Free Things to Do in San Francisco: 22 Ways to Explore the City Without Spending a Dollar

San Francisco is one of America's most spectacular cities, and you don't need a big budget to experience it. From iconic bridges and coastal trails to free museum days and world-class public art, this guide covers the best free things to do in San Francisco.

Wide landscape view of the Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the blue bay, with hills and the city visible in the background under a clear sky.

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San Francisco rewards the curious traveler who is willing to walk, explore, and plan ahead. Many of the city's greatest experiences cost nothing at all: dramatic viewpoints, extraordinary public art, coastal wilderness, and architectural landmarks are simply there for the taking. This guide covers 22 genuinely free attractions across the city, from the Presidio to the Mission District. A few top-tier museums also offer free admission on specific days, which we note clearly below. For a broader look at how to stretch your budget across the whole trip, see our San Francisco on a budget guide.

💡 Local tip

Several major museums, including the de Young, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art Museum, offer free admission on specific days each month. Bay Area residents often get additional free access with valid ID. Always check each museum's official website before visiting.

Iconic Landmarks & Viewpoints

View of Golden Gate Bridge from a beachside path with people walking along sand and water under a clear sky — Photo Airam Dato-on

San Francisco's most iconic sights are often its most accessible. Walking the Golden Gate Bridge, climbing to Twin Peaks at sunset, or watching sea lions at Pier 39 are experiences that cost nothing but a Muni fare to get there. For the best vantage points across the city, our best views in San Francisco guide has the full rundown.

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches across blue water with low fog and clear sky, showing its red towers and the hills of Marin County in the background.

1. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge for Free

The eastern pedestrian walkway is open daily and completely free. The 1.7-mile crossing takes about 45 minutes one way and delivers jaw-dropping views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands. Go on a clear morning for the best light.

1. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge for Free

The eastern pedestrian walkway is open daily and completely free. The 1.7-mile crossing takes about 45 minutes one way and delivers jaw-dropping views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Marin Headlands. Go on a clear morning for the best light.

The Golden Gate Bridge stretches across blue water with low fog and clear sky, showing its red towers and the hills of Marin County in the background.

A sweeping panoramic view from Twin Peaks, San Francisco, showing the winding summit road, city skyline, and distant Bay on a clear day.

2. Catch 360-Degree Views from Twin Peaks

Drive or hike to the top of these 922-foot twin hills for the most panoramic free views in the city. Sunset is particularly spectacular. Dress warmly as wind is fierce at the summit, even on sunny days.

2. Catch 360-Degree Views from Twin Peaks

Drive or hike to the top of these 922-foot twin hills for the most panoramic free views in the city. Sunset is particularly spectacular. Dress warmly as wind is fierce at the summit, even on sunny days.

A sweeping panoramic view from Twin Peaks, San Francisco, showing the winding summit road, city skyline, and distant Bay on a clear day.

A bustling waterfront promenade at Pier 39 with visitors walking, landscaped gardens, boats docked along the pier, and the San Francisco Bay in the background.

3. Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39 for Free

K-Dock hosts one of the most charismatic free wildlife spectacles in any American city. Hundreds of California sea lions haul out on floating platforms year-round, with the colony swelling past 1,000 animals in winter months. No ticket required.

3. Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39 for Free

K-Dock hosts one of the most charismatic free wildlife spectacles in any American city. Hundreds of California sea lions haul out on floating platforms year-round, with the colony swelling past 1,000 animals in winter months. No ticket required.

A bustling waterfront promenade at Pier 39 with visitors walking, landscaped gardens, boats docked along the pier, and the San Francisco Bay in the background.

The Painted Ladies Victorian houses viewed from Alamo Square Park, with the San Francisco skyline and low clouds in the background.

4. Photograph the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

The six Victorian houses along Steiner Street, framed against the downtown skyline from Alamo Square Park, are free to admire any time. Arrive early on weekday mornings to beat the crowds. Bring a picnic and stay for the park views.

4. Photograph the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

The six Victorian houses along Steiner Street, framed against the downtown skyline from Alamo Square Park, are free to admire any time. Arrive early on weekday mornings to beat the crowds. Bring a picnic and stay for the park views.

