Five MORE Free Things to do in San Francisco
With all the activities in San Francisco, it’s easy to find something to do on any day of the week, whether you are a local or a tourist. There are a variety of art museums, sporting events, and musical concerts held every weekend in the Bay Area. Here are five free things to do, and whether you are single, a family, or heading out on your first date you’re sure to have a great time.
Street Art in Clarion Alley
Head to Clarion Alley and see some of the finest (yet temporary) street art in all of San Francisco. Located off of Valencia Street right between 17th and 18th streets, artists create street works, and then the public decides if they stay or go. If it is good enough, it stays put until eventually disappearing from time or the elements, while bad art is typically washed away or painted over. Obviously, the exhibit is always changing.
Fort Point
Explore a bit of history at Fort Point, which is close to the Golden Gate Bridge on Marine Drive. The fort was built in 1861 as a way to protect the city from the Confederate Army. Thankfully for San Francisco, that attack never happened, leaving a beautiful Fort that the public enjoys for free. The Fort was highlighted in Alfred Hitchcock’s famous movie Vertigo, and is seen in other motion pictures. People who do not want to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, can visit the Fort and get some comparable views. It is open every day but Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.
Randall Museum
Experience the nature of California at the Randall Museum near Corona Heights Park at 199 Museum Way. This free museum is set atop a 520-foot elevation with amazing views of San Francisco. Children and adults alike will enjoy their live-animal exhibits and other educational, yet fun, activities that teach people a love of nature. See great exhibits such as: Riding The Rails, Living with a Restless Earth, Creativity & Discovery Hand In Hand, Windswept, Healthy Oceans. While the museum is free, they accept donations.
Literature Readings at City Lights
City Lights bookstore is one of the oldest, most respected independent book stores in the entire United States. They host poetry and book readings from traveling authors and local authors alike. It is a pit-stop for famous authors and up-and-coming writers alike. City Lights and was founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who is a former poet laureate of San Francisco. The bookstore is located at 261 Columbus Avenue, fittingly close to Jack Kerouac Alley.
Pier 39 Sea Lions
From January to July, people can head to Pier 39 on the bay and watch the wild sea lions. These charismatic creatures can be seen playing, eating, or simply sunbathing and taking a nap. They have been visiting the pier since 1990, and over 1000 of these animals can be seen.