San Francisco Activities: Best Free or Cheap Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing and vibrant city that can be expensive at times, but even in San Francisco there are many fun, free and cheap things to experience in the city. 

This latest San Francisco Travel Blog article, ‘San Francisco Activities: Best Free or Cheap Things to do in San Francisco’ introduces you to just some of the best activities you can enjoy . 

Now, on to the list – Best Free or Cheap Things to do in San Francisco:

Discover Golden Gate Bridge
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Distance from Hotel Union Square: 6.8 Miles

The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most popular landmark in San Francisco. This iconic bridge is seen from all points across the city, bay area, harbor and hills across the city. There are a number of ways to view and even cross over and under this magnificent bridge. You can enjoy a free walking tour of Golden Gate Bridge or you can walk across the bridge with the walkway beginning on the eastern side, facing Alcatraz, the city and  the San Francisco Bay. You can also visit the Fort Point National Historic Site as well as Baker Beach for views of the Golden Gate Bridge…Fort Point National Historic Site and Baker Beach are two more free things to do in San Francisco.  

Golden Gate Park
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Distance from Hotel Union Square: 3.5 Miles

Golden Gate Park is a 1,017-acre park filled with lush green lawns, Redwood trees, hiking trails and museums. There are a number of free and paid events that take place in the park including; Shakespeare in the Park series, Hardly Strictly (Bluegrass Music Festival), concerts, festivals and more. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the food vendors offering food & beverages, Bike & Segway rentals are also available.

Explore Chinatown
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Distance from our Union Square Hotel: 1.2 Miles

Chinatown has played a very important role in the history and diversity of San Francisco and it is the oldest Chinatown’s in the United States. Chinatown is home to many fantastic restaurants, shops and cultural events throughout the year. A self-guided or hired walking tour of Chinatown is a great way to discover this amazing neighborhood.

San Francisco is an amazing and vibrant city that can be expensive at times, but even in San Francisco there are many fun, free and even cheap things to experience in the city. 

Volunteer-Guided Walking Tours
Location: Various locations
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There is so much to discover in the various neighborhoods across San Francisco and there are free, volunteer guided walking tours offered for many wonderful neighborhoods including; Art Deco Marina, Billionaire Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown Dogpatch and Potrero Point, Japantown and more. See the Website link above for Free Walking Tour details and for other paid tours of San Francisco.

Pier 39    
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Distance from Hotel Union Square: 2.4 Miles

Who are you calling ‘fat and lazy?’ When you find yourself at Fisherman’s Wharf, and if you spend any time in San Francisco you will definitely find yourself at Fisherman’s Wharf, you are a short walk to famous Pier 39 where you can walk along the wooden docks and spy on the huge Sea Lions who climb upon the floating docks to rest in the sun, scratch themselves and basically ‘chill out’ in the daytime sun. Believe it or not, these huge, loud (and if we’re being honest) sometimes smelly creatures are cute and certainly interesting to watch, and yeah, it’s free. There are also several great restaurants, shops, events, concerts and more on Pier 39. Use the Website link above to learn more about all there is to do and see on Pier 39.

Attend a San Francisco Giants Baseball Game
Location: Oracle Park - 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
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Distance from Hotel Union Square: 1.8 Miles

San Francisco Giants play at Oracle Park in South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. While some tickets in the lower deck of this amazing stadium can be a bit pricey, there are some much cheaper tickets in the upper decks and to be honest, sometimes it can be more fun to sit high up in the stadium and have a great view of the game, stadium and the surrounding city sights.

Fisherman’s Wharf
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Distance from our Union Square Hotel: 2 Miles

Fisherman’s Wharf is an exciting waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment complex located at the northern waterfront area from Ghirardelli Square or Van Ness Avenue to Pier 35 at Kearny Street. You could spend a day or 2 exploring all there is to do, see and experience at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39; restaurants, Shopping, Festivals, Entertainment and more. See the Website link above for a list of vendors, calendar of events and more taking place at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ride the Cable Cars
Location: Various locations
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A ride on an authentic Cable Car is ‘must do’ activity when you visit San Francisco. Cable Cars played an important mart to the development and expansion of San Francisco. Cable Cars operate in many areas across San Francisco including Union Square, Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park, Nob Hill, North Beach, etc. While the Cable Car rides are not free, they are a quite affordable, and fun, way to travel across the city. The Cable Car fares are $6.00 for adults and youth ages 5 – 17, and $3.00 for seniors and the disabled. You can purchase an all-day pass for $14.00. See the Website link above updates on Cable Car schedules, monthly passes and more.

Amoeba Music
Location: Amoeba Music - 1855 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
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Distance from Hotel Union Square: 3.6 Miles

Attention all serious music lovers! If Amoeba Music is not on your list of places to visit in San Francisco, it should be. Amoeba is an amazing shrine to music selling vinyl (yes, genuine vinyl records) CD’s and more. You can spend hours and hours combing through the massive collection of music in this huge retail store. Browse the famous $1 bins, and the used section, there is sure to be hidden gem or two. If you are lucky you can enjoy a free live music performance in the store, from local artists and special guests. See the Website link above for events, purchases and more information.

We hope this San Francisco Travel Blog article, ‘San Francisco Activities: Best Free or Cheap Things to do in San Francisco’ has helped you in planning your time in the city to include more fun this to do that will not bust your wallet.

Visit our San Francisco Visitor’s Guide for more recommendations for all there is to do, see and experience when visiting San Francisco.

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