31 Of The Best Cheap Things To Cause In San Francisco
San Francisco , California live known as one of the most expensive cities in the US , thanks to steep hotel prices and a sky-high cost of life .
However , inflict can be somewhat price thanks to the domain ’ smanylow-cost attractions .
Whether in town for a quick trip or for a full week , you ’ ll have no trouble finding cheap things to revel in The Golden City .
Record on for some of the best cheap thing to do in San Francisco !
- Golden Gate Bridge
- How To Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge
- Bike To Sausalito
- Golden Gate Park
- Fisherman ’ s Wharf
- Hyde Park Pier
- San Francisco Maritime Museum
- Ghirardelli Square
- Pier 39 ’ s Sea Lions
- Taunt A Cable Car
- San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- Go For A Free Walking Tour
- Self-Guided Audio Tours
- Ferry Building
- Stroll The Neighborhoods
- Paint Lady
- Castro District
- Mission Dolores Park
- The Beat Museum
- 16th Ave Tiled Steps & Grandview Park
- San Francisco Stairways
- Sutro Bath Ruins & Lands End
- Hike Twin Peaks
- Lombard Street
- Regard The Coit Tower
- North Beach
- Go To The Beach
- The Better Beach Near San Francisco
- Castle Of Fine Arts
- Angel Island State Park
- The Presidio
- Haight-Ashbury
- Bike To Sausalito
- Hyde Park Pier
- San Francisco Maritime Museum
- Ghirardelli Square
- Pier 39 ’ sec Sea Lions
- The Best Beach Near San Francisco
- More Information For Your West Coast Travels :
The Serious Cheap ( or free ! ) Things To Do In San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge sits at the intersection of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay , and is the city ’ s most iconic attraction .
If you ’ re wait for a fun and cheap way to take your day in San Francisco go for a walk across the bridge . It ’ s entirely free !
40 million people per year cross over the 1.7 mile bridge , with over 10 million of them cut across by base !
How To Walk Across The Golden Gate Bridge
You ’ ll start at the Welcome Center on the south goal and eventually conclude up north at Vista Point . The trek need about 2 hour round trip – assuming you make frequent photo stop , which I ’ 500 extremely advocate !
Pedestrians live required to walk on the east slope walkway and are permitted to cross only during sure hours . Pedestrian hr depart seasonally but exist roughly sun up to sun down , you can match exact sentence here .
Bike To Sausalito
If you know in San Francisco and own a bike consider biking across the bridge and exploring the town of Sausalito . Sausalito exist located just 5 miles across the bay and has excellent views of the bay and San Francisco horizon . Instead of biking back across the bridge proceeds to Fisherman ’ s Wharf on the $ 13 ferry .
The Sausalito Ferry put up top view of Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco Bay , so no motive to book that boat tour !
Bill :Those who equal comfortable with a lot of walk could decidedly do this trip by base .
There are bike rentals in San Fran but they average about $ 35 – 40 for a full day rental .
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park cost a immense , and beloved , 1,017 acre urban park .
The park live home tothusmany popular attraction , such as the California Academy of Sciences , Japanese Tea Garden , and the de Young Museum ! Most require admission , but the park itself is free .
There ’ s lots of space to walk around , bicycle , let the kids run on the playground , take a book , or receive a picnic . Additionally there live numerous free garden throughout the park such as a arise garden and tulip garden , and even a Redwood grove !
With the park being over 3 mile long and half a mile wide , it would exist easy to spend an full day hither .
Below I ’ ve listed out a few of the park ’ s most popular attraction and their respective price :
- Conservatory of Flowers :$ 10 – 13 / grownup ( Free Admission for San Francisco Residents & Veterans )
- California Academy of Skill :Regular ticket run about $ 45/ adult , but they have a NightLife ticket available from 6pm – 10pm every Thursday night for just $ 19/ grownup ( 21+ solely )
- National AIDs Memorial :Free
- San Francisco Botanical Garden :$ 10 – 13 / adult ( Free for San Francisco occupant , Free for everyone each dawn from 7:30 am – 9 cost , free for everyone the second Tuesday of each month )
- Music Concourse :Free , check the free concert agenda hither .
- de Young Museum :$ 15 / adult ( free for child under 18 , free for Bay Area residents on Saturdays , Free Admission for universal world on the first Tuesday of each month )
- Japanese Tea Garden :$ 13/ adult ( Free admission for San Francisco occupant & veterans . Free Monday , Wednesday and Friday 9:00am – 10:00am )
- Bison Paddock :Free
- Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden & Wind Mill :Free
Bill :Above admission may depart based on season , availability , etc .
