Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Free Things to Do in San Francisco
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in San Francisco
Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
308 places sorted by traveller favourites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Fisherman’s Wharf
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Russian Hill
Neighbourhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
Fisherman’s Wharf
Admission tickets from ₹2,325.19
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
South Beach
Speciality Museums
Fisherman’s Wharf
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
Fisherman’s Wharf
Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Civic Center
Shopping Malls
Downtown San Francisco
Historic Walking Areas • Jogging Paths & Tracks
Marina District
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lower Haight
•
Open now
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Nob Hill
Historic Walking Areas
Downtown San Francisco
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sunset District
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Alamo Square
Neighbourhoods
Haight-Ashbury
Neighbourhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
North Waterfront/Embarcadero
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Showing results 1-30 of 308
What travellers are saying
- Brooke In The AirCleveland, OH15 contributionsAn amazing sight, iconic symbol of America in the West like the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. it took 3 minutes to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and it was worth every second.Written 28 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anne ESalt Lake City, UT69 contributionsCrowded and overpriced but lots of activities. Magic shop and juggling performances for the kids, tasty craft beers and local seafood for the adults. Lots of sea lions barking and fishing nearby. Brown pelicans flying overhead.Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brooke In The AirCleveland, OH15 contributionsThe steepest street in the US! So much fun to go down, it's like a rollercoaster! But the Russian Hill neighborhood is so beautiful to admire this is a must experience attraction; it's not just a street, it's a cultural experience!Written 30 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Marie VDiksmuide, Belgium1 contributionI visited the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in May 2023. I visited the Park with some friends. The Golden Gate Park is a gorgeous place to visit. It's an absolute must-see and it's advisable to visit the Golden Gate Park if you're a plant lover as the Park has over 5000 species. Plan on spending a few hours there since the park is huge. I would recommend to take the bike rentals with children because it can be really exhausting trying to walk everything on foot. It was a nice place to take pictures with my friends and it's definitely worth the effort. It's just one of those things that you have to visit while visiting San Francisco. There's no need to bring a jacket as the Park has three inside museums. I would advise to wear a jacket when it's rainy or cold though because a large part of the Park is outside.Written 3 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anne ESalt Lake City, UT69 contributionsGood place to walk and eat fresh seafood. Some of the area seems a bit run down and sketchy, though, so don't expect a pristine waterfront with swanky shops. I had some good chowder in a sourdough breadbowl at Cioppino's.Written 2 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew L-IOMDouglas, UK43 contributionsAs a telecommunications engineer who works on and climbs radio masts, this was an ideal location to see some masts along with some great views over San Francisco!!!Written 16 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- greenboxCardiff16 contributionsI saw a show here, the staff were lovely. The place is impressive and maybe I should have stayed longer - just had a look whilst waiting for the showWritten 22 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- glasgowlassy82Glasgow, UK35 contributionsA great place to visit and explore all the different foods on offer. We had to go and sample the amazing ACME bakery and then got amazing things to have with this. Sat outside in the sun taking in the views so a great place to spend a Friday afternoon visiting the city.Written 19 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ZenDark30Portland, OR2,402 contributionsA close second to Fisherman’s wharf in terms of visitors, this 2 mile trail from Eagles Point to the USS San Francisco is on the top ten of San Francisco must dos.
Along the way there are lots of scenic overlooks to taste the sea air and catch your breath. Interpretive signs tell stories of the wildlife, geology, natural and human history. Did I mention the Golden Gate Bridge views?
If, you can, I dare you to keep pace with the multiple barges, freighters, and cruise ships.
I recommend for families and anyone with a modicum level of fitness. There is one staircase otherwise terrain is fairly level.Written 7 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chris NWorthing, UK61 contributionsHave been here a couple of times now and have enjoyed both visits. So much information to take in from how they were initially installed, repaired following the earthquake and eventually saved when facing the axe.
Being able to see the cables turning and whirring and take in the smell is amazing.
Free entry, but donations welcomedWritten 23 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nicko Bondar9 contributionsStanding at the edge of the San Francisco Bay, I was captivated by its immense beauty. The shimmering waters stretched out before me, framed by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the city's skyline. The gentle breeze and the sound of seagulls added to the tranquility. It's a serene escape within a bustling city, offering a perfect moment of serenity and awe. A must-visit for anyone in San Francisco.Written 1 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 63impalaStoneham, MA1,209 contributionsThis is a must stop if you are at Fishermans Wharf. The eclectic selection of games and amusements is incredible. There are machines from the late 1800's all the way up to the 1980's and beyond. There is really something about seeing there old machines perform their magic.Written 1 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ann HYork, UK2,388 contributionsThis was an added extra to our bus tour of San Francisco as the driver took a detour through this beautiful national park that used to be a military outpost due to its location and still has many historical building today. There is so much to look at and visit - beaches, picnic areas, trails and exhibitions. Also plenty of eateries. Amazing place to visit!!Written 20 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WaddlerYork, UK10,061 contributionsWe enjoyed our early morning in Chinatown, though many shops had not yet opened (some open at 11am). We finished with mid-morning dim sum.
In the meantime we checked out alleyways, the fortune cookie factory and a couple of playgrounds (Willie Woos being much the better for kids to play as the one in Portsmouth Square is overrun with adults doing exercises and is more urban and less attractive).
We enjoyed strolling around and if you continue to California Street you can get classic cable car views down the hill to downtown.Written 6 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TAMAN1951Liberty Lake, WA6,459 contributionsLoved shopping here.
Of course you can get chocolate here but the ice cream is quite nice as well. A number of other shops are also available.
Clean and fun.Written 8 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
