Millions of tourists and residents recognize that San Francisco has a flavor all its own. Situated on the bay, with Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, oceans and parks and shopping and fashion and art--well, there is no shortage of fun, pleasure or new horizons in San Francisco. The best part is--much of it is cheap, or even free.
Parks
With a unique mixture of nature and history--and a flavor all San Francisco's own--the cities parks are free. Watch the fog roll in from Top of Quarry Hill, where "the cascade of surging fog" breaks through "the only opening in the coastal range for hundreds of miles," as Carnaval notes. Golden Gate Park offers Strybing Arboretum and other nature exhibits. Fort Point, below the Golden Gate Bridge, is a historic army defense built in the 1850s to block hostile fleets from entering San Francisco Bay; also totally free, it's ideal to visit after a stroll across the bridge.
Culture
San Francisco is steeped in culture. The Chinese Culture Center offers a continuous array of activities and exhibits; from art to parades and even classes, the Center allows you to get involved, for free. Grace Cathedral, on Nob Hill, is not only a Gothic beauty and a historic landmark, but a popular, if eclectic, church. Fort Mason, a former military base located in Golden Gate Park, offers a wide range of activities in the visual and performing arts, ecology and recreation. Stop in to see what is happening--it's free.
Unusual Treasures
From walking tours up and down San Francisco's streets to unusual staircases carrying you up and down the hills, San Francisco has stunning views and unusual treasures waiting to be discovered. Take a 90-minute tour of Anchor Brewing Company, or watch the sea lions cavort and play at Fisherman's Wharf. Wander over to the Cal Sailing Club Sunday afternoons to enjoy a free sailboat ride, with all-you-can-eat BBQ at the end of the day--a $5 suggested donation for the food.
Museums
Visiting museums in San Francisco "is an integral part of enjoying everything that this vibrant and bustling city has to offer you," notes SF Boater. The National Maritime Museum explores San Francisco's maritime past, while the Cable Car Museum highlights the quaint history of cable cars--both for free. Mission Dolores is a school, a church, and a historic walk in the past; founded in 1776, the Mission is "both the oldest original intact Mission in California and the oldest building in San Francisco," according to the website. The Mission is free--but a $2 donation is expected.
"The Bridge"
Probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in America, the Golden Gate Bridge is central to life in San Francisco--so how can any exploration of the city be complete without it. In addition to the park, the Bridge also offers the ultimate experience--walking the length of the bridge. Both bikes and feet are welcome to cross for free; cars, however, cost $6 as of 2010.
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