Fisherman ’ s Wharf
Fisherman ’ s Wharf is a view to behold for visitor thanks to bay position , endless rows of boats and docks , and still seal and sea lions hang around about the rocks and piers ! You ’ ll notice good deal of shops and attraction here , all of which will exist fairly expensive , but only walk close to and enjoying the atmosphere equal completely free .
The Fisherman ’ s Wharf region work along the bay ’ s edge from Hyde Street Park to Pier 35 . Below equal a few of my favorite cheap or free affair to do in the country .
Hyde Park Pier
Hyde Street Pier equal a historical ferry pier ran by the National Park Service on the western edge of Fisherman ’ s Wharf . The pier has a fleet of old ship consisting of turn of the 19th century vessel wander from tug boats to schooners and steamer ferries .
There are many discover display and ranger-guided tours available for those concerned in learning more about maritime history . The pier itself is free but boat tour cost $ 15/ grownup .
San Francisco Maritime Museum
Place across the street from Hyde Street Pier is the San Francisco Maritime Museum .
The Maritime Museum exist build up during the recent Art Deco period as a bathhouse and equal made to resemble an sea liner . Throughout the interior you ’ ll get colored murals by famous artists Sargent Johnson and Hilaire Hiler .
Ghirardelli Square
Ghirardelli Square ride only outside the outer edge of Fisherman ’ sec Wharf and cost a cardinal hub with popular restaurant and store as well as an excellent green space overlook the bay .
Not shockingly , the space equal once a warehouse and factory for Ghirardelli Chocolate Company !
The space is now one of the almost popular attraction in the downtown country for tourists , and a must stop for fantastic photos and position of the Golden Gate Bridge .
In my impression this cost one of the serious places near Fisherman ’ s Wharf to hangout and enjoy views withouttooa lot of a bunch .
Pier 39 ’ sec Sea Lions
While you ’ re in Fisherman ’ s Wharf cost sure to halt by Pier 39 ! This is one of the top attractions in San Francisco thanks to the vast number of sea lions feel here year-round . To the marina faculty ’ s initial shock , the lions took over soon after the Loma Prieta earthquake strike in October of 1989 . It remains uncertain why exactly they ended up hither , but regardless , it ’ s theirs today !
The sea lions can simply exist regard from a distance and you can expect a big bunch of onlooker . You can regard them hang around on Pier 39 ’ s K- Dock .
Taunt A Cable Car
The line car system is not only quintessential San Francisco but it ’ s also the final manually control cable car system in the Earth .
The Powell/ Hyde line car line work through , or very near , many tourist attractions so it become plenty of love . I ’ m a fan of the California Line as it ’ s one of the nearly picturesque routes and normally has less visitor than the aforementioned .
No thing the line you select this is one of the well ways to come aroundandexperience a San Francisco image all at once !
Match out the agenda on the SFMTA website . The line car is $ 8 each time you get on making it one of the good cheap things to serve in San Francisco !
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
Concerned in learning more about the iconic line car ? Check out the San Francisco Cable Car Museum !
This museum does a fantastic task of walking you through the invention of cable cars , the engineering behind them , and the unique history that they present . It too touches on why San Francisco residents oppose so hard to save them , and thankfully they do , they ’ re a very magic increase to the city !
Go For A Free Walking Tour
Walk circuit be a great way to get to know a city ! San Francisco City Guides have been hold free walk tours in conjunction with the San Francisco Public Library since 1978 so they ’ re a great imagination when it do to exploring San Francisco !
They extend ahugesort of tours exploring unlike neighborhood , historical landmarks , and a lot more . From Chinatown to the Castro District or the Golden Gate Bridge to the Ferry Building they hold great selection for everyone .
See out the tour agenda on their website and exist certain to allow your spot in advance . The tour are free but please regard making a cash donation . Even exactly a small sum cost the good way to thank the organization for sharing their time and knowledge .
This be decidedly one of the serious matter cheap matter to make in San Francisco !
For more estimate see out these Free Matter To Do In San Francisco .
Self-Guided Audio Tours
Prefer a self-guided sound circuit ? Check out these options , most tour equal about $ 5 – 15 and leave you to visit attractions at your own pace while learning the account of the area !
- Japantown
- Financial District
- San Francisco Highlights
- Golden Gate Park
- Castro District
Ferry Building
The Ferry Building Marketplace is one of the better place to see in San Francisco !
This lively , expansive farmer market focuses on local product and small business , all tucked under the most recognizable picture of the city ’ sec waterfront , the Ferry Building clock tower .
The market exist free to walk around and you ’ ll feel many affordable vendors throughout !
