The Top 10 free things to do in San Francisco are not hard to find. Really, I could write 100 pages of free things to do in San Francisco, but I’ve narrowed it down to these Top 10 free things to do.
#10 Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley is an alleyway that has been painted with various murals. The founders call it a “place where dignity and culture speak louder than the rules of private property or a lifestyle that puts profit before compassion, respect, and social justice.”
Murals do not have a particular theme, instead, each artist is free to paint what they want to express through art. It’s worth the time to stroll down the alley and see all of the beautiful, and socially just murals that have been created.
#9 Sea Lions at Pier 39
A visit to San Francisco must include visiting the Sea Lions at Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Warf. These adorable blubbery animals are fun to watch as they lounge around and bask in the sun! Other than the sea lions there are many things to do on the Warf.
#8 The Painted Ladies
If you watched even just the opening of Full House you would see the row of these beautiful painted ladies. The Victorian homes are privately owned and not available for tour. A few steps away is Alamo Square Park and you will be able to snap a perfect picture of these beautiful ladies.
Photo by Aaron Kato on Unsplash
#7 A Day at the Beach
I’m the type of person that the beach is the first place I’d go! Spending a sunny day on the warm sand listening to the waves roll in is my kind of day! Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy your time at the beach. Ocean beach is a great beach to relax and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. If you want views of the Golden Gate Bridge check out Baker Beach. Whatever beach you choose you’re sure to enjoy your day.
#6 Visit the Fortune Cookie Factory
A visit to Chinatown wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. The tour of the factor is free. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory produces about 10,000 fortune cookies per day and is also a retail shop. After your tour stock up on fortune cookies to take home with you.
#5 The Randall Museum
The Randall Museum in San Francisco is owned and operated by The San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department. It is supported by the Randall Friends, and that support allows this museum to offer free admission.
The museum focuses on science, nature, and the arts. Exhibits include live native and domestic animals and interactive displays about nature. There is something for everyone at The Randall Museum.
#4 The Haight-Ashbury
In the 60s Haight Street was the birthplace of the Hippie Movement. During the 60s many musicians took up residence in the Haight. The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane are just a few of the musicians that made this area their home. Media exposure attracted many hippies to the area during the Summer of Love. Once the momentum of the Hippie Movement was lost the area was overrun with violence and the destruction of property.
Today the Haight Ashbury neighborhood is filled with beautiful homes and abundant shopping! It’s certainly worth a visit to this historic neighborhood.
#3 Golden Gate Park
If you keep walking Haight Street you will find yourself at the entrance of Golden Gate Park. One of the largest parks in San Francisco, Golden Gate Park offers the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is so extensive that the boundaries reach Ocean Beach. The size of the park affords visitors plenty of options to enjoy the outdoors.
#2 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Another must-see spot in San Francisco is the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. These gorgeous steps are free to visit, but donations for the upkeep of the steps are appreciated. The 163 stair mosaic staircase is a neighborhood project that showcases the theme “sea to stars”. Created in 2003, the project was an effort to beautify the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. If you have the stamina to climb the stairs you can enjoy the gardens to the side of the stairs on your way up. When you see the beauty of the steps you will see why I included it in the top 10 free things to do in San Francisco.
#1 The Golden Gate Bridge
The Crown Jewel of San Francisco, The Golden Gate Bridge. Each year 10 million visitors come to The Golden Gate Bridge to take in the majestic sight of the signature International Orange colored suspension bridge. You can walk across the bridge for free, but if you don’t have the nerve there are bus rides available for a fee.
Both ends of the bridge touch the Golden Gate National Recreation Area where you will find walking, and hiking trails to occupy your time. Take in the bridge, and explore the new Golden Gate and Pacific Overlooks near the Bridge. Also, come back at night and see the bridge fully illuminated.
San Francisco
Well there you have it, the top 10 free things to do in San Francisco, and the city is filled with many more! These places represent San Francisco’s elegant, hippie vibe and are worth your time to check them out. Vacation to the Bay area doesn’t have to be expensive, having free options is always a great bonus on any trip. If you want to check out other great places in San Francisco click here.
Like I said before I could write for days about the free things to do in San Francisco, but these ten are at the top of my list, and should be at the top of yours too!