San Francisco can be an expensive city to visit and live in, but there are plenty of fun things to do on a budget. Museums and zoos have free days once a month here and some of the best attractions are completely free every day. There's always something to do in San Francisco, even if you don't have a cent to spare.
The majority of museums in San Francisco have free admission on the first Tuesday of every month. Included on this great discount day are the Museum of Modern Art, Asian Art Museum, de Young Museum and Legion of Honor.
Additionally, the San Francisco Cable Car Museum and San Francisco Railway Museum are free all the time.
Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd St
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 357-4000
www.sfmoma.org
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 581-3600
www.asianart.org
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA
(415) 863-3330
www.famsf.org
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121-1677
(415) 750-3600
www.famsf.org
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 474-1887
www.cablecarmuseum.org
San Francisco Railway Museum
77 Steuart St
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 974-1948
www.streetcar.org
The sea lions at Pier 39 are a favorite attraction of tourists and locals alike. While most of the stores and restaurants in this area can be rather expensive, there is no admission to the Pier itself and the sea lions are always around, relaxing and playing on the docks.
Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 981-7437
www.pier39.com
The Land's End Trail is a little-known secret in San Francisco filled with stunning views of The Golden Gate Bridge and some of the best natural flora and fauna the city has to offer. Hike down the cedar-lined trails and explore the beautiful rocky beach filled with tide pools.
Land's End Trail
1041 Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Chinatown is one of the most famous attractions in San Francisco and there are plenty of sights and sounds to examine without ever spending a dime. The markets and shops are fun to explore, even if you don't actually buy any thing and the smells of the many restaurants make the entire area a full-sensory experience.
China Town Gates
Grant Street At Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
The San Francisco Zoo is free on the first Wednesday of each month, stop by and see lions, tigers, bears, along with the occasional famously gay penguin. The zoo is one of the best in the country, so don't miss the opportunity to experience this great attraction.
San Francisco Zoo
1 Zoo Rd
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 753-7080
www.sfzoo.org