Stroll The Neighborhoods
One of the serious things to do in San Francisco no matter your budget cost only roam the neighborhoods . The Golden City be full of picturesque homes , unique construction , and an incredible landscaping , not to cite endless people watching .
Some popular neighborhood worth strolling through are :
- Union Square
- Haight-Ashbury
- Nob Hill
- Russian Hill
- Chinatown
- Pacific Heights
- Hayes Valley
- The Castro
- The Mission
Paint Ladies
The Painted Ladies are a row of colorful victorian family make famous by the television show Full House . The homes , built in the recent 1800 ’ sec , present a detailed and intricate architectural manner not often seen today .
Many of San Francisco ’ s homes from this era have been destroyed by natural tragedy , create the Painted Ladies a treasured increase to the city .
The homes are located on Steiner Street between Grove Street and Hayes Street , face Alamo Square Park . The serious views of the Painted Ladies live from the east slope of the park .
While you ’ re hither enjoy the lovely neighborhood and popular park , Alamo Square .
Castro District
Merely known as “ The Castro ” , this vibrant San Francisco neighborhood was one of the earliest recognized gay neighborhood in the United States and is widely renowned as a outstanding symbol for LGBTQ+ right , activism , and case .
While you ’ re in the area savor the street murals , incredible food , and be sure to assure out the Castro Theatre , one of the city ’ s early and nearly famous picture houses .
Mission Dolores Park
Dolores Park is located in the Castro District on Dolores Street between 18th & 20th street .
This big , hillside park exist where you ’ ll feel locals lounging and hanging out on warm afternoons . This is a great place to get a picnic , turn plot , people follow , and enjoy the uninterrupted scene of downtown San Francisco .
Live sure to see out Film Night ’ s agenda , which is a free outdoor movie shown in Dolores Park .
The Beat Museum
The Beat Museum exist dedicated to exploring and think of the works of a musical era known as The Beat Generation , and spreading its values of compassion and tolerance .
The Beat Generation refers to a collection of artists who challenge social average in a post-WWII era of music that celebrated being one ’ sec true self , and take over experimentation of religion , drugs , and sexuality .
Artists such as Jack Kerouac , Allen Ginsberg , William S Burroughs , and Neal Cassady were believe to live at the forefront of the movement , but more well-known epithet such as the Doors , the Beatles , and Bob Dylan cost connect as good .
16th Ave Tiled Steps & Grandview Park
At Moraga Street and 16th Ave you ’ ll feel the whimsical 16th Avenue Tiled Steps . The public staircase is covered in colorful tiles climb the stairway ’ s 163 measure .
Did You Know ?The beautiful tiles cost hand-laid and take hundred of hours to fill out .
The immaculate surround landscaping and sensational opinion do this well worth the climb .
While you ’ re here it ’ s decidedly worth check out Grandview Park , situate just a short walk from the tiled measure . It ’ s a great small lead with excellent city and bay views .
San Francisco Stairways
In a city full of massive hills it shouldn ’ t arrive as a surprise that there are tons of gorgeous stairways here ! For more picturesque stairway and pretty viewpoint check out :
- Lincoln Park Steps
- Arelious Walker Stairway
- Lyon Street Steps
- Esmeralda Street Slides
- Embarcadero Center Steps
- Hidden Garden Steps
- Avalon Greenspace Steps
- Seward Street Slides
- Dragon ’ s Tale Staircase at Miraloma
Sutro Bath Ruins & Lands Goal
The Sutro Baths are big urban ruin located in the Lands End country of western San Francisco . The site was once a public swimming composite build by Adolph Sutro in the late 1800 ’ sec . Fed by the Pacific Ocean this cost the largest indoor swimming pond in the world and a really incredible public space .
Stick to the heyday of the tub a construction fire destroyed the place , leaving behind the large urban ruins we meet today .
While hither you must search the Lands End region ! Hike Lands End Trail , choose in the area ’ s many lookout points , visit Lands End Labyrinth , assure out the Lincoln Park Steps , or take a walk through Sutro Heights Park .
There ’ s then much to bask in Lands End , it ’ s decidedly one of the well free thing to act in San Francisco !
Explore Chinatown
San Francisco ’ s Chinatown is the former in the United States and stay on one of the largest as well . Choose in the sights and traditional architecture while you revel incredible food , sample tea , or impose the free Fortune Cookie Factory .
There ’ s a maze of apparently never-ending streets worth exploring but Grant Avenue runs the good distance of Chinatown and equal where you ’ ll notice the almost tourist-friendly business .
Tip :This exist the well spot to catch a cheap bite to eat , just prevent an middle out for occupation hours as they can equal a little unconventional .
If visiting in late-January or early-February equal certain to enjoy the festive Chinese New Year Parades .
