Despite what your general impression might be, there’s an awful lot to do in San Francisco that doesn’t break the bank. In fact, you can whip up a fantastic sightseeing and entertainment itinerary composed entirely of destinations and events that don’t cost a red cent. Here are eight options for free fun in the City by the Bay as you enjoy the perfect downtown home base at the Tilden Hotel!
1. Free Museum Days
A whole slew of topnotch museums in San Francisco offer free admission on a monthly basis or several times a year. These include the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Asian Art Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Certain San Francisco museums well worth visiting don’t charge admission at all, among them the Cable Car Museum and the Chinese Historical Society of America.
2. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
This roots-music celebration draws huge crowds to Golden Gate Park for free performances by well-known artists. It has remained free to the public since its inception and continues to be a fall favorite.
3. Fillmore Jazz Festival
The Fillmore Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz event on the West Coast. Plan your next visit to coincide with this lively event that takes over the historic Fillmore District with music, art, and food.
4. Enjoy the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for Free
The Bay Area boasts its own beautiful National Park unit in the form of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Many areas are always free, including Lands End. Others, like Muir Woods and the Presidio, occasionally offer fee-free entrance days—perfect for spontaneous outdoor escapes.
5. Walk or Bike the Golden Gate
You need to pay a toll to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, but walking or biking it is completely free—and incredibly scenic.
6. Watch Some Distant Giants Baseball
If you don’t have a ticket to a home game, you can still enjoy a portion of the action from the free viewing area at the Giants Promenade. Catch a few innings with a waterfront view—it’s a uniquely San Francisco experience.
7. Take a Free Walking Tour
Thanks to the San Francisco Public Library, you can take educational walking tours with SF City Guides. These volunteer-led tours cover everything from hidden neighborhoods to famous landmarks.
8. Take a Free Sail on the Bay
The Cal Sailing Club occasionally offers free sailing tours out of the Berkeley Marina. On select Sundays, visitors can hop aboard keelboats and dinghies for a breezy, scenic ride on San Francisco Bay.