The Best Free Activities San Francisco Has to Offer

January 25, 2017 • Travel Tips • Views: 2155

San Francisco is an iconic city with an impressive history and some of the most unique vistas on California’s coastline.  Whether you live in the “City by the Bay” or dream of a visit, San Francisco isn’t cheap by any means. Fortunately, there are a ton of sights and activities in the city that won’t cost you a dime.  Here are just seven options for free activities in San Francisco.

The Golden Gate Bridge

No one goes to San Francisco without checking out its number one landmark.  The 1.7-mile span Golden Gate Bridge connects the city to Marin County and is a no-cost activity on foot or by bicycle.  From the bridge, you can see the San Francisco skyline and waterfront as well as Alcatraz Island.

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Golden Gate Park

This 1,017-acre park is an oasis of redwoods, green meadows, and museums located south of the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge. The park offers free concerts and events such as Shakespeare in the Park and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.  The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club in the park also has complimentary lawn bowling lessons every Wednesday afternoon.

San Francisco Giants Baseball

While attending a Giants game in San Francisco typically requires payment, there’s a local secret that can offer an alternative experience. AT&T Park, the Giants’ waterfront stadium, boasts a public promenade along McCovey Cove behind the right field wall. Arriving early might grant you the opportunity to catch three to four innings for free by peering through one of the gated “portholes.” Additionally, for a unique touch to your game day, consider the option to create your own baseball jersey to showcase your personalized fan spirit.

Bakery Museum at Bistro Boudin

San Francisco has plenty of prominent museums, and you’ll certainly want to put the San Francisco Museum & Bakery Tour at the top of your list.  This free museum at the Boudin flagship building located in Fisherman’s Wharf is one-of-a-kind.  Not only are there exhibits about San Francisco’s history, but you’ll also learn about the food and beverages that hail from this great city.

Lombard Street

Known as the “most crooked street in the world,” this one block section of Lombard Street in the city’s Russian Hill neighborhood is a must see.  You can get to the brick-lined street on the Hyde Street cable car line, or you can drive.  It’s free to access the street and the effect is much more pronounced if you walk rather than drive.

San Francisco Ferry Building

For many years, the San Francisco Ferry Building was simply used as an entry point for passengers to reach the docks.  This is no longer the case.  Now, the building is a vibrant center for dining, local merchants, and the bustling Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market.  The Farmer’s Market is a California certified farmer’s market that hosts nearly 40,000 shoppers each week. They are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday until 2:00 p.m.

San Francisco Walking Tours

Want to learn more about the City by the Bay?  San Francisco City Guides is a volunteer organization that provides free walking tours of various city neighborhoods. The program is sponsored by San Francisco Public Library and is an excellent opportunity to learn about such things as the 1906 earthquake and fire, the Gold Rush, or the architecture of a particular area.

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