While San Francisco often makes headlines for its expensive real estate and $7 lattes, the city’s most memorable attractions—from watching the fog roll through the Golden Gate Bridge to discovering hidden mosaic staircases—are completely free.
As a Bay Area local and former San Francisco resident who has spent a lot of time exploring the city on a budget, I’ve discovered some of the best free attractions throughout the city.
I’ve compiled this guide to help you experience the magic of San Francisco without opening your wallet. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for weekend adventures, here’s your guide to experiencing the best of SF while keeping your budget intact.

Looking for all of my San Francisco recommendations, not just the ones that are free? Check out my guide to 50+ things to do in San Francisco.
San Francisco Travel Planning Resources
– Best Time to Visit San Francisco
– San Francisco Packing List (All Seasons)
#1 Golden Gate Bridge
Taking in the Golden Gate Bridge from different viewpoints is one of my favorite free things to do in SF.
This rust-colored marvel isn’t just a bridge—it’s San Francisco’s heart and soul, and experiencing it costs absolutely nothing.
The pedestrian walkway offers a unique perspective you can’t get anywhere else: massive cables overhead, ships passing below, and on clear days, views stretching from Alcatraz to the Marin Headlands.
If you’re not up for the 3.4-mile roundtrip walk, my favorite free viewpoints of the bridge include:
- Golden Gate Overlook
- Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint
- Baker Beach
- Battery Spencer (on the Marin side)
Local tip: Go early on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and bring a windbreaker—the winds up there are no joke!
Why I recommend it: There’s something magical about walking above the Pacific on one of the world’s most famous bridges, especially when fog rolls through the towers at sunset.
#2 Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is another great free thing to do in the city for stunning views, especially at sunset.
This iconic spot offers one of San Francisco’s most jaw-dropping 360-degree views, and it’s entirely free to visit.
Standing at nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the entire city grid unfolding below—from the downtown skyscrapers to Golden Gate Park and, on clear days, all the way to the East Bay.
The winding path to the top takes you through one of the city’s last remaining natural habitats, where you might spot local wildlife like brush rabbits and red-tailed hawks.
Local tip: Visit at sunset for gorgeous golden hour photos, but bring layers—the wind up here can be fierce, and the temperature drops quickly after dark.
Why I recommend it: It’s the best free viewpoint in the city, offering a perfect orientation to San Francisco’s geography and a chance to see how the city’s distinct neighborhoods fit together.
#3 Murals in the Mission
The Mission District transforms ordinary walls into an open-air art gallery, with vibrant murals telling stories of culture, resistance, and community.
Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley showcase the densest collection of murals, with new artworks appearing regularly. Another stunning mural is the “MaestraPeace” mural on the Women’s Building.
Local tip: Start at 24th Street BART station and grab a coffee at Cafe La Boheme before exploring. The murals are best photographed in the morning light.
Why I recommend it: It’s like visiting an ever-changing museum where art, politics, and local history converge on the streets.
#4 Chill at a Park With a View
A beautiful day at Grandview Park–one of my favorite hidden parks in the city (left) and a sun-drenched afternoon at Washington Square Park in North Beach (right).
San Francisco’s parks offer prime picnic real estate with million-dollar views—all for free. Each park has its own personality, from famous city views to hidden hilltops. Here are some of my favorite parks to visit around the city:
- Dolores Park: The city’s most popular urban playground offers sunny weather, skyline views, and prime people-watching—plus, you’ll find the best local food vendors on weekends setting up along 18th Street.
- Alamo Square: Home to the famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses, this park provides the perfect backdrop for your picnic photos, with downtown skyscrapers rising behind the colorful homes.
- Tank Hill: This hidden gem offers spectacular sunset views with a fraction of Twin Peaks’ crowds, plus eucalyptus trees that provide shelter from the wind.
- Presidio Tunnel Tops: San Francisco’s newest park features grassy meadows, walking paths, and stunning Golden Gate Bridge views, plus food truck offerings from 9 AM-3 PM.
- Bernal Heights Park: This hilltop oasis offers 360-degree views of the city and bay, plus a unique rope swing that makes for perfect photos.
- Washington Square Park: The heart of North Beach comes alive with tai chi practitioners in the morning and sunbathers by afternoon, all under the shadow of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
- Grandview Park: This Inner Sunset secret offers panoramic ocean-to-bay views after a climb up the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (another great free attraction).
Why I recommend it: Each park offers a distinct slice of San Francisco life, from sunbathing hipsters to dog-walking locals.
#5 Hidden Staircases
At the bottom of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (left) and finding my own little oasis at the Hidden Garden Steps (right).
