2019-12-19 04:55:40
Traveling on a budget can be tricky, but luckily San Francisco has many free (or almost free) things to see and do that’ll up the fun-factor without breaking the bank. Here are 10 of our favorites. 1 CABLE CARS Take a ride on the city’s iconic cable cars, the National Historic Landmark that moves, for just $8. Then, stop by the one-of-a-kind San Francisco Cable Car Museum to learn about their inner workings—admission is free! In the historic Cable Car Barn & Powerhouse, the site where the cable system has operated since 1907, see the actual cable winding machinery as it reels 11 miles of steel at a heady pace. 2 AWESOME BLOSSOMS With more than 9,000 plants from around the world showcased across 55 acres, natural beauty abounds at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Tickets are $9 and admission is free on the second Tuesday of the month. Or stop and smell the roses (or the orchids, lilies and irises) at the Conservatory of Flowers in the northeast corner of the park. Admission is $9 for adults and free on the first Tuesday of every month. 3 FREE FESTIVALS San Francisco’s cultural calendar is packed with events – many of which are free. Music fans will love the People in Plazas mini concerts, where local performers share their talents, July- October. The Stern Grove Festival hosts concerts every Sunday from mid-June to mid-August and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a free weekend of bluegrass and Americana, happens every October. If you prefer theater, check out Free Shakespeare in the Park in early September at the Presidio. 4 MURALS GALORE With more than 1,000 murals across the city, San Francisco’s public art displays expand beyond museum walls. The Mission District is the epicenter; Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley have been canvases for public art since the 1970s. Coit Tower houses famed murals completed during the 1930s. The murals at the Rincon Annex Post Office were painted by artist Anton Refregier around the end of World War II, depicting a stylized history of San Francisco. Diego Rivera murals are located near the Embarcadero at City Club and near Fisherman’s Wharf at San Francisco Art Institute. City Guides offers free tours of many mural locations throughout the year. 5 THE PRESIDIO San Francisco’s historic Presidio boasts 1,491 acres of land and some of the best vistas in the city. Adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge, the former military outpost was repurposed as public land with many budget-friendly things to do. Check out the Presidio’s Visitor Center to orient yourself and learn about its history, or get a more in-depth look at the Presidio Officer’s Club (admission is free). The Presidio also has numerous scenic trails and perfect picnic spots, including Baker Beach and Crissy Field. 6 GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE As one of the most photographed structures in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge also provides great views of the city as you cross. If you’re driving across the bridge, there is a toll (electronic); however, crossing the iconic landmark is free to cyclists and pedestrians. In addition to your camera, bring a jacket because it can get chilly, even in the summer. 7 LOCAL TOURS Get a behind-the-scenes look at how some notable local products are made. You’ll likely score some free samples along the way, too. Explore the delicious history of sourdough bread in San Francisco with a museum and bakery tour at Boudin. Guided tours are $5 per person or free to tour at your leisure. In Chinatown, see how fortune cookies are made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. The free tour ends with a sweet sample. 8 MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Dive into San Francisco’s seafaring history on a trip to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Maritime National Historical Park. The park’s historic ships include 19th century vessels like the square-rigger Balchutha, and an early steamboat, Eureka, among others. Self-guided tours of the ships cost $10 for adults and are free for kids ages 15 and younger. 9 FUN AND ARCADE GAMES Take a trip back in time at the Musée Mécanique near Fisherman’s Wharf. Admission is free to this antique arcade; games range in price from a penny to a dollar. Arm wrestle a robot or be serenaded by a mechanical barbershop quartet – for spare change! 10 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (SFMOMA) Take advantage of the 45,000-square-foot ground floor galleries at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Entrance via the Roman steps off Howard St. is free to the public. Admission to the entire museum for visitors 18 and younger is also free.
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