Free things to do in San Francisco

Lincoln Park

Lands End Lookout

Waterfront hiking through wildflowers, with shipwreck views & access to the Sutro Baths ruins.

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco Botanical Garden

55 acres of serene gardens showcasing diverse plants from around the world & a magnolia collection.

Mission Dolores

Mission Dolores Park

Locals of all ages gather at this outdoor hot spot for picnics & people-watching.

Central Waterfront

The Midway

Pacific Heights

Lafayette Park

Puppies & picnickers pack this hilltop park, which includes a playground & tennis courts.

Fisherman's Wharf

PIER 39

Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.

Russian Hill

Ina Coolbrith Park

This pint-sized, unassuming tract features a steep path & views of the city & bay.

Western Addition

The Fillmore

Famed '60s counterculture music venue draws crowds for indie & major label acts (capacity: 1,199).

Yerba Buena

111 Minna Gallery and Event Space

SoMa gallery for up-and-coming artists that morphs into an after-hours venue for parties & events.

Alamo Square

Alamo Square Park

Green space with a playground, tennis court & views of the city's iconic painted Victorian houses.

Golden Gate Park

California Academy of Sciences

Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista Park

Verdant, 36-acre park featuring trails, live oak groves, San Francisco city vistas & more.

Mid-Market

International Art Museum of America

Nonprofit gallery showing works including paintings & sculptures created by world-class artists.

Outdoors

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Coastal urban park with historic sites & activities from bicycling to hiking to water sports.

Corona Heights

Corona Heights Park

Bustling, hilly park featuring hiking trails & sweeping, scenic city vistas.

Russian Hill

Francisco Park

Small park at the top of Russian Hill (& former gravesite of Russian sailors) offering city views.

Lincoln Park

Legion of Honor

4,000 years of ancient & European art in a beaux arts building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Yerba Buena

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Contemporary & modern paintings, installations, photographs, media & more in a sleek space.

Presidio of San Francisco

Crissy Field

Grass field & sandy beach offering trails, a restored marsh & picturesque views of the Golden Gate.

Dogpatch

Museum of Craft and Design

Gallery showcasing a variety of contemporary craft & design work with monthly events & a gift shop.

Pacific Heights

Alta Plaza Park

Park with a playground, tennis courts & a grand staircase that leads to panoramic views of the city.

Yerba Buena

Children's Creativity Museum

A place for kids to explore arts & technology by making music videos, animating short films & more.

Northern Waterfront

Exploratorium

Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles.

Central Waterfront

Crane Cove Park

Reclaimed area in a former shipyard, with a small beach for water sports & views of passing boats.