San Francisco’s secret staircases transform urban hiking into a treasure hunt, each offering unique art, views, and hidden gardens. Here are the most spectacular stairs to discover around the city:
- 16th Avenue Tiled Steps: The city’s most photographed staircase features a flowing sea-to-stars mosaic design that sparkles in the sunlight, with ocean views from the top. It is best visited in the late morning when the sun hits the tiles.
- Hidden Garden Steps: A less-crowded sister to 16th Avenue, these steps showcase intricate butterfly and flower mosaics surrounded by community-maintained succulent gardens. Located on 16th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton.
- Lyon Street Steps: This steep climb rewards you with stunning views of the Palace of Fine Arts and the bay while passing some of Pacific Heights’ most impressive mansions. Perfect for a morning workout.
- Filbert Steps: Descend through lush greenery on Telegraph Hill, passing charming cottages and the famous wild parrot colony.
- Lincoln Park Steps: Recently restored with beautiful mosaic work, these steps offer a grand entrance to Lincoln Park and the Legion of Honor, with Golden Gate Bridge views at the top. Local tip: Make a morning of it by combining the Lincoln Park Steps with nearby Lands End Trail.
Why I recommend it: These stairs aren’t just shortcuts—they’re historic artworks offering some of the city’s best views and photo ops.
#6 Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most popular photo spots in San Francisco, for good reason!
This Greco-Roman building looks like it was plucked from ancient Europe, but it’s actually from the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition, and its exterior is free to explore.
The Palace of Fine Art’s massive dome and rotunda reflect perfectly in the lagoon, where swans and ducks glide past. And the manicured grounds and colonnade make an ideal spot for photos, picnics, or simply sitting to admire the architecture.
It’s especially magical at golden hour when the limestone columns glow.
Local tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid wedding photoshoots, and walk around the entire lagoon—the back side offers equally stunning views with fewer people.
Why I recommend it: It’s one of the city’s most romantic spots and feels like stepping into another world.
#7 Painted Ladies
Whether it’s sunny or overcast, the Painted Ladies & Alamo Square Park are a great free attraction.
These famous Victorian homes, also known as “Postcard Row,” offer one of San Francisco’s most photographed views.
The row of colorful 1890s houses against the downtown skyline is instantly recognizable from countless movies and TV shows, including “Full House.”
The grassy slope of Alamo Square Park provides the perfect vantage point for photos and picnicking while watching the fog roll in over the city.
Why I recommend it: It’s the perfect spot to experience San Francisco’s historic charm while enjoying a modern city backdrop.
#8 Beaches
Exploring the rocks at the end of Baker Beach (left) and finding the more hidden Marshall’s Beach on a chilly day (right).
You might not immediately think of San Francisco as a beachy city, but there are a number of beautiful beaches to explore around the outskirts of the city.
Another upside is that San Francisco’s beaches offer dramatic coastline views without the typical California crowds. They may not be the best for swimming, and you’ll likely want to bundle up, but each beach provides a unique perspective of the city’s rugged coast.
Here are my favorite beaches to explore:
- Baker Beach: The most iconic beach in SF, offering front-row views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Perfect for photography, especially during golden hour when the bridge glows orange.
- Ocean Beach: This 3.5-mile stretch along the city’s western edge is ideal for long walks, surfing (for experienced surfers only), and evening bonfires in designated fire pits. Watch for dolphins and whales during migration season.
- China Beach: A sheltered cove between Lands End and Baker Beach, this small beach is perfect for sunbathing and picnicking, with calmer waters and unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Marshall’s Beach: The most secluded and dramatic of SF’s beaches, requiring a steep hike down but rewarding you with the closest beach views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Popular with photographers.
- Crissy Field East Beach: A wide sandy beach for epic bridge photo ops where you can watch brave kitesurfers catch air.
Local tip: Check for beach hazard warnings, as currents can be dangerous. Go in the morning before the afternoon winds pick up.
Why I recommend it: These urban beaches offer a wild, rugged California coast experience with unique San Francisco views.
#9 Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park has a ton of free attractions to enjoy, including the exterior of the Conservatory of Flowers (left) and all the hidden groves, hills, and gardens tucked away throughout its many acres (right).
Larger than New York’s Central Park, this 1,017-acre urban oasis is packed with free attractions around every corner. Here are the best free spots to explore:
- Conservatory of Flowers Exterior & Gardens: The stunning Victorian greenhouse exterior and surrounding gardens make for perfect photo opportunities, especially when the front lawn features seasonal flower displays.
- De Young Museum Observation Deck: Take a free elevator ride to the 9th floor for 360-degree views of the park and city—no museum ticket required.
