Free Events  

& Places to Go in San Francisco

Enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking your piggy bank. Here is a list of free events, green spaces, beaches, activities, local festivals and museums you can enjoy, all with little or no money. 
 

GETTING THERE:
Before getting started, please check out 511.org for trip planner, schedules and fares for public transit for San Francisco, East Bay and South Bay Area.  Make sure you leave enough time in your travel for late buses and other events that may delay your trip.

Cal Train
Regional Transit: city to city.
(800) 660.4287
http://www.caltrain.com

San Francisco Muni
Local Transit: bus lines & subways.
(415) 673.6864
http://www.sfmuni.com

B.A.R.T. (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Train to SF, Fremont, Millbrae SFO, Richmond, Oakland, Berkeley, Pittsburg/Bay Point.
(510) 464.6000
http://www.bart.gov

Golden Gate Transit
Regional Transit: bus lines & ferries
(415) 923.2000
http://www.goldengatetransit.org

AC Transit
Alameda & Contra Costa Counties (SF to East Bay, SF to South Bay)
(510) 817.1717
http://www.actransit.org

SamTrans
San Mateo County
(800) 660.4287
http://www.samtrans.org

74X-CultureBus
http://www.sfculturebus.org
Looking to explore San Francisco arts and culture? Then take your imagination for a ride aboard the San Francisco Muni's new 74X-CultureBus. Grab your roommate or your relatives visiting from out of town and see the sights.  The Culture Bus roves the city from museum to landmark to tea garden, every day.  Pay the fare, ride all day, and you’re set.  From downtown the 74X-CultureBus stops at Howard and New Montgomery, 3rd Street and Minna, Geary and Powell, McAllister and Larkin, and on Music Concourse Drive, right in front of the Academy of Sciences & the de Young. The Culture Bus runs every 20 minutes starting at 8:40 a.m. at Howard & New Montgomery (right outside 180 NM!).  Fare is $3 - $7.   Just look for the big yellow CultureBus and get on board!

MUSEUMS & MORE:

The Academy of Sciences
Free third Wednesday of each month.
55 Music Concourse Dr., SF CA 94118
Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
(415) 379.8000
http://www.calacademy.org
It's as if the new Academy brings the whole universe under one roof - an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and more! The 412,000 square foot structure is not only physically impressive, but it just may be the greenest museum on the planet, with a 2 1⁄2 acre Living Roof, an expansive solar canopy, an extensive water reclamation system, and walls insulated with recycled blue jeans.

Asian Art Museum
Free first Sunday of each month
200 Larkin Street (between Fulton and McAllister Streets) SF, CA 94102
Tuesday - Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Monday Closed
http://www.asianart.org
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian Art, with a collection of over 17,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum is a public institution whose mission is to lead a diverse global audience in discovering the unique material, aesthetic, and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.

Berkeley Art Museum
Free first Thursday of each month.
2626 Bancroft Way (Between College and Telegraph), Berkeley, CA 94720
Wednesday - Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
(510) 642-0808
http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
The UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is the visual arts center of the University of California, Berkeley. Through art and film programs, collections and research resources, we aspire to be locally connected and globally relevant, engaging audiences from the campus, community, and beyond.

Cable Car Museum
Free admission.
1201 Mason Street at Washington Street, SF 94108
Monday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
(415) 474-1887
http://www.cablecarmuseum.org
Houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs, mechanical displays and gift shop run by the Friends of the Cable Car Museum - a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of cable car history.

de Young Museum
Free first Tuesday of each month
Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 am to 5:15 pm
Monday Closed
415.750.3600
http://www.famsf.org/deyoung
Founded in 1895 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a cherished destination for millions of residents and visitors to the region for over 100 years.

Exploratorium
Free first Wednesday of each month
10 am to 5 pm
3601 Lyon Street at Palace of Fine Arts
http://www.exploratorium.edu
The Exploratorium is an experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity—regardless of your age or familiarity with science. There are hundreds of exhibits to touch, pick up, and tinker with. Your curiosity can be your compass to endless discoveries!

Museo Italo Americano
Free admission
Museo hours:
Tuesdays through Sundays 12-4pm
Mondays by appt.
99 Marina Blvd Building C
http://www.museoitaloamericano.org/
The Museo ItaloAmericano is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to Italian and Italian-American art and culture.

