San Francisco should definitely be on your California bucket list. However, since it is classified as one of the top three most expensive cities in the US it can be a tough destination to stretch your budget. And if you’re planning on visiting any other destinations in California (or anywhere in general) you will need to make the most of your expenses. Here are 5 free things to do in San Francisco that can easily be done in just a few days in this bustling city!
You will notice many of these items are also on our 10 Things to do in San Francisco list. This is because, even in an expensive city like San Francisco, you can find amazing things to do that all don’t break the bank! Our philosophy is to balance out something really awesome but more pricey with free or significantly cheaper options too!
1. See the Golden Gate Bridge
Cost: Free
If you are in San Francisco you will spot the Golden Gate Bridge at some point. It’s remarkably big and you might even go over it if you venture out to Sausalito, Muir Woods or anywhere in that general direction. You can get amazing views of the bridge and the water by going to Crissy Field. This park and beach sits right before (almost under) the start of the bridge on the San Francisco side. You will see many people out enjoying the area so long as the rain holds out! The nice thing is that because it’s so prominent this is not the only place to see the bridge! You can spot it all over the city so long as you’re generally north-western facing. If you are facing east and aren’t completely sure you probably are looking at the Bay Bridge.
You can also walk across the Golden Gate Bridge as a pedestrian for free! On the top of the bridge you will get views from a different perspective and get panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Then across the bridge you can get a picture with the city of San Francisco as well as the Golden Gate Bridge.
Travel Truth: We rented bikes and biked over the Golden Gate Bridge and absolutely loved it! While it was not free, it was a little quicker than walking and allowed us to explore Sausalito and Muir Woods all in one day! Read our Biking the Golden Gate Bridge Review post for all the details on where to rent bikes and how long a bike ride it really is!
2. Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf
Cost: Free
Fisherman’s Wharf is located on the northeastern coast of San Francisco looking out to nearby Alcatraz Island. It is known to be a popular tourist destination but is worth even just a quick stroll to see the views. Because of its location you can see Alcatraz across the water as well as the surrounding San Francisco Bay. Stop by the docks and see the sea lions sunbathing or grab a sourdough bread bowl and find a spot to sit and eat!
You can easily walk through Fisherman’s Wharf and then continue walking to Crissy Field to see the Golden Gate Bridge (#1 on this list) in the same afternoon!
3. Watch the sunset at Land’s End
Cost: Free
The sunset at Land’s End in San Francisco was the prettiest sunset I think we have ever seen! Land’s End is a park on the northwestern area of San Francisco that hosts many things to make it worth the trip. Hike the Land’s End Trail which follows the r-shaped coastline or check out the Sutro Baths. Continue on to a long, thin almost deserted beach. We saw only a handful of other people when we were there!
Honestly, wherever you stand the sunset will be incredible. The waves coming in mixed with the jagged cliffs and the golden sun make it a stunning view!
Travel Truth: There is a restaurant overlooking the water at Lands End called Cliff house. While the views from the inside are beautiful, it is quite pricey and we wouldn’t recommend if you are on a tight budget. Come for the sunset and then get something more reasonable to eat elsewhere!
4. See the Painted Ladies
Cost: Free
The Painted Ladies are Victorian style homes famously used in movie and TV shoes such as Full House and Mrs. Doubtfire. There are many of these style homes throughout San Francisco and the combination of the architecture and the rolling hills can make for quite an enjoyable walk if you’re willing to brave the ups and downs! But the most famous row of houses, called the Painted Ladies, can be found at 710 Steiner Street in San Francisco. Across the street is the Alamo Square Park where you will see other people standing and taking pictures of the colorful homes.
Seeing the Painted Ladies can easily be done on your way to another spot or a quick drive by if you have a car during your visit!
5. Walk down Lombard Street
Cost: Free
Lombard Street is known as the most crooked street in the world. While Lombard Street extends for many blocks throughout the city going east to west, there is one block that is famous for its eight sharp curves. To see the start of Lombard Street at the top looking down go to the intersection of Lombard and Hyde Streets. This is, I think, the best view as you can see down the curves as well as down the classic San Francisco hills to the rest of the city before hitting the bay.
Beware you will not be the only ones visiting this spot! It is often extremely crowded. Lombard Street is within a couple blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf (#2 on this list) and can easily be done before or after in the same day!
What are your tips for finding free or less expensive things to do when traveling? Let us know in the comments!
