Want to visit San Francisco with the least amount of money possible?
Then follow this Top 15 free tours, museums and activities to do in San Francisco that we’ve created so you can enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
Stroll on the Golden Gate Bridge
It goes without saying that a stroll across one of the most famous and recognizable places in the United States thanks to its “International Orange” color is an undeniable highlight
The Golden Gate Bridge, which was built in four years, brought the communities of San Francisco and Marin together.
Don’t forget to the visitor center in the Presidio to learn about the fantastic history of the bridge and the history of the bridge and the dangers that the workers had to face to complete it to complete it. On the other side, enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito.
One last point, take a sweater with you, as it’s a little chilly.
See the murals of Coit Tower for free
San Francisco is a very artistic city, so one of the best free things to do is to go and see the art in the discover the art in the streets and have a great art experience, because it’s new.
To do this, I suggest you go to the historic Coit Tower and admire the murals inside the second floor lobby
You will be amazed at the many murals that were inspired by Diego River, and painted by students from the nearby California School of Fine Arts. These murals illustrate American social realism in a powerful and artistic way.
Explore the Ferry Building
The historic Ferry Building Marketplace in the Embarcadero is home to one of the largest markets for local, organic, seasonal produce sold by area farmers
The market features a forum for people to learn about food and agriculture.
There are also about fifty stores local crafts, including Blue Bottle Coffee and Cowgirl Creamery. If you are a if you’re a gourmet, you can indulge at Slanted Door Restaurant in Bay Area in the Bay Area, or at Gott’s Roadside.
The Ferry Building also offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay, and several picnic spots. The building opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. At night, the Bay Bridge fills the sky with a breathtaking light show.
Take in a free show at Amoeba Music
If you’re a music fan, and even if you’re not, it’s definitely worth a visit to what is considered one of the world’s leading music venues
Located in the center of the ultra-hippie Haight Ashbury neighborhood in SF, Amoeba Music offers thousands of CDs, vinyl, cassettes, new and used, of all tastes.
They often host concerts by the biggest names in independent music
If you don’t want to miss this show, try to get there early to make sure you get a good seat and have time to explore the music racks here.
The store opens Sunday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
No budget required for the cable car museum
I recommend visiting this somewhat special museum because you’ll learn a lot about the history of SF’s famous cable cars and then because admission is free, unless you plan to set aside some money for their gift store
The museum houses at least 3 cable cars from the 1870s, a collection of fascinating historical photos and a number of mechanical parts that still operate the system.
Take a walk through the Mission District and see everything in color
For the past two decades, The Mission District has been home to artists looking to work in the city. The art on display here covers many of the buildings and alleys in the district
The most famous of these is Clarion Alley, between Valencia and Mission streets. Since 1992, this alley has been home to huge murals created by young artists. The themes evoked are timeless: gentrification, AIDS, war and peace..
And if you pay more attention, you will see the history of the city scroll before you in full color. I think it’s sensational, but it’s a must-see!
Treat yourself to a book at City Lights
If you are a fan of books, don’t miss visit the famous independent bookstore City Lights in North Beach.
Here, the charm of retro and beautiful literature works on the souls. It must also be said that the place has a history and history and halo that makes it exceptional.
Currently, City Lights contains more than a hundred literary works, but you will also find political essays, which could only enhance its aura
I like this place and I advise you to go and taste the pleasure of a place that is undoubtedly magical and romantic and practically open every day, from 10 am to midnight, because there is no time to love literature.
City Lights hosts weekly authors and poets for free readings of their recent work.
Family Fun at Seward Street
This getaway is sure to delight your kids, and you, too. On a steep hill in Noe Valley stand two large cement slides that will give you a cold sweat, maybe, but surely a lot of thrills and fun
Conceived in 1973 from a young teenager’s drawing, the slides and the rest of the park were built to prevent the land from being turned into a housing development. Through protests and sit-ins, the residents finally won their case.
When coming to the park, be sure to bring your own cardboard or even a plastic tray to get some real speed on the slippery concrete slopes. And don’t be afraid of injury, as there is sand to cushion your landing.