Museum of the African Diaspora
Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
685 Mission Street (at Third) SF, California 94105
(415)358.7200
http://www.moadsf.org
Drawing from the collections of museums, institutes, organizations, universities and private citizens, MoAD is a collector of stories—a repository of information to be shared with all who wish to know about the African Diaspora.

Oakland Museum of California
Free the second Sunday of each month
1000 Oak Street at 10th Street, Oakland 94607 (one block southeast of the Lake Merrit Bart station)
Wednesday through Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday Noon - 5 pm
Monday - Tuesday Closed
(510) 238-2200
http://www.museumca.org/
The Oakland Museum of California provides unique collections, exhibitions and educational opportunities designed to generate a broader and deeper understanding of and interest in California's environment, history, art and people. Museum programs are responsive, accessible and meaningful to the public, including school children, teachers, scholars, the immediate Oakland community, and an increasingly diverse California population.

Palace of the Legion Of Honor
Free the first Tuesday of each month
9:30 am to 5:15 pm
Clement St and 34th Ave
http://www.famsf.org/legion
The Legion of Honor, San Francisco's most beautiful museum, displays an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Free to AAU students with I.D. / Free first Tuesday of each month.
151 3rd St. (between Mission & Howard)
Monday -Tuesday 11 am - 5:45 pm
Wednesdays Closed
Thursday 11 am - 8:45 pm
Friday - Sunday 11 am - 5:45 pm
(415) 357-4000
http://www.sfmoma.org/
Founded in 1935, SFMOMA was the first museum on the West Coast devoted to modern and contemporary art. From the outset, the museum has championed the most innovative and challenging art of its time, and we continue to exhibit and collect work by both modern masters and younger, less-established artists.

SF Zoo
Free to SF residents on first Wednesday of each month(please see website for details).
Open daily 365 days a year (will be closed on Christmas)
1 Zoo Road, SF, CA 94132
10 am - 5 pm
(415) 753-7080
http://www.sfzoo.org
The San Francisco Zoo connects people with wildlife, inspiring caring for nature and advancing conservation action.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum
Free on Sunday, April 26, 2009
736 Mission Street (between Third and Fourth streets) SF, CA 94103
(415) 655-7800
Open daily (except Wednesday) 11 am - 5:30 pm
Thursday 1 pm - 8:30 pm
http://www.thecjm.org
Since its founding in 1984, the Contemporary Jewish Museum has engaged audiences of all ages and backgrounds through dynamic exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. Throughout its history, the Museum has distinguished itself as a welcoming place where visitors can connect with one another through dialogue and shared experiences with the arts.

GREEN SPACES

Arboretum / Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park
Free to enjoy
Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday - Sunday & Holidays 10 am - 5 pm
(415) 661-1316
http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
55 acres of land stretch across San Francisco, laying out the foundation for a symphony of plants, flowers, and trees to share the roaring sound of nature with the public. A visit to this magical display of greenery consists of more than 7,500 varieties of flora from across the globe. As a result, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind on the West Coast.
The San Francisco Botanical Garden is situated about the Golden Gate Park with a main entrance found on Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way. When coming from the Japanese Tea Garden, this attraction may also be reached through the Friend’s Gate.

Crissy Fields
Crissy Field Center, Café & Bookstore is located at 603 Mason Street, Presidio, SF CA
Monday - Sunday 9 am - 5 pm
(415) 561-7690
Crissy Field Center
Crissy Field is the park area along the northern shoreline of the Presidio of San Francisco. It is southeast of the Golden Gate Bridge between the Palace of Fine Arts and Fort Point. Mason Street runs parallel to Crissy Field.

Golden Gate Park
Always free to everyone.
http://www.golden-gate-park.com
Visit the Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, free year-round outdoor concerts, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, etc..Go explore!

Justin Herman Plaza
Justin Herman Plaza is located at the foot of Market Street at the Embarcadero, just behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It is just across the street from the Ferry Building.

SF PUBLIC PARKS

San Francisco has many beautiful parks scattered throughout its neighborhoods.  Here are some resources to help you locate a park in your area, or if you would like to visit a park.