The Painted Ladies Victorian houses viewed from Alamo Square Park, with the San Francisco skyline and low clouds in the background.

Summit ridge of Bernal Heights Park with people walking along dirt paths, green grass, trees at the top, and Sutro Tower and cityscape in the background.

5. Climb Bernal Heights for Intimate City Panoramas

This grassy hilltop offers some of the most unobstructed 360-degree views in San Francisco, with far fewer visitors than Twin Peaks or Coit Tower. The community rope swing near the summit is a beloved local detail. Dog-friendly trails circle the hill.

5. Climb Bernal Heights for Intimate City Panoramas

This grassy hilltop offers some of the most unobstructed 360-degree views in San Francisco, with far fewer visitors than Twin Peaks or Coit Tower. The community rope swing near the summit is a beloved local detail. Dog-friendly trails circle the hill.

Summit ridge of Bernal Heights Park with people walking along dirt paths, green grass, trees at the top, and Sutro Tower and cityscape in the background.

Coit Tower rises above treetops on Telegraph Hill with colorful San Francisco homes and apartment buildings in the foreground under a clear sky.

6. View the Bay from Coit Tower's Base for Free

Entry to Coit Tower's ground floor is free, where you can admire the stunning 1930s WPA murals depicting California workers and landscapes. The paid elevator ride to the top is optional. The hilltop itself offers terrific bay views at no cost.

6. View the Bay from Coit Tower's Base for Free

Entry to Coit Tower's ground floor is free, where you can admire the stunning 1930s WPA murals depicting California workers and landscapes. The paid elevator ride to the top is optional. The hilltop itself offers terrific bay views at no cost.

Coit Tower rises above treetops on Telegraph Hill with colorful San Francisco homes and apartment buildings in the foreground under a clear sky.

Treasure Island featuring its new high-rise buildings, marina, and waterfront promenade, with the island’s changing neighborhood visible under late afternoon sunlight.

7. See the Skyline from Treasure Island

This man-made island in the middle of the bay offers one of the most unusual and photogenic free views of the San Francisco skyline and both bridges. Accessible by bus from downtown, it is a genuine local secret and ideal for golden-hour photography.

7. See the Skyline from Treasure Island

This man-made island in the middle of the bay offers one of the most unusual and photogenic free views of the San Francisco skyline and both bridges. Accessible by bus from downtown, it is a genuine local secret and ideal for golden-hour photography.

Treasure Island featuring its new high-rise buildings, marina, and waterfront promenade, with the island’s changing neighborhood visible under late afternoon sunlight.

Parks, Trails & Coastal Walks

View of the coastal trail with wildflowers in bloom and the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the background on a clear day. — Photo Juan Ordonez

The city's parks and coastal trails are among its greatest free assets. From the restored wetlands of Crissy Field to the windswept cliffs at Lands End, San Francisco's natural scenery is consistently world-class. For more structured hikes, see our San Francisco hiking guide.

Fog-shrouded coastal trail on a rugged bluff above the Pacific Ocean, showing winding dirt paths and dramatic cliffs at Lands End in San Francisco.

8. Hike the Lands End Coastal Trail

This 3.4-mile trail along San Francisco's rugged western edge passes through cypress forests and atop dramatic cliffs, with views of the Golden Gate, the Marin Headlands, and shipwreck ruins visible at low tide. Free, always open, and genuinely breathtaking.

8. Hike the Lands End Coastal Trail

This 3.4-mile trail along San Francisco's rugged western edge passes through cypress forests and atop dramatic cliffs, with views of the Golden Gate, the Marin Headlands, and shipwreck ruins visible at low tide. Free, always open, and genuinely breathtaking.

Fog-shrouded coastal trail on a rugged bluff above the Pacific Ocean, showing winding dirt paths and dramatic cliffs at Lands End in San Francisco.

Crissy Field beach with sandy shoreline in the foreground, open water, and the Golden Gate Bridge prominently visible on a clear day.

9. Walk Crissy Field's Restored Waterfront Promenade

The restored tidal marsh and promenade in the Presidio is free to walk any time. The western end offers some of the best close-up Golden Gate Bridge views in the city. The Warming Hut cafe makes a good rest stop, though it charges for food and drinks.

