Check out the 10 amazing free attractions in San Francisco, California, and take note of the tips for a more incredible – and even more economical – trip.
1. Cross and take pictures on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
A postcard of this city, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge has connected Marin County to the city of San Francisco since 1937, and was once considered the longest bridge in the world. You can cross it on foot, by bicycle or by car, and take incredible photos, including of the view – the height is approximately 200 meters.
- Our tip: visit the bridge just before sunset. The view is even more beautiful.
2. Stroll along Pier 39 in San Francisco
Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, San Francisco’s pier has a beautiful view of the sea and many attractions, such as restaurants, bars, stores, ice cream parlors, etc. It is the most famous pier in the city and it is common to see sea lions around it. All in all, it’s a very nice place and a must-see during your trip to San Francisco in California.
- Important tip: San Francisco is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
3. Explore Chinatown and Japantown in San Francisco
The Chinatown area is home to a number of typical restaurants and stores offering the best oriental cuisine in California. Stockton Street, for example, is a great place to buy very original items. Another similar area is Japantown in San Francisco, which follows the same style, but with lots of typical Japanese products and wonderful food – especially inside the Japan Center and Nihon Machi malls.
4. Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco
Not all tourists visit the San Francisco Ferry Building, a former railroad terminal that now houses the Marketplace, but it’s worth it.
It’s a market with several restaurants, cafés and stores selling a wide variety of products, such as cheeses, olive oils, jams, spices, jellies, fruit and more. It’s an interesting walk to get to know a little of the daily life of the city’s residents, and you can eat very cheaply there.
5. Stroll down Lombard Street in San Francisco
Lombard Street is the most famous street in the city, especially because it’s so twisted and steep. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco, California. As you stroll along it, be sure to enjoy its beautiful gardens and take lots of photos.
6. Go to Alamo Square in San Francisco
Famous for being an area full of colorful houses, one next to the other, Alamo Square is popular with tourists who are fans of the TV series Full House, as it was the setting for the show. Be sure to take lots of photos.
7. Visit the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco
One of the most beautiful sights in San Francisco, the Palace of Fine Arts emanates art and leaves everyone impressed. It’s an ornamental construction and one of the most photogenic buildings in California, even though it was built in 1915 for an exhibition. That’s why you’ll see a lot of people using it as a backdrop for photo shoots.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to San Francisco, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
8. Go to Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco
One of the most important gastronomic and cultural complexes in California. It used to be an old chocolate factory, and today it’s a place where you’ll find lots of restaurants, stores, leisure and entertainment venues.
You’ll find a bit of everything there, and you can spend a whole day. For chocoholics, it’s worth trying the delicious chocolates from the Original Ice Cream and Chocolate Ghirardelli Manufactory. Not only is this tour delicious, but you also get to see how chocolate is produced there, which is very cool and fun at the same time.
For those who want to try the best of the local gastronomy, it’s worth a visit:
- Kara’s Cupcake
- The Pub
- Loris Diner
- McCormick ans Kuleto’s
The area is also great for shopping, especially at the ElizabethW and Helpers Bazzar stores, with their magnificent merchandise and products. It’s one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
9. Get to know the Castro neighborhood in San Francisco
Do you love places with lots of color and diversity? Then one of the best things to do in San Francisco in California is to go to the Castro district, where you’ll find 100% gay-friendly bars, clubs and restaurants.
It’s also where the city’s famous gay parade takes place – recognized not only in California but throughout the USA.
10. Go to the Twin Peaks and Coit Tower viewpoints in San Francisco
Among the best things to do in San Francisco in California for free, we can’t fail to mention the Twin Peaks and Coit Tower viewpoints. The former is 300 meters high and is one of the highest points in the city. The latter is a tower – a trademark of San Francisco – a little lower than Twin Peaks, but just as cool.
How to save on paid attractions in San Francisco?
San Francisco offers many free and diverse attractions, but there are also paid tours that are not to be missed – such as its incredible museums. To do these, we recommend that you book them in advance, online and with reliable companies – like the one we used on our trip to California. With this company, you’ll be able to visit the most popular places.
And because we always use the same tour company on our trips, we’ve been able to get a special discount for our readers. So, to get access to the discount and already secure tours at a great price, just click here on tickets to San Francisco.
Save money on your trip to San Francisco:
Tickets: find out where to buy your San Francisco tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in San Francisco. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
