The Ultimate Guide to Free Activities in San Francisco

While San Francisco can be an expensive city to stay, dine, and park, there are also many exciting activities to do that are absolutely free. The following free activities are a few favorites of residents and visitors to San Francisco alike.

Walk or Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge

Waking and biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco's most popular free tourist attractions. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to make the walk and one hour to bike across. Bring a camera for amazing photo shoots of the city, the bay, and the bridge.

Visit Museums that Offer Free Admission Days

Many San Francisco museums, including the Exploratorium, Asian Art Museum, and the Palace of Fine Arts, have free admission on either the first Tuesday or Wednesday of each month. The San Francisco Zoo also offers free admission on the first Wednesday of each month. A listing of museums that offer free admission is available at: http://www.ggu.edu/university_library/about/the_update_april/attachment/Free+Museum+Days+in+San+Francisco+word+doc+April+2006.pdf

Visit the Botanical Gardens at Golden Gate Park

The paths through Golden Gate Park's Botanical Gardens take visitors around the world and even back in time. San Francisco's costal climate is ideal for supporting plants from around the world, making these gardens especially diverse.

Take a Walk through One of San Francisco's Unique Neighborhoods or Historical Districts

Trails.com lists 16 unique walks through popular areas of San Francisco, including: Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Russian Hill, and North Beach. Each walk includes a map, directions, and an overview of the area. http://www.trails.com/activity.asp?area=12811

View the City from the Top of Coit Tower

The trip to the top of Coit Tower is free even though the view of the city is worth paying for. An added free bonus is touring the free murals located on the first floor of the tower.

Fly a Kite at Crissy Field

There is always a breeze by the bay, making the weather perfect for kite flying year-round. Even if you don't have a kite, there are always a few kite enthusiasts flying kites that are so spectacular that it is as much fun to watch them being flown as it is to fly your own kite.

Purchase a Go San Francisco Card for Free Admission to Popular Attractions

Purchase a Go San Francisco Card good for one to seven days and receive free admission to many of San Francisco and the Bay Area's most popular (and expensive) tourist attractions. The Go San Francisco Card includes free passage on bay cruises, admission to museums, bicycle rentals, admission to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and many other activities and events. Purchase Go San Francisco Cards and see a complete listing of businesses that accept it at: http://www.gosanfranciscocard.com/freeadmissions.html