9. Walk Crissy Field's Restored Waterfront Promenade

The restored tidal marsh and promenade in the Presidio is free to walk any time. The western end offers some of the best close-up Golden Gate Bridge views in the city. The Warming Hut cafe makes a good rest stop, though it charges for food and drinks.

Crissy Field beach with sandy shoreline in the foreground, open water, and the Golden Gate Bridge prominently visible on a clear day.

Wide view of the concrete ruins and pools of Sutro Baths on the San Francisco coast, with waves crashing in the background and rocky cliffs nearby.

10. Explore the Haunting Ruins of Sutro Baths

Free to enter at any time, the concrete ruins of this 1896 swimming complex cling to the cliffs at Lands End. At high tide, the old pools fill with seawater, creating a dramatic scene. A short tunnel leads to a sea cave on the western edge of the site.

10. Explore the Haunting Ruins of Sutro Baths

Free to enter at any time, the concrete ruins of this 1896 swimming complex cling to the cliffs at Lands End. At high tide, the old pools fill with seawater, creating a dramatic scene. A short tunnel leads to a sea cave on the western edge of the site.

Wide view of the concrete ruins and pools of Sutro Baths on the San Francisco coast, with waves crashing in the background and rocky cliffs nearby.

Wooden stairs of the Filbert Steps ascend through lush greenery and blooming flowers, with a Napier Lane street sign visible on the left.

11. Descend Telegraph Hill via the Secret Filbert Steps

This wooden staircase descending Telegraph Hill's eastern face winds through private gardens and wild parrots nesting in the trees. The green-canopied path feels utterly unlike the rest of the city. Allow 30 minutes for the descent and plan a cafe stop at the bottom.

11. Descend Telegraph Hill via the Secret Filbert Steps

This wooden staircase descending Telegraph Hill's eastern face winds through private gardens and wild parrots nesting in the trees. The green-canopied path feels utterly unlike the rest of the city. Allow 30 minutes for the descent and plan a cafe stop at the bottom.

Wooden stairs of the Filbert Steps ascend through lush greenery and blooming flowers, with a Napier Lane street sign visible on the left.

View of Fort Funston’s coastal bluffs with three people observing the ocean, hang glider, sandy beach, and distant San Francisco neighborhood.

12. Walk the Clifftop Trails at Fort Funston

The dramatic coastal bluffs at Fort Funston are free, windswept, and spectacular. Watch hang gliders launch from the cliffs above Ocean Beach while walking trails that offer sweeping Pacific views. One of the best free coastal walks in the entire Bay Area.

12. Walk the Clifftop Trails at Fort Funston

The dramatic coastal bluffs at Fort Funston are free, windswept, and spectacular. Watch hang gliders launch from the cliffs above Ocean Beach while walking trails that offer sweeping Pacific views. One of the best free coastal walks in the entire Bay Area.

View of Fort Funston’s coastal bluffs with three people observing the ocean, hang glider, sandy beach, and distant San Francisco neighborhood.

Wide angle view up the vibrant mosaic-covered 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco, flanked by lush plants and apartments on both sides.

13. Climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Mosaic Staircase

This 163-step mosaic staircase in the Inner Sunset is covered in hand-crafted ceramic tiles depicting an ocean-to-sky nature scene. Created by community artists, it is one of San Francisco's most beautiful free public art installations. Arrive early to have it to yourself.

13. Climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Mosaic Staircase

This 163-step mosaic staircase in the Inner Sunset is covered in hand-crafted ceramic tiles depicting an ocean-to-sky nature scene. Created by community artists, it is one of San Francisco's most beautiful free public art installations. Arrive early to have it to yourself.

Wide angle view up the vibrant mosaic-covered 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco, flanked by lush plants and apartments on both sides.

Free Museums & Cultural Institutions

A landscape view of the California Academy of Sciences museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, with its iconic living roof and surrounding park greenery. — Photo Joe Mabel (CC BY 4.0)

Several of San Francisco's world-class museums are free on specific days, and a handful are always free. For a deeper dive into the full museum landscape, our best museums in San Francisco guide covers paid and free options in detail.