SF Parks & Recreation
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's Mission is to provide enriching recreational activities, maintain beautiful parks and preserve the environment for the well-being of our diverse community.
Check the website for features, news & events, activities, facilities, announcements & public notices.
SF Parks & Rec website

San Francisco Parks Trust
Dedicated to providing leadership and support for San Francisco
parks, recreation centers, and open spaces.
Map of public parks in San Francisco

Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a neighborhood and public park in San Francisco, California. The neighborhood (sometimes referred to as Mission Terrace, Cayuga, or Ingleside) is located between Mission Street and Interstate 280 north of Geneva Avenue and the park is located on San Jose Avenue, north of Ocean Avenue. Inside of the park there is a public swimming pool, a children's playground, a stadium, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and the Ingleside police station.
Pool: 51 Havelock St
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 337-4701

Dolores Park
Nob Hill / Grace Cathedral
Marina
South Park
Washington Square

URBAN SPACES IN SF

Central YMCA Rooftop Garden
220 Golden Gate Avenue (between Dale Pl & Leavenworth St) SF, CA 94102
(415) 885-0460
http://www.ymcasf.org/

The Embarcadero
The Embarcadero is the eastern waterfront roadway of the Port of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, along San Francisco Bay.  It begins at the intersection of 2nd and King Streets near AT&T Park, and travels north, passing under the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. The Embarcadero continues north past the Ferry Building at Market Street, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39, before ending at Pier 45. A section of The Embarcadero, was known as East Street, which ran between Folsom Street and Drumm Street.

Embarcadero Center and Maritime Plaza
Approach from Sansome Street, between Sacramento and Clay streets. Cross Sansome Street and ascend a regal stone staircase with Roman columns, an arched pergola and a stair-step fountain cascading with water. On your right is the Old Federal Building and your left the Park Hyatt Hotel, The staircase deposits you on Embarcadero Center's Promenade Level. Ahead is the Cinema and beyond that the black metal grid of the Maritime Plaza Building. Follow the walkway left through the Embarcadero Center Building 2 (2EC).

100 First St. Outdoor Terrace
 For a South of Market outdoor terrace, walk down First Street until you come to 100 First St. just across Mission Street. Take the elevator up to the second floor.

Roof garden at Crocker Galleria
Crocker Galleria is located on Post Street between Montgomery and Kearny streets.  Take the escalator to the top floor and follow the sign to the roof garden. Step out onto the rooftop of the Wells Fargo Banking Hall (formerly the Crocker Bank); this lush open space provides a wonderful place for a brown-bag lunch or for take-out food from one of the many nearby restaurants.
Roof Terrace at Crocker Galleria
If you want more solitude than the busy roof garden offers, cross over to the Crocker Galleria's Roof Terrace in the northwest corner on the same level.

343 Sansome St. Roof Garden
Walk along Market Street to Sansome Street, then turn left on Sansome until you're just past Halleck Street, to 343 Sansome. To get to the roof garden, take the elevator to the 15th floor. Step out to a gorgeous view of the Transamerica Pyramid.

Wells Fargo Rooftop Garden
One Market Street at Stuart Street, Stuart Tower, seventh floor. A photo ID is required to obtain a visitor pass at the security desk. Enter on Market Street, between Spear and Stuart

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts & Garden
This beautiful public facility is conveniently located at Fourth and Mission Streets.
http://www.yerbabuenagardens.com/

EXPLORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITES

Cal Sailing Club
Cal Sailing is a non-profit cooperative that owns and operates a fleet of about 23 sailboats from 14 to 26 feet in length, and about 80 windsurfing boards including novice, intermediate, and advanced designs. Located on the south side of the Berkeley Marina, CSC's major activity is teaching sailing and boating safety to its members. The boats are also available to members for recreational sailing, cruising, and racing.
Free sailing on open house, please check website for dates coinciding with high tides, a great opportunity to test the waters.
http://www.cal-sailing.org/

San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club
Free lessons every Wednesday
12 pm
sflb.filesforfriends.com

BIKE RENTALS

Bay City Bike
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s historical Fisherman’s Wharf, Bay City Bike offers self guided and guided bike rental tours.
2661 Taylor Street & 1325 Columbus Ave, Fisherman's Wharf, SF
Open daily at 8 am
(415) 346-BIKE
http://www.baycitybike.com

