San Francisco city is well known for a reason with its beautiful architecture, food culture, and breathtaking views. However, visiting the city can get expensive and sometimes we just want to have a good time without having to break the bank. From picnicking in front of the Painted Ladies to learning about cable cars at the museum, there are plenty of free activities that you can enjoy in San Francisco so grab your comfortable shoes and let’s dive into the top three free things to do in San Francisco.

1. Picnic Across the Painted Ladies

The Alamo Square Park is the perfect place to have a picnic, read a book, walk your dog or hangout in the grass while taking in the views. It’s home to the well known Painted Ladies, a row of colorful charming Victorian Homes that was featured in the hit 90s TV show Full House. The park is on a slight hill providing unobstructed views of city skyline in the backdrop. Its breathtaking scenery makes it an ideal place to hang out with your friends or have a relaxing solo time.

2. Visit the Fort Point

If you’re a history buff then you may want to check out Fort Point, a historic military fort located right under the Golden Gate Bridge on the southern end side. It was built to protect and defend San Francisco Bay during wartime in the 1800s. Stepping into Fort Point definitely feels like you are walking back in time. You can roam around and check out the exhibits, including some impressive old canon displays. It’s also a great place to just unwind and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay. Make sure to check out the top floor to get up close to the bridge but brace yourselves as it is likely to be very windy on the top floor.

3. Learn About Cable Cars

Can you believe that San Francisco is the only place in the world with street-running cable cars right now? They have to be one of the most iconic and unique transportations of San Francisco. You can go on ride throughout the city for an affordable price of $8 but you can also visit the Cable Car museum for free to have a better understanding about how cables cars actually operate and learn about its history. Inside, you can even watch the cables in action as they pass through the museum’s viewing area to power the cable cars around the city. It has been a huge part of the city’s public transport since the 1870s after seeing that horses struggling back then to serve as transportation on steep hills.

4. Secret Swing at Hippie Tree with Golden Gate View

For a relaxing spot with panoramic views of San Francisco and a stunning Instagrammable photo opportunity, make your way to the secret swing at the Hippie Tree. This Eucalyptus Tree, located near a beautiful residential area, is not exactly in San Francisco but it is conveniently close, approximately a 30-minute drive away. There is free parking in the area and you will take a short uphill hike which you can extend by exploring more of the area. It’s very peaceful up there and an amazing spot to slow down and soak in the views.

5. Grab a Cookie Sample at the Fortune Cookie Factory

The busy streets of Chinatown is a fun area to walk through but make sure to stop by the Fortune Cookie Factory at Ross Alley. The factory has been around since 1962 and they offer visitors free samples of their fresh fortune cookies for anyone who shows up. As you enter, you can also watch their team in action as they make the handmade fortune cookies right in front of you. For a reasonable price, they are selling the classic fortune cookies that you see in restaurants but they also have a variety of unique flavors to choose from. For events, you can also pre order packages and customize the messages inside your fortune cookies.

The good news is visiting San Francisco doesn’t have to be expensive. A little bit of research and creativity can take you to places and provide you with unforgettable memories of the city. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to the “City by the Bay,” make sure to try these activities and walk around San Francisco for a truly authentic experience.