11 Free Things To Do In San Francisco
San Francisco is known as one of the most expensive cities in the United States so here are some things in San Fran you can do that are FREE!
#1 – Lover’s Lane
A fun little stop near the Golden Gate Bridge. Lover’s Lane is located in the Presidio of San Francisco Park. There is much more you can explore in this park: trails and nature, fun events, historic sites, and amazing Golden Gate Bridge views.
#2 – Golden Gate Bridge
I have only drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and honestly driving across it didn’t do much for me but I’ve been told from friends that walking or biking across it is definitely worth it. If you don’t want to pay a toll, I’d just admire it from one of the many viewpoints in San Francisco!
# 3 – Baker’s beach
Speaking of viewpoints, Baker’s Beach is a great one! It’s a fun beach to hang out at, see views of the Golden Gate, or catch the sunset.
#4 – ocean beach
Grab a beach towel, to-go food, and watch the sunset at Ocean Beach! Every time I’ve gone to San Francisco I’ve seen an absolutely stunning sunset at Ocean Beach. I’ve also gone here early in the morning with coffee and watched the surfers catch some waves.
#5 – Hike in Golden Gate national Recreational Area
If you do cross Golden Gate Bridge, I highly recommend doing a little hiking in Golden Gate National Rec Area. I went in without a plan and just wandered and the trails were pretty easy. There are so many trails to choose from here, any one you pick will have amazing views. Here are some of the best trails!
#6 – Explore Sausalito
Sausalito is an adorable city that is known for it’s houseboats in Richardson Bay. If you’re hungry I recommend grabbing some pizza at Bar Bocce!
#7 – Mission dolores Park
This is one of the most unique parks I’ve been too. It has great views of the city! I went during COVID time so they probably don’t have these circles anymore. Also one of my favorite bakeries I’ve ever been too is right around the corner, Tartine. Grab a pastry and relax at the park!
#8 – bernal Heights Park
This park has the BEST 360 views of the city. We were told by locals to go check this out and it did not disappoint. There was a swing there for a while but when we went it had been taken down. I do hear that it’s back now!
#9 – Painted Ladies
Besides the Golden Gate, the Painted Ladies are probably the next most famous part of San Francisco and I loved seeing these unique houses. If you’re a Full House fan, know that the actual Full House house is a mile away! Another local suggested checking out Jane the Bakery down the street from the painted ladies and getting the cinnamon roll. It was fantastic and we ate it across the street from these landmark houses!
#10 – Lombard Street
We parked nearby and walked up and down it which is what I recommend. Driving down is takes forever as everyone is trying to get pictures and driving super slow.
#11 – Sea lions at Pier 39
I’m not one for being in super packed tourist areas so I usually avoid going to the famous piers in most cities but I did swing by Pier 39 to see the sea lions.
Awesome read!