- Bison Paddock: Visit the park’s resident herd of American bison, a tradition dating back to the 1890s. They are best viewed in the morning when they’re most active.
- AIDS Memorial Grove: A peaceful, forested Dell dedicated to those affected by AIDS. The secluded pathways and meadows offer a quiet place for reflection.
- Murphy Windmill: One of the largest windmills in the world, recently restored to its Dutch-inspired glory. Beautiful at sunset with the nearby Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden.
- Hippie Hill: Join the weekend drum circles and enjoy music, dancing, and classic San Francisco counterculture vibes.
- Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill: Climb to the highest point in the park for panoramic views or enjoy the peaceful waterfall, Chinese pavilion, and lake below.
Why I recommend it: It’s a choose-your-own-adventure of free activities, from drum circles to peaceful walks, with new discoveries around every corner.
#10 Sutro Baths
Exploring the Sutro Bath Ruins is one of my favorite free activities to do in San Francisco, offering dramatic ocean views and a unique slice of SF history.
These haunting ruins of a once-grand Victorian bathhouse create one of San Francisco’s most atmospheric spots. The concrete remains frame spectacular ocean views, while stairs and paths let you explore the various levels.
At sunset, the pools reflect the sky like mirrors, and waves crash dramatically through the ruins during storms. Combine this with a visit to the nearby Lands End Trail for clifftop ocean views.
Local tip: Bring a flashlight to explore the tunnel cave at the north end, and time your visit for low tide to see more of the ruins.
Why I recommend it: It’s the perfect blend of history, nature, and mystery—plus some of the best sunset views in the city.
#11 Urban Hikes
SF Locals love getting outdoors, and that’s reflected in the amount of urban hikes around the city, many of which offer gorgeous views or make you feel miles away from a bustling city, like Glen Canyon Park (left) or the Lands End Trail (right).
San Francisco’s network of trails transforms city walks into wilderness adventures, each offering unique perspectives of the city.
Here are the best urban hikes to explore:
- Lands End Trail: A dramatic coastal walk with ruins, shipwrecks, and Golden Gate Bridge views. The 3.4-mile trail offers countless photo opportunities and hidden beaches.
- Batteries to Bluffs Trail: This steep but rewarding trail connects historic military batteries with spectacular bridge views and access to Marshall’s Beach. Most dramatic during foggy mornings.
- Glen Canyon Park: A surprising urban canyon featuring distinctive rock formations, wild coyotes, and a seasonal creek. The 1.8-mile loop feels worlds away from the city.
- Mount Davidson: San Francisco’s highest peak (928 feet) rewards hikers with panoramic city views and a 103-foot concrete cross hidden in a mystical eucalyptus forest.
- Lovers Lane & Ecology Trail: Walk the Presidio’s oldest trail past Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” art installation, then connect to the Ecology Trail for bay views and ancient eucalyptus groves.
- Mount Sutro: Explore a hidden cloud forest in the heart of the city with over 5 miles of trails winding through dense eucalyptus groves and native plants.
- Crosstown Trail: An ambitious 17-mile route crossing the entire city, connecting parks, staircases, and neighborhoods from Candlestick Point to Lands End.
Why I recommend it: These trails let you experience the city’s wild side while getting postcard-worthy views that most tourists miss.
#12 San Francisco’s Diverse Neighborhoods
Simply getting lost in SF’s many distinct neighborhoods, like the Haight (left) or Chinatown (right) is a great free way to explore the city.
Each neighborhood in San Francisco tells a unique story through architecture, culture, and community. Here are the most vibrant areas to explore for free:
- North Beach: The city’s “Little Italy” buzzes with Beat Generation history, European-style cafes, and street life centered around Washington Square Park. Don’t miss the Saints Peter and Paul Church and poet hangouts like Vesuvio Cafe.
- Chinatown: The largest Chinatown outside Asia features traditional herbalists, fortune cookie factories, and colorful alleyways. Ross Alley and Grant Avenue offer the most authentic experiences.
- The Castro: LGBTQ+ history comes alive through rainbow crosswalks, the historic Castro Theatre, and the unique stores, eateries, and gay bars along Castro Street.
- The Mission: A colorful mix of Latino culture and hipster haunts featuring the city’s best murals (especially in Balmy and Clarion Alleys), taquerias, and vibrant street life along Valencia Street.
- Japantown: The Peace Plaza’s pagoda and Japan Center Malls offer a slice of Japanese culture.
- Haight-Ashbury: The epicenter of 1960s counterculture preserves its hippie vibe with Victorian architecture, vintage shops, and music history at every corner, including the former homes of the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Though touristy, the working waterfront offers free entertainment with street performers, historic ships, and views of Alcatraz.
