Free Things to Do in San Francisco
When visiting San Francisco, it can be difficult to choose just one thing to do for free, but there are some free things to do in the city. Pier 39, Coit Tower, and the Cable Car Museum are just a few of the highlights. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and Shakespeare’s Garden are also worth checking out. And don’t forget to visit the Golden Gate Park, home to a beautiful park where you can picnic under the stars. These free things to do in the city are sure to make your trip memorable!
Pier 39
There are many things to do for free at Pier 39. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, stroll through the pier, and enjoy entertainment. Many shops have left-handed items, and some even feature handcrafted jewelry. There are also many specialty shops, and a California Welcome Center can ship souvenirs to you. These events are free, but donations are appreciated! To help keep Pier 39 free, we’ve provided a list of things to do at the pier.
Coit Tower
If you are looking for free things to do in San Francisco, you can check out the Coit Tower, a 180-foot cylindrical tower atop Telegraph Hill. A view from the top provides sweeping views of San Francisco and its bay. You can see the cityscape in 360-degrees and marvel at the cool perspective of Lombard Street, the world’s steepest street. From the top, you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Cable Car Museum
If you’ve always been curious about how the city’s famous cable cars operate, you’ll love the Cable Car Museum. The museum teaches you the details of how these vehicles work. You can peer through the windows and see the pulleys and wheels turning. You can even tour the cable car’s working sheave room. You can’t miss it! If you’re in San Francisco for free, you should take advantage of this museum’s many other free attractions!
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
If you’re looking for a unique experience in San Francisco, consider visiting the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. This factory is free to visit and offers a tour of the production process of these famous cookies. The staff is happy to talk to visitors and give suggestions for eating and drinking in the area. If you’d like to experience the culture of San Francisco while visiting the factory, consider booking a tour with a local guide.
Union Square
The 2.6-acre public plaza of downtown San Francisco is Union Square. The area around the square is also known as the central shopping district, theater district, and hotel district. You’ll find plenty to see and do for free. You can even go to the theater for a show! If you’re looking for something a little different to do in San Francisco, try visiting Union Square! You can also take advantage of the free parking in the surrounding area.
Bay Lights
You can see the beautiful Bay Lights free of charge if you visit the city during the holiday season. The installation is created by Leo Villareal and is part of the city’s Illuminate SF light festival. The event takes place from Thanksgiving through New Years Day. Take a tour of the lights, and then enjoy a free three-inning game at Oracle Stadium. This is one of the many free things to do in San Francisco.
National parks
If you’re looking for free things to do in San Francisco, you’re in luck. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is an incredible urban park located just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Although it’s in the city, it’s a world away from the hectic pace of modern life. This park is comprised of more than 80,000 acres of shoreline, hills, and natural landscapes. Moreover, it contains over 2,000 species of plants and is home to 19 different ecosystems.