Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
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The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA)
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. The Embarcadero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 924 reviews
Major street in the port area of San Francisco that has become a bustling area of shops, businesses and sightseeing attractions.
Reviewed By TV2451
We enjoyed a long drive along the Embarcadero on a Sunday and noticed the numbers of people enjoying their strolls at a safe distance. On a sunny day this is one of the best places in San Francisco for a walk. Lots to see and enjoy, the waterfront, the piers, the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge.
2. Ferry Building Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,363 reviews
A city landmark transformed into a gourmet food emporium and farmers market.
Reviewed By shelleyc398
The Ferry Building has a wide array of attractions: wonderful restaurants like Slanted Door and Boulettes Larder, great food from top of the line local purveyors like Cowgirl Creamery and Acme Bread, shops with all manner of goods, and a fantastic Saturday market with San Francisco’s unique spin, whether high end oils and preserves or hot foods from stands owned by local restaurants. A great venue with a mix of locals and tourists.
3. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,419 reviews
Designed to look like a Roman ruin, this golden building is certainly a beauty to behold.
Reviewed By Bad_Seed4 - Canberra, Australia
I did not know about this place, my hotel was in the area and we were having an evening stroll and came across it and its the place for your IG or family shots While we were there in the twilight, there was a group taking wedding photos and another group all dressed u in their finery taking family shots. Evening is a good time because its less crowded, I can imagine taking photos would be trickier in the daytime because of more people. Its just beautiful. Its a lovely place to wander and take in the architecture and sit and contemplate (and take photos!)
4. Musee Mecanique
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,871 reviews
This superb collection of mechanical games and toys will entice people of all ages.
Reviewed By JameAndDare - Woodstock, Canada
After having happy hour drinks at the restaurant across the street from this museum, we wandered in and ended up spending over an hour in here! Its free to get in and open until 8pm on weekends, although I'm pretty sure we were here til about 8:30. This place is amazing with a wide range of old arcade games from cheesy old games that show some sort of scenario, to strength games, ski ball, common video games, love tests and our favorite; The Gypsy Queen fortunteller! Bring AT LEAST a roll of quarters, if not more. They go quickly and it was so much fun. We felt like little kids again!
5. Golden Gate Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49,332 reviews
Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco.
Reviewed By SandeeHoff - Villas, United States
Crossed this iconic bridge and wish I had time to walk or bike over it, simply put it an amazing bit of history and is phenomenal engineering. Lives up to all photos I've seen, if time and health allow I'd get out of car and experience it!
6. Cable Car Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,702 reviews
A museum to San Francisco's beloved cable cars, with a subterranean walkway that lets you see the moving cable.
Reviewed By Mratch - Belmont, United States
Great way to learn how the cable cars work - can see all in 30 minutes, free and makes you appreciate those cable cars!
7. Twin Peaks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,381 reviews
A twenty-minute ride from downtown, this is the best place to catch a San Francisco sunrise.
Reviewed By kidic
This is a must do. While its a bit of a drive, the views from this area are spectacular. It gets pretty crowded so plan on parking below and walking up (which isn't that bad of a hike). Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket as it gets really cold and windy.
8. Lombard Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,150 reviews
Known as the "crookedest" street in the world, the steep hills and sharp curves of this one-way road pass by grand Victorian mansions and attract millions of tourists each year.
Reviewed By 17celian - Melbourne, Australia
we caught the cable car to the top of Lombard street, we absolutely loved the weave road and how beautifully it is maintained with all the gorgeous flower's, there was certainly alot of tourist there, some even were blocking the road to take pictures which was annoying for the drivers at the bottom. a lovely couple took our picture:). must be annoying for the neighbors that live on the street. but a great place to go see
9. San Francisco Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,325 reviews
Offers hiking and biking along its shores, paddling and sailing on top of its surface, and bird-watching and exploring among its wetlands.
Reviewed By SaffronLH
Visited twice over my trip. Enjoyed a cable car ride down, wander along the waterside, fantastic views, spotted a sea lion, walked up the piers, took in the atmosphere in the sun. Loved it
10. Grace Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,324 reviews
Grace Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal tradition courageously embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed, where beliefs are put into action and where people are encouraged to seek God and progress on their own spiritual journeys. The cathedral itself, a renowned San Francisco landmark, serves as a magnet, where diverse people gather to worship, celebrate, seek solace, converse and learn.Famed as a destination for visitors from all over the world, the cathedral is known for its striking architecture, stained glass, singular collection of art, and Interfaith AIDS Memorial Chapel.
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States
A Lovely, and Iconic Cathedral In August, while staying on Nob Hill, I took the opportunity to explore Grace Cathedral, a block and a half from our hotel. I had admired the structure from afar, on many occasions, but had never actually visited, so on this lovely Summer day, I changed that, and am glad that I did. I first admired the architecture from Huntington Park, just across Taylor St, from Grace Cathedral, and a vantage point, that gave me a great view of the imposing structure. Then, I crossed over California St, to see it from an angle - just as imposing. Finally, I took the time to explore it some, from both inside, and out. What a magnificent cathedral. This structure was built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but in a style, that goes back a century, to French Gothic, and aspects of several cathedrals in France, can be seen, including buildings in Paris, and Chartres. Much of the French Gothic carries over to the interiors, as well. While lovely, the interiors were a bit austere, based on the ornate exterior facade - lovely, but just not as imposing. The Boys’ School, is attached, across a wide courtyard, but I did not explore its interior. The one regret is that I did not take a guided tour of Grace Cathedral, but hope to, on another visit, later in the year. If one did do such a tour, I would allocate at least three hours (I spent two, looking at the exterior and the interiors sections open).