Why I recommend it: It’s like traveling the world in one city, with each neighborhood offering distinct cultural experiences, photo ops, and hidden gems.
#13 Free Museums
San Francisco has some great free museums, including the de Young (left), which has a free observation tower and free admission on the first Tuesday of every month, and the Cable Car Museum (left), which is always free.
San Francisco’s museums offer world-class art, science, and history exhibits that you can visit for free.
Here are my favorite free museums to explore + some free museum days you can take advantage of:
- Cable Car Museum (Always Free): Watch giant wheels turn the underground cables that power SF’s historic cable cars. The museum features vintage cars and fascinating mechanical displays in an active powerhouse. Closed Mondays.
- Maritime Museum (Always Free): Located in a stunning Art Deco building in Aquatic Park, this museum showcases the city’s rich maritime history with beautiful bay views and photo ops. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Wells Fargo History Museum (Always Free): Step back into Gold Rush era San Francisco, featuring an authentic stagecoach and interactive experiences.
- de Young Museum (Free First Tuesday of the month or every Saturday for Bay Area residents): One of the city’s premier art museums. Don’t miss the observation tower, which is always free.
- Legion of Honor (Free First Tuesday of the month or every Saturday for Bay Area residents): This stunning museum modeled after the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris offers free entry the first Tuesday monthly.
- Asian Art Museum (Free First Sunday of the month): Explore one of the largest collections of Asian art outside Asia for free on the first Sunday of each month.
Local tip: Book free museum days online in advance—they’re popular! Visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.
Why I recommend it: These free museums and free days give access to world-class art and history exhibits.
#14 Sea Lions at Pier 39
Seeing the sea lions at Pier 39 is one of those quintessential experiences to have in SF, and it’s completely free!
Watch hundreds of charismatic sea lions lounge, bark, and play on the floating docks at Pier 39.
These charming marine mammals have made this spot their home since 1990, with numbers varying seasonally. The nearby viewing area includes educational displays about the sea lions’ history and behavior.
Local tip: Visit during March-May or August-October when the sea lion population is usually at its highest. In May-June 2024, there was a record-breaking number of sea lions at the pier with over 2,100!
Why I recommend it: It’s a uniquely San Francisco wildlife experience that combines entertainment and education.
#15 SF Movie & TV Locations
The Painted Ladies is one of the most famous of the movie and TV locations in SF, made popular by “Full House.”
From classic thrillers to modern indie films, San Francisco’s scenic locations have starred in countless movies. Here are the most iconic spots you can visit for free:
- “Mrs. Doubtfire” House: This iconic Victorian at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights remains a popular photo spot.
- “Full House” Painted Ladies: Recreate the famous opening credits at Alamo Square Park with the row of colorful Victorians and the downtown skyline as your backdrop.
- “Princess Diaries” Grove High: Visit the scenic stretch of Fillmore Street and nearby Grove High (actually a private mansion) where Anne Hathaway transformed into royalty.
- “Vertigo” Locations: Follow Hitchcock’s footsteps to Fort Point beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and visit Mission Dolores church and cemetery where key scenes were filmed.
- “Bullitt” Car Chase Route: Walk the steep streets of Russian Hill and Taylor Street, where Steve McQueen’s famous car chase thrilled audiences.
- “The Joy Luck Club” Sites: Visit San Francisco’s Chinatown, where crucial scenes were filmed in the movie, offering glimpses into 1990s SF.
- “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” Spots: Explore the Fillmore District and visit the iconic Victorian house in the Bayview that inspired the film.
- “Milk” Historical Sites: Walk through the Castro District to see Harvey Milk’s former camera shop (now a Queer Arts Center) and the Castro Theatre, where scenes were filmed.
Why I recommend it: It’s a fun way to explore different neighborhoods while learning about San Francisco’s rich film history and recreating scenes from your favorite movies.
#16 Wave Organ
This hidden acoustic sculpture near the Marina creates ethereal music powered by ocean waves.
Built from carved marble and granite from a demolished cemetery, the organ’s pipes produce haunting sounds as waves crash beneath. The site also offers spectacular views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Local tip: Visit during high tide for the best sounds, and bring a jacket—this exposed point gets chilly. Check tide tables before going.
Why I recommend it: It’s one of SF’s most unique and overlooked attractions, combining art, science, and stunning bay views.
#17 Lombard Street
Lombard Street is a quick free attraction that’s worth seeing if you’re already in the area.
Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” this free attraction features eight hairpin turns.
The steep, one-block section between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets offers excellent photo ops of both the curves and the bay views. Blooming hydrangeas add splashes of color in spring and summer.
