11 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco’s unmissable icon is free to photograph and enjoy. There are many viewpoints from where you can take in views of the famous orange bridge. Among these are from the top of Hawk Hill, a peak that rises around 923-feet-high in the Marin Headlands, and Battery Spencer, an old concrete artillery unit where you can climb to its top for high views.

Occasional fogs at dusk or dawn can make the scenery truly magical. Even at night, you’ll have spectacular views with the bridge subtly illuminated against the city lights. Don't miss a visit to the Welcome Center for merch and interesting exhibits.

San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a vast green oasis that’s filled with different highlights and features. Deep inside the gardens, you can find the tranquil space of its Japanese Tea Garden, complete with a torii, pagodas and a moon bridge.

The park is also home to the California Academy of Sciences with its aquarium and planetarium, and the de Young Museum, which showcases American art and history collections. Families with kids can ride the carousel at the historical playground of the Koret Children’s Quarter. Note that while the park itself is free to enter, there may be a charge for other facilities.

You can find one of America’s oldest Chinatowns right in the middle of San Francisco. Start off at the incredible Dragon Gate, a landmark entrance to the town near Union Square. Further along the street and alleyways, you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants with dragon lampposts and calligraphy signposts that are perfect for photographing.

Just a 10-minute drive to the west, you’ll find the cultural enclave of Japantown. This is where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs made in Japan. 

These unique Victorian and Edwardian rowhouses near San Francisco’s Alamo Square were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. They serve as one of the city’s most unique landmarks, in addition to the Golden Gate Bridge. The row of houses has frequently served as a backdrop in TV and film, thanks to its charming look.

Once you’ve taken your photos of these iconic buildings, head over the road into Alamo Square park and playground. Have a picnic under the shady trees, looking out over the city.

These viewpoints offer some of the best panoramas over San Francisco. The 2 hills of Twin Peaks rise about 300 m above the city. You can easily see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, in front of the blue horizon of the Pacific, with the lush green outlines of the Golden Gate Park nearby.

Around 10 minutes’ drive east of Twin Peaks is Bernal Heights, where you can enjoy 360° views of the city from a different angle. It can be dramatic with the twinkling city lights at night, too.

Since 1873, San Francisco’s cable car system has been taking visitors on fun sightseeing rides through the city. The Cable Car Museum on 1201 Mason Street in the Nob Hill neighborhood is a great free spot to head to if you’re interested in the history and the workings of the system.

It’s a working museum that showcases exhibits explaining the cable car system, with several old grip cars on display and the cable car power house nearby so that you can observe it at work from 2 viewing galleries. Take home a piece of San Francisco history for yourself by purchasing an authentic cable car bell from their gift shop.

This colourful neighborhood between San Francisco’s Mission Street, 17th & 18th and Valencia streets offers a visual feast with its rich collection of street art and vibrant murals.

The block is well-known for its community and arts activities, run by a collective called the Clarion Alley Mural Project, which was formed in 1992 to spruce up the street views. Various talented artists were called to join and get involved, each contributing their strokes and designs to various wall sections. The result is an open-air art gallery that all can enjoy for free, but please consider making a donation.

Your kids can have fun learning for free at this incredible science and arts museum in San Francisco’s Corona Heights Park. The Randall Museum showcases exhibits covering natural history, science and arts and prominently promotes hands-on learning experiences for all ages.

Besides featuring live animals from several of California’s diverse habitats, ranging from land to ocean, the museum offers many other fun things to do for kids and adults. Take advantage of art afternoons, where you can create your own crafts, and the chance to explore STEM activities in a fun environment. 

If you like adventurous walks, you can take a scenic hike at Lands End. This promontory on San Francisco’s north-western corner features winding trails that offer stunning landscapes at each turn.

The rich views here include grassy hillsides that bloom with wildflowers. You can make out shipwrecks on the horizon, as well as historical ruins along the way. One of these is the Sutro baths that date to 1896, which at some point in history served as the world's largest indoor swimming pool. Drop by the fantastic new Visitor Center to learn more about this area, and purchase souvenirs and books.

San Francisco’s bustling Pier 39 is an exciting spot to experience San Francisco’s coastal vibes. The pier offers dining spots where you can enjoy grilled seafood and clam chowder, entertainment, shopping and amazing bay views.

The bay doesn’t only draw in visitors, it’s also a famous haunt for a colony of native Californian sea lions. You can see them covering the marina’s K-Dock, which is home to the Sea Lion Center, where you can learn more about these sea mammals through educational videos and exhibits. Remember, if you're lucky enough to see the sea lions on the dock, don't feed or approach them, but do appreciate them from afar and take plenty of photos.

Hyde Street Pier lies on the west end of San Francisco's popular Fisherman's Wharf. The pier dates back to 1922 and was initially built for car ferries. Today, it's part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and houses an impressive fleet of historic vessels and maritime museums.

You can stroll the pier for free. The breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay are complimentary, too. For a modest price, board the landmark ships and discover the region's rich maritime heritage.