5 Free Things 2 Do in SF

San Francisco has so much to offer that sometimes it can be overwhelming to plan your next visit. And while there are dozens of attractions to visit sometimes you just want to check out the sites that come without an admission fee. Here is our list of the best free attractions to visit in San Francisco.

The Palace of Fine Arts
It’s over 100 years old but it may as well be a thousand years old and from another planet — the Palace of FIne Arts is iconic and beautiful, with Latin inscriptions adorning its walls and swans lounging in its lagoon. Its various walkways are well worth a wander if you’re in SF. It was originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition to house art exhibits, and, as you can see above, it’s a work of art itself.

Baker Beach
Chances are you’ve seen Baker Beach on a postcard with the glow of a West Coast sunset glittering off the sand and waves, the Golden Gate Bridge radiant in the background. Stop by for a relaxing walk or picnic and take in panoramic views of the bridge and the ocean. Make your own postcards.

The California Coastal Trail
While you’re at Baker Beach, you can check out the California Coastal Trail. It’s 1,200 miles long, but don’t worry! You don’t have to do all of it.

You can hop on the trail near Baker Beach and walk about 2.7 miles through the Presidio. Along the way you’ll see rocky coastal bluffs, great ocean views, and your reward at the end is the Golden Gate Bridge itself.

Sea Lions at Pier 39
There’s a lot to see and do at Pier 39 — it’s basically an outdoor shopping mall. But malls aren’t full of free things, and we promised you free things! Well, here you go: check our Pier 39’s famous sea lions. Listen, nobody planned this. The sea lions — up to 1300 of them — just showed up. And because California Law gives marine mammals the right of way, the sea lions basically takeover entire docks and do as they please. But they won’t take your money.

Fort Point
Like many historic military fortifications, Fort Point is now filled with sightseers and cameras instead of soldiers and cannons. It was built during the Gold Rush to protect the Bay against foreign invasion. But now it’s a park. Guided tours are free!

Need a great home base while visiting these great free San Francisco attractions? We know a place.