We’ve found so many free things to do in San Francisco that your big family might have to extend your vacation an extra day or two.
49 Mile Scenic Drive – this designated scenic road tour was created in 1938 by the Downtown Association to promote it as a tourist destination. Today it includes many of the beautiful and historic sights of San Francisco. Just follow the seagull 49 mile scenic route signs.
Alamo Square – Do those painted ladies look familiar? While this famous park was established in 1857, it might be best recognized from the show “Full House”
Alta Plaza Park – a great way to let the kids run off some energy while you enjoy panoramic views of the city and Bay.
Asian Art Museum – Courtesy of Target, general museum admission is free every first Sunday of the month. Additional entrance fees apply to special exhibitions.
Bay Area Discovery Museum – free on the first Wednesday of each month
Bernal Heights Park – great location to take in all of San Francisco’s beauty
Cable Car Museum – Learn about the inventor, technologies, builders, rapid expansion, near loss and the ongoing efforts to save and rebuild the cable cars of San Francisco.
California Academy of Sciences – The Academy is free to everyone on selected Sundays throughout the year
Cartoon Art Museum – The first Tuesday of every calendar month is “Pay What You Wish Day.”
Chinatown – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America
Crissy Field – a former military airfield transformed into a gorgeous park to walk or bike on a flat, hard-packed promenade with iconic views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Exploratorium – select free days throughout the year
Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center
Ferry Building Marketplace – shop, dine or take in a walking tour
Fort Point – protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War.
Ghirardelli Square – landmark with shops and restaurants in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. A portion of the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Golden Gate Bridge – free to view and walk across, but there is a toll to drive across
Golden Gate Park – over a thousand acres of gardens, playgrounds, lakes, picnic groves, trails, and monuments, plus an array of cultural venues, events, and activities.
Palace of Fine Arts – originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition
San Francisco Fire Department Museum
San Francisco Walking Tours – regularly scheduled tours lead by volunteers
Sea Lions at Pier 39 – take a break from shopping and dining at Pier 39 to watch the sea lions
Find your big family a hotel in San Francisco at SixSuitcaseTravel
Has your family been to San Francisco? Did we miss any free activities?