Blazing Saddles
All rental bikes include maps, helmets, locks, front packs, rear racks and bungee cords for FREE!
Open daily at 8 am
5 Locations:
    1095 Columbus @ Francisco St.
    Pier 41
    Pier 43 1/2
    2715 Hyde St.
    465 Jefferson St. @ Hyde
(415) 202-8888
http://www.blazingsaddles.com

FERRIES

Ferry to Sausalito
Ferry Schedule:
http://www.goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php

Ferry to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Cruises is the official source for tickets to Alcatraz Island.
http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

Ferry to Angel Island
Visit Angel Island State Park, the “Jewel of San Francisco Bay,” by taking the 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Tiburon!
http://www.angelislandferry.com/

BEACHES

Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is the widest and longest expanse of sand on San Francisco’s shores, extending from the Cliff House to Fort Funston along the Pacific Ocean.
Wikipedia article about Ocean Beach
Golden Gate National Parks Visitor Guide for Ocean Beach

Hyde St. Pier
The pier is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Various historical ships are anchored to the pier, some available for self-guided or docent-led tours. Among the ships on display or in storage are the Balclutha, an 1886 square rigged sailing ship, as well as C.A. Thayer, Eureka, Alma, Hercules, Eppleton Hall, and over one hundred smaller craft.
Wikipedia article about Hyde St. Pier
SF Maritime National Historical Park & USS Pampanito at Hyde St. Pier

SEASONAL FESTIVALS & STREET FAIRS
(Please check websites & local papers for current time & locations)

Chinatown Night Market Fair
This is a summer event.
Saturdays
6 pm to 11 pm
Portsmouth Square near Grant at Kearney and Clay Streets
http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/

Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Haight Ashbury Street Fair information 

 North Beach Festival
North Beach Festival information 

 How Weird Street Faire
How Weird Street Faire website 

 Chinese New Years
Chinese New Years in Chinatown

Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo Festival in Mission website

MOVIE THEATRES

Castro
429 Castro Street, at Market Street, SF
(415) 621-6120
http://www.thecastrotheatre.com/


Balboa Theatre
3630 Balboa St. SF, CA 94121
(415) 221-8184
http://balboamovies.com/

Embarcadero Center Cinema
One Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level, SF, CA 94111
 (415) 267-4893
Landmark Theatre at Embarcadero

Kabuki AMC Theatre in Japantown
1881 Post St., SF, CA 94115
(415) 931-9800

Metreon
101 4th St, SF, CA 94103
(415) 369-6201
http://www.amctheatres.com/

Paramount, Oakland
2025 Broadway, Oakland CA
(510) 465-6400
http://www.paramounttheatre.com/

Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley
2575 Bancroft Way, between College & Telegraph, Berkeley CA 94720
(510) 642-1124
http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/filmseries/

Roxie Cinema
3117 16th Street, San Francisco, CA
(415) 863-1087
http://www.roxie.com/

Red Vic
1727 Haight Street, SF, CA 94117
(415) 668-3994
http://www.redvicmoviehouse.com/

Van Ness Opera Plaza Cinema
601 Van Ness Avenue, SF, CA 94102
(415) 267-4893
Landmark Theatres on Van Ness


CONCERTS & THEATRES

San Francisco offers amazing concert venues and live theatre companies, including musicals, dramas, comedies, and experimental productions.

Golden Gate Park Band Concerts
Sundays
1 pm
Music Concourse in front of the de Young Museum

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra
http://www.sfchamberorchestra.org

San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sfsymphony.org/

Shakespeare in the Park
Saturdays and Sundays
Golden Gate Park
7:30 pm
http://www.sfshakes.org

Lindy in the Park
Swing dancing parties every Sunday
11 am to 2 pm
Golden Gate Park
http://www.lindyinthepark.com

Yerba Buena Garden Concerts
Check website for dates
http://www.yerbabuenagardens.com/

Stern Grove Concerts
Free Sundays
2:00 pm
19th Ave. and Sloat Boulevard
Musicians include Allen Toussaint, Voices of Latin Rock, One Hawai’i and the San Francisco Opera
sterngrove.org

FREE EVENTS

For listings of current free art events, please check out:

SF Arts
http://www.sfarts.org

(Thank you to Academy of Art University in San Francisco for organizign the above list.)