Is it not exhilarating and absolutely relaxing to know that one can enjoy San Francisco without the worry and hassle that comes with, “Do I have enough money”? Kick back, ease the mind, and gaze upon the free admission list below.
Free things to do in San Francisco #1. Musee Mechanique
Pier 45 at the end of Taylor Street.
Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-8 pm, Holidays 10 am-8 pm.
Be a kid and enjoy watching the antique arcade machines, animations, and mechanically operated musical instruments. “Laffing Sal,” (built in the early 1930s) will greet you with her contagious laughter. Escape the high tech world and surround yourself within a wonderful funhouse.
Free things to do in San Francisco #2. San Francisco Railway Museum
77 Steuart Street F-line stop, south of Ferry Plaza.
Tues – Sun open 10 am – 6 pm, closed Mondays.
One can applaud and appreciate San Francisco’s historic cable cars and streetcars. Hop aboard a 1911 streetcar replica and check out the controls. Gain information from the illustrative displays, archival photography, and the audio-visual exhibits.
Free things to do in San Francisco #3. Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center
San Francisco Maritime Museum
Corner of Hyde and Jefferson Street.
September – May, 9:30 am – 5 pm, June, July, August, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Explore the hands on exhibits and watch videos showing San Francisco’s maritime history. Obtain the self-guided tour pamphlet and stroll along the Aquatic waterfront once known as Black Point Cove. Otherwise, head over to the foot of Hyde Street and observe historic sailing and steam-powered ships.
Free things to do in San Francisco #4. Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park
1,017 acres (3 miles long by ½ mile wide) This fabulous park starts at Stanyan and on up to the Great Highway (along the Pacific Coast). Queen Wilhelmina’s Windmill is near the ocean side, while the bison (6 six-month old females and 3 older females) are grazing in their pasture farther east off John F Kennedy Jr. Drive.
Have a carefree stroll on Saturdays and Sundays (from April through September) on John F. Kennedy Drive between Tea Garden Drive (near 8th Ave.) and Transverse Drive. No need to look nervously over your shoulder for the road is closed to vehicles. If you wish to speed up the pace, run on the multitude of dirt trails throughout the park.
Free things to do in San Francisco #5. Free concerts – Spreckles Temple of Music.
Golden Gate Park – between the De Young Museum & the Academy of Arts.
Sundays usually at 1 pm April through October.
The park orchestra, in its 129th season, provides a showcase of entertainment. Groove to jazz, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Irish, Spanish, and John Philip Sousa patriotic music. Also, who would have thought, even enchanting music inspired by witches.
The Stern Grove Festival – Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. Performing arts series June through August . Past performances included Cuban salsa to the San Francisco Ballet with classical music to reggae and rhythm and blues. The festival celebrates 75 years this year for their upbeat and passionate music.
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park (now known as Hellman Hollow). October 5, 6, 7 2012. Warren Hellman will forever be remembered for his philanthropy and love for San Francisco. His annual hoedown (financially supported by him and free to the public) will go on. This last fall 600,000 enjoyed the American roots music from 90 musical acts on 6 stages.
Free things to do in San Francisco #6. Lindy in the Park
Swinging dance party – south sidewalk of John F. Kennedy Drive, between the De Young Museum and the north entrance to the Music Concourse. Sundays 11am to 2 pm – weather permitting.
Multiple volunteer DJs get your heart pumping and your feet jumping.
Free things to do in San Francisco #7. A Golden Gate Bridge Stroll
Golden Gate Bridge
Open to pedestrians from 5 am to 6 pm PST and 5 am to 9 pm during daylight savings time.
Whether walking the entire 1.7 mile bridge or a shorter distance, it is a life time experience. Very few bridges in the world, allow a person to enjoy its strength and beauty up close and personal at one’s own pace. The year 2012 celebrates the bridge’s 75th anniversary with improvements to the visitor center, trails and new viewing areas by late spring.
Free things to do in San Francisco #8. Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street
October 1 through March 31 10 am – 5 pm, April 1 through September 30 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter Sunday.
Located in the historic cable car barn and powerhouse, one is intrigued by the gigantic wheels and engines that pull the cables for the cable cars. Delight in seeing 3 antique cable cars from the 1870s and one can even buy a modern cable car bell from the gift shop. A variety of exhibits, historic photographs, and memorabilia describe the love for San Francisco’s moving landmark.
Free things to do in San Francisco #9. Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
October 1 through February 28 – 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily – March 1 through September 30 – 10 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Atop Telegraph Hill is an historic art deco tower built in 1933 with funds from Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify San Francisco. Inside fresco murals will capture your eyes portraying the Great Depression, busy city life, and countryside farms. Wonderful views from Telegraph Hill itself and Pioneer Park (surrounding the tower) will take one’s breath away.
Free things to do in San Francisco #10. Wells Fargo History Museum
420 Montgomery Street between Sacramento and California.
Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Touch and admire the authentic Wells Fargo stagecoach on display. Hide out among Black Bart’s memorabilia for his favorite past time was robbing the stagecoaches. You may even end up with gold fever. Gold Rush era stories and displays of gold dust may entice you to succumb to the love of gold.
Walk, run, bike on over to the free admission sites! Receive total contentment that in this day and age, one can still enjoy the freedom that comes from not having to open up your wallet.