Interior view of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, showing spinning cable wheels, machinery, and visitors on an upper balcony overlooking vintage displays.

14. Visit the Cable Car Museum (Always Free)

This free museum inside the working cable car barn on Nob Hill lets you watch the actual underground cables that power the entire system. Historic cars, engineering exhibits, and the mechanical room are all on display. Open daily, no ticket required, ever.

14. Visit the Cable Car Museum (Always Free)

This free museum inside the working cable car barn on Nob Hill lets you watch the actual underground cables that power the entire system. Historic cars, engineering exhibits, and the mechanical room are all on display. Open daily, no ticket required, ever.

Interior view of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, showing spinning cable wheels, machinery, and visitors on an upper balcony overlooking vintage displays.

Antique coin-operated animatronic puppet machine called The Thimble Theatre, with five dancing figures, on display at Musée Mécanique in San Francisco.

15. Step Inside the Free Musée Mécanique at Fisherman's Wharf

Entry to this extraordinary warehouse of over 300 antique coin-operated arcade machines and mechanical curiosities is completely free. Playing the machines costs quarters. Budget 45-60 minutes to explore one of San Francisco's most eccentric and beloved attractions.

15. Step Inside the Free Musée Mécanique at Fisherman's Wharf

Entry to this extraordinary warehouse of over 300 antique coin-operated arcade machines and mechanical curiosities is completely free. Playing the machines costs quarters. Budget 45-60 minutes to explore one of San Francisco's most eccentric and beloved attractions.

Antique coin-operated animatronic puppet machine called The Thimble Theatre, with five dancing figures, on display at Musée Mécanique in San Francisco.

Exterior view of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, featuring its modern copper-clad architecture, palm trees, and visitors on a sunny day.

16. Visit the de Young Museum on First Tuesday (Free All Day)

On the first Tuesday of each month, admission to the de Young's permanent collection is free for everyone. Bay Area county residents also get free general admission every Saturday. Always check famsf.org first, as ticketed special exhibitions may still charge.

16. Visit the de Young Museum on First Tuesday (Free All Day)

On the first Tuesday of each month, admission to the de Young's permanent collection is free for everyone. Bay Area county residents also get free general admission every Saturday. Always check famsf.org first, as ticketed special exhibitions may still charge.

Exterior view of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, featuring its modern copper-clad architecture, palm trees, and visitors on a sunny day.

Front exterior of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, with visitors gathered near entrance and large banners advertising exhibitions.

17. Explore 6,000 Years of Asian Art on Free First Sundays

The Asian Art Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Children 12 and under are always free. With 18,000 works from across Asia, the permanent collection alone warrants several hours. Located in the Civic Center near City Hall.

17. Explore 6,000 Years of Asian Art on Free First Sundays

The Asian Art Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Children 12 and under are always free. With 18,000 works from across Asia, the permanent collection alone warrants several hours. Located in the Civic Center near City Hall.

Front exterior of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, with visitors gathered near entrance and large banners advertising exhibitions.

Wide-angle view of San Francisco City Hall on a bright day, with its grand dome, symmetrical Beaux-Arts architecture, and tree-lined promenade in the foreground.

18. Tour the Magnificent City Hall Rotunda for Free

San Francisco's Beaux-Arts City Hall is open to the public on weekdays with no admission charge. Its 307-foot gilded dome is taller than the US Capitol. Self-guided tours let you explore the grand staircase, marble rotunda, and the site of historic civic events.

18. Tour the Magnificent City Hall Rotunda for Free

San Francisco's Beaux-Arts City Hall is open to the public on weekdays with no admission charge. Its 307-foot gilded dome is taller than the US Capitol. Self-guided tours let you explore the grand staircase, marble rotunda, and the site of historic civic events.

Wide-angle view of San Francisco City Hall on a bright day, with its grand dome, symmetrical Beaux-Arts architecture, and tree-lined promenade in the foreground.

Neighborhoods, Markets & Street Art

Vivid murals cover a corner building at Lapidge and 18th Street, showcasing colorful street art in San Francisco's Mission District. — Photo Solenn Thircuir

Some of San Francisco's richest free experiences happen at street level, wandering through neighborhoods whose architecture, murals, and public spaces tell the city's layered story. The Mission District and North Beach in particular reward slow, on-foot exploration.

