With water on three sides, San Francisco lives up to its nickname of the ‘City by the Bay’. If you plan on visiting the west coast of the United States, you simply have to visit this wonderful city.
San Francisco is an iconic metropolis and despite its tiny size at the end of a California peninsula, there are so many wonders packed into the busy streets that you’ll want to come back again and again and again.
And although San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in North America, many of the best tourist attractions won’t cost you a single dollar.
Here we share our top five free things to tick off your San Francisco bucket list while you’re there.
1. Golden Gate Park
It’s even bigger than New York’s Central Park and crammed full of hidden gems. Start your tour from the city’s hip Haight-Ashbury, one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in San Francisco and the birthplace of Bens and Jerrys Ice Cream. Here you’ll find lots of music shops, bars, thrift shops and more.
In Golden Gate Park you could also visit the Kew-inspired Conservatory of Flowers, the culture-sharing Japanese Tea Gardens, you’ll even find an island on a lake at the park’s centre. As the Polo Field, former home of the San Francisco 49’ers, comes into view you’ll still have a third of the park to go!
30 minutes later and the towering Dutch and Murphy Windmills will welcome you to Ocean Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
2. Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge
Everybody knows the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Watch out for cyclists as you make your way north via the rumbling sidewalk to the amazing Vista Point. Aptly named, Vista Point provides epic views back towards the modern-day wonder of the world that is the Golden Gate Bridge. The best side to walk is on the east so you can take in the views of Alcatraz, the city skyline, and the beautiful bay… when there isn’t sea fog rolling of course!
3. Land’s End Trail
Don’t let San Francisco’s famous hills trick you, walking is one of the best things to do in this city. The Land’s End Trail takes you along the city’s north-westernmost corner. Here you’ll pass through clifftop woodland that offers spectacular views of San Francisco’s famous bridge, the bay and the boats coming in from the Pacific Ocean. We recommend walking at sunset for amazing colours on the beautiful water.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
There’s a reason this spot is so famous. It’s a mecca for food lovers. Whether it’s ice cream, chocolate or seafood you’re after, you’ll find it all here. Follow the smell of sea lions (ok, that part’s not so delicious) and you’ll find yourself at Pier 39, a haven for the best tacky souvenirs money can buy! A walk further down the Embarcadero will take you to the city’s amazing Ferry Building. This stunning building was once where immigrants disembarked after long journeys across oceans; now it’s home to a brilliant farmers market.
5. Alamo Square
Right in the middle of the city, Alamo Square is raised above the streets surrounding it and offers amazing views of the city skyline. You’ll be able to pick out City Hall, the Transamerica Pyramid and many more iconic buildings from this quiet spot. Right across the street you’ll also spot the Painted Ladies, famous old Victorian houses painted in the brightest of colours. Take a short walk north up Steiner Street and you’ll come face to face with another famous house, the one from Mrs Doubtfire!
San Francisco is one of the best places to visit in the USA for the first time. This city is vibrant, trendy and there are so many things to do here. The hard part will be having to leave!
