hour exploring inside, City Hall is one of San Francisco’s most stunning public spaces.
Musée Mécanique:
Located at Pier 45 on Fisherman’s Wharf, the quirky Musée Mécanique is part museum, part arcade. It features vintage pinball machines, fortune tellers, and mechanical oddities from the early 20th century. Entry is free, but bring some quarters if you want to try the games
Waterfront & Piers
Pier 39:
One of San Francisco’s most popular waterfront attractions, Pier 39 is a lively mix of shops, restaurants, arcades, and street performers that can keep you entertained for hours. It’s undeniably touristy, but there’s plenty of charm if you lean into the energy. The highlight for many visitors isn’t in the shops at all, it’s outside on the floating docks, where hundreds of sea lions lounge, bark, and jostle for space in the sun. Noisy, a little smelly, but endlessly fun to watch, these sea lions have become true local celebrities. With views of Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and sailboats drifting by, Pier 39 offers one of the most classic San Francisco experiences.
Salesforce Park:
Perched above a transit center in downtown SF, Salesforce Park is a lush, four-block-long rooftop garden. It features plants from around the world, a small café, and even has a free gondola ride to the top. It’s one of the best-kept free escapes in the busy downtown core.
Ferry Building:
Standing proudly at the foot of Market Street for more than 125 years, the Ferry Building is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Its clock tower is visible from across the Embarcadero, and the location offers beautiful views of the waterfront and Bay Bridge. Inside, the historic hall has been transformed into a bustling marketplace filled with artisan food stalls, specialty shops, and some of the city’s best coffee and baked goods. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the popular farmers market spills out onto the plaza, drawing both locals and visitors for fresh produce, flowers, and street food. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s a fun place to wander, grab a bite, and soak up the lively atmosphere. We have a full guide to the Ferry Building here!
Fisherman’s Wharf:
Just a short walk from Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most famous waterfront neighborhoods. Once the heart of the city’s fishing industry, it still has a working fleet, and you’ll often see crab pots stacked along the docks. Today, it’s best known for its classic tourist favorites, clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, fresh Dungeness crab, and street performers along the waterfront. History buffs can explore the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier or learn about San Francisco’s maritime past at the Maritime Museum. And for a sweet ending, wander up to Ghirardelli Square for some chocolate and bay views. Love it or find it a little kitschy, Fisherman’s Wharf is a quintessential San Francisco stop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Is Golden Gate Park free to visit?
Yes! Golden Gate Park is completely free to enter, and highlights like the bison paddock, windmills, lakes, and gardens don’t cost a thing. Some attractions inside the park, like the Japanese Tea Garden or California Academy of Sciences, do charge admission, but you can easily spend a full day enjoying the free areas.
What are the most popular free attractions in San Francisco?
Some of the most popular free things to do include walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting Chinatown’s Fortune Cookie Factory, seeing the sea lions at Pier 39, and exploring the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. These are classic stops that don’t cost anything.
Are San Francisco’s cable cars free?
No, riding the historic cable cars costs $9 per person. But you can visit the Cable Car Museum for free to learn about their history, see antique cars, and watch the massive underground machinery that still powers them today.
Final Thoughts: The Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco
San Francisco may be known for its high prices, but as this list shows, the city is also packed with incredible free attractions. From walking across the Golden Gate Bridge and wandering Golden Gate Park, to exploring cultural hubs like Chinatown and Japantown, you don’t need to spend much to experience the city’s best sights.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, a big event like the Super Bowl, or a longer Bay Area trip, these free activities will help you have a trip that is Worth Your Wallet. Pair them with a few paid experiences, like an Alcatraz tour or a cable car ride, and you’ll have a balanced, unforgettable San Francisco itinerary that won’t break the bank.
Looking for a day trip from San Francisco? Check out our guide for Muir Woods National Monument!
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