Balmy Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District, showing vibrant political murals covering both sides of the narrow alley, with plants and a car parked along the brick-paved lane.

19. Walk Through Balmy Alley's Outdoor Mural Gallery

Every garage door and wall in this Mission District alley is covered in Chicano and Latino murals that have been evolving since the 1970s. Entry is free and the alley is always open. Give yourself 20-30 minutes to read the political and community stories painted here.

19. Walk Through Balmy Alley's Outdoor Mural Gallery

Every garage door and wall in this Mission District alley is covered in Chicano and Latino murals that have been evolving since the 1970s. Entry is free and the alley is always open. Give yourself 20-30 minutes to read the political and community stories painted here.

Balmy Alley in San Francisco’s Mission District, showing vibrant political murals covering both sides of the narrow alley, with plants and a car parked along the brick-paved lane.

Street view of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers' iconic three-story building with large windows, book displays, and people walking by in San Francisco.

20. Browse City Lights, the Beat Generation's Legendary Bookstore

Founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, City Lights is free to enter and browse anytime. Three floors of poetry, politics, and literature make it the finest independent bookstore on the West Coast. The upstairs poetry room is a pilgrimage site for literary travelers.

20. Browse City Lights, the Beat Generation's Legendary Bookstore

Founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, City Lights is free to enter and browse anytime. Three floors of poetry, politics, and literature make it the finest independent bookstore on the West Coast. The upstairs poetry room is a pilgrimage site for literary travelers.

Street view of City Lights Booksellers & Publishers' iconic three-story building with large windows, book displays, and people walking by in San Francisco.

Crowd enjoying the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in front of San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building, with colorful tents and city skyscrapers under a clear blue sky.

21. Browse the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays

Walking through one of America's finest farmers markets costs nothing. Saturday is the largest market, showcasing heirloom produce, artisan cheese, fresh seafood, and prepared foods from Northern California's best small farms. Bring cash if you plan to buy.

21. Browse the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays

Walking through one of America's finest farmers markets costs nothing. Saturday is the largest market, showcasing heirloom produce, artisan cheese, fresh seafood, and prepared foods from Northern California's best small farms. Bring cash if you plan to buy.

Crowd enjoying the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in front of San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building, with colorful tents and city skyscrapers under a clear blue sky.

Washington Square Park: North Beach's Living Room

22. Join the Morning Tai Chi Crowd in Washington Square Park

North Beach's village green is free, open, and lively at every hour. Tai chi practitioners gather at dawn, bocce players fill the courts in the afternoon, and picnickers take over on sunny days. Saints Peter and Paul Church provides a photogenic backdrop.

22. Join the Morning Tai Chi Crowd in Washington Square Park

North Beach's village green is free, open, and lively at every hour. Tai chi practitioners gather at dawn, bocce players fill the courts in the afternoon, and picnickers take over on sunny days. Saints Peter and Paul Church provides a photogenic backdrop.

Washington Square Park: North Beach's Living Room

Free Golden Gate Park Attractions

View of the Conservatory of Flowers and colorful gardens in Golden Gate Park under a blue sky with palm trees. — Photo frank minjarez

Golden Gate Park itself is always free to enter and explore. Its 1,017 acres contain enough free attractions for a full day of wandering. For a complete guide to making the most of the park, see our Golden Gate Park guide.

ℹ️ Good to know

The Japanese Tea Garden currently offers limited free hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings; always confirm the latest schedule on the official site. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is free daily for SF residents with ID and has additional free hours early in the morning and on certain days. The Conservatory of Flowers offers free admission on select monthly days, commonly the first Tuesday; check their official website for up‑to‑date details.

A wide landscape view of the entrance and front lawn of the San Francisco Botanical Garden's Conservatory of Flowers, surrounded by palm trees and vibrant gardens on a clear sunny day.

23. Walk the San Francisco Botanical Garden During Free Hours

Arrive before 9 a.m. any day for free entry to this 55-acre world-class collection of 9,000 plant species. SF residents with valid ID are free at all times. Second Tuesdays are free for everyone. The ancient tree grove is the most spectacular section.