Local tip: Walk up (don’t drive) from the bottom for the best photos, and visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light.
Why I recommend it: It’s a fun and quirky attraction to visit in SF—plus, the views of the bay from the top are spectacular.
#18 City Lights Bookstore
This historic North Beach landmark isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a piece of literary history that’s free to explore. Founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, it became the epicenter of the Beat Generation movement.
The creaky wooden floors, hand-written staff recommendations, and three floors of carefully curated books create a time capsule of San Francisco’s bohemian spirit. The poetry room upstairs feels like a sacred space.
Local tip: Check their website for free author readings and events, and don’t miss visiting nearby Jack Kerouac Alley for more Beat history.
Why I recommend it: It’s one of the last great independent bookstores where you can spend hours browsing without pressure to buy.
#19 City Hall
Tourists often ignore San Francisco’s City Hall, but it’s actually a very cool free thing to do in the city, especially if you’re into beautiful buildings or politics.
San Francisco’s Beaux-Arts masterpiece is free to visit during business hours, offering a glimpse of one of America’s most beautiful government buildings. The gleaming gold dome, grand staircase, and ornate rotunda rival beautiful European buildings.
On weekends, you might catch a wedding procession near the building (my brother-in-law got married here, as did Marilyn Monroe and Joe Dimaggio!)—it’s especially magical when light streams through the windows.
Local tip: Take the free one-hour guided tour with a docent to learn more about the building, offered on Fridays at 11 AM and 1 PM.
Why I recommend it: It’s the most impressive interior space in the city that’s free to visit, with incredible architecture that most tourists miss.
#20 Seward Street Slides
Hidden near the Castro District, these twin concrete slides offer an unexpected thrill ride for the young at heart.
Built in the 1970s, these steep, smooth slides are perfect for cardboard-assisted rides. The surrounding mini-park provides a quiet spot to catch your breath between rides.
Local tip: Bring your own piece of cardboard (or grab a pizza box from nearby), and visit on weekdays when it’s less crowded. The slides are open Tuesday through Sunday.
Why I recommend it: It’s a quirky, off-the-beaten-path spot that lets adults be kids again—and offers great views of the city as a bonus.
#21 Free Seasonal Events
San Francisco has a ton of free events throughout the year that showcase the city’s unique culture and community.
There are a number of free events throughout the year in San Francisco, so anytime you visit, there should probably be something going on.
Here are some of the top free events throughout the year:
- Chinese New Year Parade (January/February): The largest celebration of its kind outside Asia transforms Chinatown with elaborate floats, lion dancers, and fireworks. The best viewing spots are along Grant Avenue.
- Sunday Streets (March-October): Different neighborhoods close to cars each month for community celebrations with free activities, music, and food vendors.
- Bay to Breakers (May): Watch (or join) this historic costumed race across the city, where the spectacle of participants is as entertaining as the race itself. Note: It costs money to register for the race officially, but most people just join in at any point along the route for free since it’s probably the most unserious race you’ll come across. Don’t be surprised by the amount of impromptu dance parties; costumes are encouraged!
- Neighborhood Street Festivals (May-October): Free festivals like the North Beach Festival, Haight Street Fair, and Fillmore Jazz Festival celebrate local culture with music, art, and food.
- Pride Parade & Festival (June): The city’s largest celebration fills Market Street with colorful floats and performances, while Civic Center hosts free entertainment all weekend.
- Stern Grove Festival (June-August): Free summer concerts every Sunday in a stunning natural amphitheater featuring both local and internationally renowned artists. Arrive early with blankets for the best spots.
- Fleet Week (October): Watch the Blue Angels soar over the bay during free air shows, with prime viewing from Marina Green, Crissy Field, or any high point in the city.
- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (October): A legendary free three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park featuring over 100 performers across multiple stages each October.
Local tip: Follow SF Recreation and Parks on social media for updates on free movie nights, concerts, and cultural festivals throughout the year as well.
Why I recommend it: These events showcase San Francisco’s diverse communities and festive spirit—plus, they’re a great way to experience local culture without spending a dime.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden initially started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her adventures abroad. But since 2019, The Atlas Heart has become a love letter to the Golden State. Mimi enjoys sharing her first-hand knowledge and expertise with the places she knows so well and making the most comprehensive travel guides possible. When she’s not hiking and exploring new places in California, she loves to travel abroad, read in her cozy chaise lounge, play basketball, and connect with friends and family over board games. Over her 28 years in California, she has lived in Santa Cruz (18 years), San Diego (5 years), and the San Francisco Bay Area (7 years), where she currently resides.