Go on a picnic in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a true urban oasis with lush green meadows, bridle paths surrounded by towering redwoods
There is also a children’s playground with a carousel, stadium, waterfalls and Dutch windmills
In the north/west corner of the park you can see the bison feeding. And you can even watch the penguin feeding show.
There’s an armada of attractions, from lavish museums to divine gardens to sensational events like the Outside Lands Festival in August, which you can watch from the outside.
The park is ideal for spending a whole day away from the deafening noise of the city. It is ideal for a picnic, especially if the weather is nice.
Admission is free, but you must pay to see some of the attractions.
Stroll down Columbus Avenue and browse the stores and sights
Columbus Avenue is a gorgeous, if not indescribable, street that runs through North Beach. You can start your tour at the south end of the street, near the Transamerica Pyramid
For a first stop, stop by City Lights Bookstore, an iconic two-story, progressive, independent bookstore with strong ties to the Beat Generation, that symbolic literary and artistic movement of 1950s and 1960s America.
After browsing the store, be sure to admire the murals outside
Then, walk a few blocks down to Washington Square Park and visit Saints Peter and Paul Church.
If you’re feeling peckish, I recommend Tony’s Pizza where you can enjoy a slice of one of the best pizzas in San Francisco
Finally, walk a few more blocks north to Lombard Street, one of the windiest streets in the world.
Take a walk down Lombard Street
Since we’ve mentioned it, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at the world’s most winding street. It’s also one of the most original with its impeccable landscaping and floral designs
Whether you walk or drive along its eight winding, tightly packed paths, you’re sure to have a great time and experience some sensational, unique moments.
As you stroll down Lombard Street, you’ll have the chance to contemplate the long, winding hill without having to crisscross it or drive the residents crazy with your overly stuffy photo breaks
But most importantly, and this is my most valuable piece of advice, you need to be in good shape, because the hill is still pretty steep!
Vibe at the Stern Grove Festival
If you’ve decided to come in the summer, don’t forget to to check out the program for this very popular outdoor festival popular outdoor festival.
Set in a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre amphitheatre, the Stern Grove Festival offers a wide variety of events and performances such as Rufus Wainwright, the San Francisco Opera.
All shows are completely free, so bring a blanket, some treats and enjoy the great music.
Take a free sailing lesson
Ten times a year, the Cal Sailing club offers free introductory sailing lessons on their keelboats and dinghies
If you’re interested, you won’t lose anything by trying, as lessons are given on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
You will be informed about boat and dock safety and the ecology of the bay. You’ll sail the San Francisco Bay, and experience the pleasure of sailing a non-motorized boat
You’ll have a great time, I guarantee it. And don’t forget it’s free!
Relax on the beaches of San Francisco
It goes without saying that the San Francisco Bay Area is home to more San Francisco Bay Area is home to more beaches than you could possibly visit in a day. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- China Beach: perfect for young children because of its shallow waters
- Baker Beach: has arguably the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The backdrop is the rolling Marin Headlands and halfway across the majestic bridge. But don’t be surprised if you encounter a nudist camp on the northeast side.
- Ocean Beach: located between Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Zoo. Ideal for surfing or a romantic picnic in the sun
- Lands End: a small beach, but with fabulous hiking trails including the famous Coastal Trail.
Relive great movie scenes
San Francisco has always been the setting for many famous movies and television shows over the years
You could spend hours touring the various locations used for filming. Like the beautiful Alamo Square neighborhood that was home to the famous “Painted Ladies” and where the credits for Full House were filmed.
A visit to Mrs. Doubtfire’s house located at the same address as the one in the movie, 2 640 Steiner Street, in Pacific Heights, could be a highlight of your San Francisco tour.
Or, why not visit Fort Point, a historic fortress perched above the Golden Gate Bridge, which has become famous as the setting for a number of films, including Hitchcock’s Vertigo.
To recap, one could say that there are plenty of free fun things to do and see in San Francisco. We’re sure you’ll have a lot of fun.
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