San Francisco may be known for being one of the most expensive cities in the United States, but there is an abundance of things to see and do that are absolutely free. Even many of the city’s top tourist attractions are open to visitors free of charge. These are some of the best spots in the city and are perfect for budget travelers.
Postcard Row
Postcard Row is one of the most photographed attractions in the city. It is the site of the Painted Ladies: Victorian and Edwardian era houses that were repainted in bright colours in the 1960s.
Golden Gate Bridge
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to the infamous Golden Gate Bridge. Walk along the bridge or take in the beauty of this engineering marvel from one of the city’s many nearby viewpoints.
Marshall’s Beach
For some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge head, to Marshall’s Beach. This beach is much less crowded than neighboring Baker’s Beach. It is known for its rocky shoreline and as a good place for birdwatching.
Pier 39
This popular tourist attraction is lined with shops and restaurants. While it can be a bit of a tourist trap, Pier 39 does have good views of Alcatraz Island. Keep an eye out for sea lions. They are known to sunbathe here.
Ferry Building
If you have a chance, check out San Francisco’s ferry building. The ferry terminal opened in 1989 and is known for its 75 meter clocktower. Stop by the weekend farmer’s market and take in the views of the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Lombard Street
Check out the “crookedest street in the world.” The one block section of road located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets is known for its steep incline and eight hairpin turns.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
San Francisco Cable Car Museum is a free museum located in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. It contains exhibits featuring the city’s cable car system and includes some old models of cable cars.
Ghirardelli Square
Located just a few minutes walk from Fisherman’s Wharf is Ghirardelli square. This former factory is the site of the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Get some ice cream and check out the souvenir shops in the complex.
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is located in the center of San Francisco. It gets its name from the two 282 meter summits that make up the site. The area has a series of hiking trails. It is most well known for its 360 degree views of San Francisco.
Chinatown
Spend some time exploring San Francisco’s Chinatown. San Francisco has one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America. The streets are filled with unique shops and restaurants with some of the best Chinese food in the city.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
While you’re in Chinatown, be sure to stop by Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. The factory offers free daily tours. Come see how up to 10,000 fortune cookies are made daily.
Lands End
This coastal park has several notable attractions, including Sutro Baths, USS San Francisco Memorial, and remnants of numerous shipwrecks. Take the coastal trail and soak in the views of the California shoreline.
Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church located in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. The cathedral was built in 1964 in the French gothic style. Be sure to check out the cathedral’s interior, which houses murals and large stained glass windows.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is located along the city’s northern waterfront and features dozens of shops and restaurants. While you’re here, be sure to stop by one of the area’s many seafood restaurants for some fresh dungeness crab.
San Francisco City Hall
This building was constructed in 1916 in the Beaux Arts style. Today it houses San Francisco’s city and county governments. San Francisco City Hall is a popular filming location that appears in movies such as Raiders of the Lost Arc and A View to Kill.
Union Square
Union Square is a public plaza located in downtown San Francisco. The area is known for its high-end boutiques, department stores, and art galleries. Spend an afternoon window shopping at some of the city’s premier designer stores.
Japantown
This neighborhood is filled with Japanese restaurants, specialty supermarkets, and shops. Its most notable feature is a five-tiered pagoda that sits in the Peace Plaza. Be sure to check the calendar for cultural events and festivals.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The arts center was constructed in the Beaux Arts style and features an open rotunda with a pond on one side.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is the largest urban park in San Francisco and one of the most visited city parks in the United States. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon people watching.
Ocean Beach
Just a short walk from Golden Gate Park is Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach is the longest stretch of shoreline in San Francisco. Take a walk along the beach and dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Be sure to stop by 16th Avenue’s tiled steps. This mosaic staircase was built as an homage to the spirit of the community. Walk up the steps and admire the staircase’s beautiful mosaics work.
Coit Tower
This concrete tower is located in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood. It was built in 1933 in the art deco style. While you will have to pay admission to see the building’s upper levels, the ground floor is free to the public and holds an array of beautiful murals.
Free Museum Days
The Legion of Honor, Museum of Craft and Design, and De Young Museum are free on the first Tuesday of the month. The Contemporary Jewish Museum is free every first Friday and the Asian Art Museum is free on the first Sunday of each month.
Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s many city parks. The park has a large playground, tennis courts, and green space. Sit under one of the palm trees and take in the view of the city.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
San Francisco Botanical Garden is located in Golden Gate Park and contains over 8,000 species of plants. The arboretum is free to visitors everyday from 7:30 – 9:00am and all day on the second Tuesday of every month.
As you can see, San Francisco has no shortage of budget-conscious things to do and see. Even some of San Francisco’s main attractions are free. Enjoy your time in San Francisco and save money for future travel!
