You can enjoy the City like a local and not spend a lot of money. Here are Chief’s and my fun free things to do in San Francisco……especially if you like to walk. Now is a perfect time to visit San Francisco! If you live here, see if you have done them 🙂
Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Ghirardelli Square
It’s fun to play corn hole at one of the free game locations here at Ghirardelli Square. They keep this place clean and sometimes there is music. There is some cute shopping here, too. Chief got a new vest at YAP. You can get a free chocolate sample at the Ghirardelli shops.
Not free, but notable is the new Chinese restaurant here called Palette Tea House. It’s our favorite place for dim sum now.
SF National Maritime Park
This park is in front of Ghirardelli Square. Relax on the grass with a great view of the Bay.
Pier 39 and the Sea Lions
It’s touristy but fun and free. Just past Fisherman’s Wharf is Pier 39…we love it. Walk around and enjoy the shops. To the left of the pier, massive sea lions hang out and play King of The Dock…I could watch them all day. Check out the attractions and events here.
Chinatown
For a cool cultural experience, walk down Grant Street and you will feel like you are in another world.
Union Square
Go do a little window shopping. Check out the huge new Apple flagship store.
Lombard Street
You can walk or drive down the curvy street for free. It’s in my neighborhood.
The Alice Marble Tennis Courts
Play tennis or basketball for free with a great view of the GG Bridge. Our son loves playing basketball here. It’s around the corner from the top of Lombard.
Cable Car Museum
There’s no charge to see the history and maintenance of the cable cars.
To ride a cable car costs $7 #notfree.
Cable Car Ride Tip:
So go as early as you can. When my husband takes it downtown to work, there is no one on it! It starts at 6 am (so if you are on East Coast time, you win). I hear it in the morning as it passes our building at 5:45 am. At least the “ding ding ding” doesn’t start until around 7 am 🙂 Also, take it from the beginning at Market St to the end at Fishermans Wharf to get the longest ride. It’s fun!
North Beach
Just walk around the neighborhood and you will feel transported to Italy. Smell the coffee and pastries. Visit the beautiful Saints Peter and Paul Church. Get in line early before 12 pm for the Napolitano pizza at Tony’s.
Japanese Tea Garden
This is actually the oldest public Japanese Garden in the United States, and it’s entirely free to visit on Monday, Wednesday and Friday if you enter before 10 am.
Presidio
This old military base, the Presidio always has something going on with great views of the Bay. It’s a fun place for a picnic.
Golden Gate Bridge
You can walk across it for free and check out the visitors center there.
Shopping Streets
There’s fun shopping on Sacramento Street, Chestnut Street, Fillmore Street, and Union Street.
Free Walking Tours all Over SF
We’ve been on a few San Francisco Walking Tours and they are really great. Gratuities are encouraged.
Front Entrances All Over the City
Chief and I like admiring entrances/architecture, one of the many free things to do in San Francisco when walking the neighborhoods. This town is not that big and really walkable. Wear comfortable shoes!
You may also like: Great Food and Kitchenware Design in San Francisco, Eight Tips For A Perfect Weekend in San Francisco and SF Travel has expert advice.
Best wishes to you and your family!!!
cindy says
So many great suggestions here!! I /We have never been on any of the walking tours of SF but have in many other cities. Love Tony’s pizza. I haven’t been to Ghiradelli since my daughter lived in the city. Out of towners this is a great list!!
Brenda says
20 years ago, my husband and I visited SF on our honeymoon!! We have been back a couple times since and I just love it! We have done almost everything on your list, except the Cable Car Museum, which would be on my list for the next visit! One of my favourite discoveries was Biordi Art Imports! Definitely free to look at their amazing Italian pottery, but you can’t leave without purchasing something. I also want to visit Heath Ceramics next time as well.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Oh, I walk past Biordi all the time…will have to stop in. When you go to Heath, have a meal at Tartine Manufactory…their bread is the best I’ve ever had!
Patti says
Hi there! Wondering if you could suggest a nice hotel or two to stay at?
Thank you
Mary Ann Pickett says
There are so many! I think it depends where you want to stay…which part of the city?
LA CONTESSA says
I use to work on PIER 39!I have NEVER BEEN BACK!!!That was 1978/79!I adored those SEA LIONS!
Nor, have I walked across THE GOLDEN GATE!But I remember when it was 50 cents to cross it!We had books with tickets of colorful stubs…………the ticket takers were always so friendly and would squeeze my Moms hand!We knew them by name!
Chief gets around THE CITY BY THE BAY that is for sure!
Love LOMBARD STREET and my GRANNY use to live not far from it on LEAVENWORTH.Do not think I spelled that right!Loved the TOUR!
XX
Dianne Naftzger says
Just returned to Australia after three weeks in San Francisco. We have visited most places on your list. Our first visit to the Cable Car Museum this holiday, after reading about it earlier in the year on your blog. Great to see Australian style coffee now available in San Francisco.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Yes! You guys have the best coffee.
Carol S. says
One of my favorite cities ever. Can’t imagine waking up there daily! Enjoy your blog very much. Great pics.
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks so much, Carol!