23. Walk the San Francisco Botanical Garden During Free Hours

Arrive before 9 a.m. any day for free entry to this 55-acre world-class collection of 9,000 plant species. SF residents with valid ID are free at all times. Second Tuesdays are free for everyone. The ancient tree grove is the most spectacular section.

A wide landscape view of the entrance and front lawn of the San Francisco Botanical Garden's Conservatory of Flowers, surrounded by palm trees and vibrant gardens on a clear sunny day.

Wide landscape view of the Conservatory of Flowers’ white Victorian greenhouse with formal gardens and palm trees at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, on a clear blue day.

24. See the Victorian Conservatory of Flowers on Free First Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday of each month, entry to this 1879 wood-and-glass Victorian greenhouse is free. Inside, tropical carnivorous plants, rare orchids, and aquatic species grow in a beautifully restored historic structure that is a Golden Gate Park landmark.

24. See the Victorian Conservatory of Flowers on Free First Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday of each month, entry to this 1879 wood-and-glass Victorian greenhouse is free. Inside, tropical carnivorous plants, rare orchids, and aquatic species grow in a beautifully restored historic structure that is a Golden Gate Park landmark.

Wide landscape view of the Conservatory of Flowers’ white Victorian greenhouse with formal gardens and palm trees at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, on a clear blue day.

The Dutch Windmill in Golden Gate Park rises above vibrant yellow tulips under a blue sky, surrounded by trees and lush gardens.

25. Visit the Restored Dutch Windmill and Tulip Garden

The 1903 Dutch windmill at the northwestern corner of Golden Gate Park is free to visit any time. In spring (typically March-April), the surrounding garden fills with thousands of tulips in bloom. It marks the dramatic point where the park meets the Pacific Ocean.

25. Visit the Restored Dutch Windmill and Tulip Garden

The 1903 Dutch windmill at the northwestern corner of Golden Gate Park is free to visit any time. In spring (typically March-April), the surrounding garden fills with thousands of tulips in bloom. It marks the dramatic point where the park meets the Pacific Ocean.

The Dutch Windmill in Golden Gate Park rises above vibrant yellow tulips under a blue sky, surrounded by trees and lush gardens.

Wide landscape view of Blue Heron Lake (Stow Lake) in Golden Gate Park with calm water, lush trees, and a clear blue sky.

26. Walk Around Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill Island

Walking the loop around Golden Gate Park's largest lake is completely free. The path passes a waterfall, a Chinese pavilion, and great blue heron sightings. Boat rentals are available for a fee if you want to get on the water.

26. Walk Around Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill Island

Walking the loop around Golden Gate Park's largest lake is completely free. The path passes a waterfall, a Chinese pavilion, and great blue heron sightings. Boat rentals are available for a fee if you want to get on the water.

Wide landscape view of Blue Heron Lake (Stow Lake) in Golden Gate Park with calm water, lush trees, and a clear blue sky.

FAQ

Is it really free to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes, walking the eastern pedestrian walkway is completely free. The walkway is open daily, typically from around 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. (hours vary seasonally). Check the bridge's official website for current hours before visiting.

Which San Francisco museums are free?

The Cable Car Museum and Musée Mécanique are always free. The de Young and Legion of Honor have monthly free days (historically the first Tuesday) and offer additional free access for Bay Area residents on specific days; check their official sites for current details. The Asian Art Museum has a monthly free day (typically the first Sunday) and offers free admission to children 12 and under.

Is Golden Gate Park free to visit?

The park itself is always free to enter. However, the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and California Academy of Sciences charge admission. The Botanical Garden is free for SF residents with ID and has additional free hours early in the morning and on certain days; outside those times, it charges admission.

Is Alcatraz free?

No. While Alcatraz is part of a national park, access requires a paid ferry ticket from the authorized concessioner, Alcatraz City Cruises. Tickets should be booked well in advance, especially in peak season.

What is the best free thing to do in San Francisco if I only have a few hours?

Walk the Golden Gate Bridge from the San Francisco side to the north tower and back. It takes about 90 minutes round-trip, it's completely free, and the views of the bay, city, and Marin Headlands are unmatched. Pair it with a free walk through Crissy Field afterward.