FREE Things to do in San Francisco with Kids

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in USA and it can get even more expensive if you are travelling with kids and don’t have a proper plan. We visited SFO with our 1 year old son and trust me, we all had a lot of fun without even getting tired.So here’s the list of FREE things we did during our visit to San Francisco.

1.Golden Gate Bridge :

If you are visiting SFO then there is no way you can miss this beauty even if it costs you few bucks . But luckily you can watch marine life, stroll or can stay on the bridge for an entire day without even paying a penny. Yes, just go enjoy walking along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which is totally stroller friendly  but  don’t forget to bring your jackets even if its Summer because It can get quite windy and chilly on the bridge.

2. Palace of Fine Arts :

As the name itself says, it’s truly a ‘Palace’ of Fine Arts. This place is absolutely jaw dropping with it’s Gorgeous architecture surrounded by a lake full of turtles, swans, and ducks. There are also tons of benches for you to sit, relax, maybe even have a picnic. The best thing about this place is, it’s full of greenery and fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

3. Lombard Street :

San Francisco is a hilly area and Lombard street is one of the steepest streets in the city with eight sharp hairpin turns.Though some people find it challenging driving on Lombard street but I would recommend walking to the top of the street as that spot overlooks the city which gives you great views of downtown and the east bay.

 

4.Painted Ladies :

These are Victorian and Edwardian houses where buildings are painted in three or more colors that enhance their architectural details. Painted ladies is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco with a jaw-dropping backdrop. There is a huge picnic spot and a play area for kids to have fun while you enjoy the views of the city.

5.Union Square :

It’s an High end shopping district where you can find almost  everything you want or you can just sit here for hours and watch the live entertainment as there is tons of seating available.You can also find San Francisco’s hearts here which are cool for a photo op.

 

6.Dragons Gate :

Dragons gate is the entrance for the china town. The architecture of this gate makes a perfect photo op.

7.China town :

I always love visiting China towns and love their lively atmosphere. Walking under the lanterns , tasting their authentic Chinese food , exploring their culture and shopping at it’s cheapest price you can ever find in USA will make you feel like you are in China

8.Embarcadero :

Embarcadero is a 3 mile roadway with waterfront and from which piers extend into the bay. It has Ferry Building Market place, Pier 35 (from where cruises depart), Pier 39 (the most visited place in SFO) and the Fisherman’s wharf. There are tons Food and clothing stalls and  activities going on here. One can easily spend an entire day strolling.

9.Fisherman’s Wharf :

There’s plenty to see & Plenty to do here with many stores to Shop for less, sizzling Sea Foods to try, Free Exhibits, Paid Museums, Street performances, Artists , Breathtaking views of the bay bridge , Alcatraz ,Ocean and Sea lions will make a perfect place to relax or for a photo opp. Don’t forget to take a selfie at the Historic Crab Sign before you leave 

 

10.Pier 39 :

Pier 39 is the second most visited place in San Francisco after the Golden Gate Bridge . Besides it’s live performances, Food and Shopping , it has alot of activities for kids from Merry go round to Aquarium . The coolest part was ‘The Musical Stairs’ – presented by Artist Remo Saraceni . You can Actually create your own music while you walk up and down the stairs which is something I have never experienced.

 

11.Cupid Span :

This is also one of the best place for photo ops in SFO . It’s a giant contemporary sculpture depicting Cupid’s bow, situated on a lawn with bay & city views. It also has a place where you can sit and have a picnic or just stroll around the area.

 

12.Tiled Steps :

It’s so satisfying to watch a beautiful art on the stairs and click some pictures. It’s tourists place with lots of people waiting for their turn to take picture. Once you go at the top you enter in to Grand view park which has amazing views of Sunset, Ocean beach, and the Marin Head lands.

 

13.Mural street :

If you are a Art Lover, then this is a must visit place for you. There are hundreds of walls and fences which are adorned with colorful works of art with vibrant colors which are best for photo ops.

14.Twin Peaks : 

It’s bit of a hike but gets really easy if you have a car. Up there you have a great view of the city  and you’ll likely see a bunch of people around but everyone is generally really nice and willing to help take pictures. Definitely a place to put on the list while in town.

 

15.Japanese tea garden :

This place actually made me feel like am in japan with  full of Fancy bridges, koi ponds, statues and towers and lots of beautiful flowers. Great place to walk and take pictures .

 

16.Crissy field :

Crissy Field is a part of Golden Gate recreation Area with a beautiful view of ocean and Golden Gate bridge . It has a grass to setup a picnic or to do a photoshoot.

17.Point Bonita Light House :

As soon as you exit the golden gate bridge you will find Point Bonita lighthouse on your right. You will have to walk through a small cave to reach the lighthouse which has some gorgeous views of Ocean, Bay bridge and the city skyline from a different angle.

 

18.Lands end :

It’s the most amazing hiking trail in the city with Ocean beach, Sutro baths and Labyrinth. We started at the Sutro baths ruins and made our way down to the walkway that leads to the cave , from there we had a spectacular scenic ocean trail and ended up at Labyrinth.

19.SFO City Hall :

It is a historical building located in the heart of SFO. Visiting this place was a magical experience. We went on a weekend and it was not much crowded. While we were there, we saw some marriages and wedding photoshoots happening and people dancing to the music which was so good to watch. Later i learnt that it is one of the top 10 beautiful halls for weddings in the USA.

 

20.Muir Woods :

It’s a part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area with giant coastal redwood trees which are awe-inspiring.This place is perfect for a nature lover to have a relaxing day far from hustle and bustle of the city. The admission fee is 10$ per adult and If you are visiting before 9 am then it’s free. The parking is very limited and so as of 2018 this park will be the only national parks to require a reservation to visit. So I would recommend checking for availability before you visit.

 

 

21.Yerba buena gardens : 

These are some beautiful gardens in the middle of the city where you can just come and relax or have a picnic. It’s opposite to St. Patrick’s church .There’s a play area for kids and a nice waterfall where you can walk under.