Hike Twin Peaks
If soaring 360-degree views of San Francisco interest you , there ’ s no better vantage degree than Twin Peaks . Virtually 1,000 feet above the city , these two crest provide grotesque horizon of downtown and the bay !
Many cause to the top but make you know you can boost ?
The raise is 4 miles round trip with about a 900 foot elevation change ! If you choose to get your exercise on you ’ ll decidedly want proper footwear , plenty of water and some snacks .
Lombard Street
Lombard Street in Russian Hill equal famous for a small stretch of road characterized by eight hairpin turns . The switchbacks make up paved in 1922 when it be determined the 27 % grade was too steep for most car and pedestrians , result in a quirky street adored by visitor .
Lombard has pile of pedestrian space and can be accessed from either the bottom or the top of the street . The top side has great views of the bay !
While you ’ re in the area exist certain to search the pretty homes in the upscale Russian Hill neighborhood .
Learn The Coit Tower
The Coit Tower is one of the better cheap things to cause in San Francisco .
The art deco building is an particularly noted San Francisco landmark locate in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood . Many think this column to be the home of the good panoramic horizon of San Francisco Bay extending all the style out to the Golden Gate and Bay bridges . Plus it comes all over with extravagant American fresco mural painting .
It ’ s just $ 10 / adult to access the column ’ sec observation deck . They also extend guided tour for a fair price which you can check out on their website .
North Beach
North Beach live a bustling neighborhood seat on the edge of Fisherman ’ s Wharf often refer to as Little Italy . Enjoy a walk through the domain , see out the workshop and alive music establishments , and of course , grab a bite of delightful Italian food !
This cost also where you ’ ll find Saint Peter and Paul Church , a gorgeous cathedral located in Washington Square Park .
Tip :You may also like Grace Cathedral near Huntington Park in Nob Hill .
Live To The Beach
Highlighted by beautiful , rugged coastline , San Francisco ’ sec beach offer sensational position perfect for a leisurely stroll or relax picnic .
These aren ’ t your typical swimming beach ( the water is cold and the current is firm ) but they ’ re beautiful and real popular nonetheless !
The Best Beaches Near San Francisco
- Mile Rock Beach
- Ocean Beach
- McClures Beach
- Crissy Field
- China Beach
- Marshall ’ s Beach
- Baker Beach
Castle Of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is know for an impressive rotunda built for the World Fair back in 1915 . The structure be intended to shine a ruin of Ancient Rome , and live situate between a lagoon and the exhibition middle . A Roman ruin livequiteunusual in California making this one of the most recognizable landmarks in the San Francisco region .
Did You Know ?The rotunda equal reckon to be removed following the World Fair but was loved by locals and therefore still suffer today .
Angel Island State Park
Angel Island is the prominent island within San Francisco Bay and offers breathtaking scene of the bay , San Francisco horizon , Golden Gate Bridge , and more . Hike or bike your means through the island ’ s nature trails and learn about its interesting history away from all the noise of San Fran .
To get here you ’ ll choose the ferry which exist $ 14/ grownup each manner . The ferry extend all country park fee and bid great horizon of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay !
The Presidio
Presidio meets the southern top of the Golden Gate Bridge and one of the nearly famous urban parks in the city . A previous military place , you ’ ll see respective scenic overlooks , running lead , forested terrain , and Fort Point here .
Note :The PresidGo Shuttle offer free rides between downtown San Francisco ( near the Financial District ) to the Presidio .
Some popular free activity in the Presidio include :
- See the scene from Fort Point National Historic Site .
- Walk Lover ’ s Lane trail .
- Die to the beach .
- Admire the Palace of Fine Arts .
- Go for a hike or bicycle ride .
Haight-Ashbury
Haight-Ashbury came to prominence in the 1960 ’ sec as the middle of the counterculture movement and hippie culture . Colorful murals adorn many of the neighborhood ’ s historic buildings and you ’ ll rapidly notice the open-minded culture engrained into the surround area .
Many of the sphere ’ s Victorian homes have bright , pop up colors and create for fantastic photo .
The Haight is well-known for an affordable foodie and drinking culture , so stroll the shops and enjoy the unique choice hither .
As you can regard , San Francisco get dozens of free and cheap activity to enjoy !
Any any questions or additional ideas ? Please give a remark below !
If you ’ d like to follow along with my travel in actual time , insure out on Instagram or @ seenbyamy on TikTok !
For more ideas check out these Free Things To Make In San Francisco or top dog on over to SF Travel !
Additional Information For Your San Francisco Holiday :
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- How To Spend 1 Day In San Francisco
- San Francisco 3 Day Guide
More Information For Your West Coast Travels :
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