City Sightseeing San Francisco Blog

Free things to do in San Francisco

Is it not exhilarating and absolutely relaxing to know that one can enjoy San Francisco without the worry and hassle that comes with, “Do I have enough money”? Kick back, ease the mind, and gaze upon the free admission list below.

Free things to do in San Francisco #1. Musee Mechanique

Pier 45 at the end of Taylor Street.
Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-8 pm, Holidays 10 am-8 pm.

Be a kid and enjoy watching the antique arcade machines, animations, and mechanically operated musical instruments. “Laffing Sal,” (built in the early 1930s) will greet you with her contagious laughter. Escape the high tech world and surround yourself within a wonderful funhouse.

Free things to do in San Francisco #2. San Francisco Railway Museum

77 Steuart Street F-line stop, south of Ferry Plaza.
Tues – Sun open 10 am – 6 pm, closed Mondays.

One can applaud and appreciate San Francisco’s historic cable cars and streetcars. Hop aboard a 1911 streetcar replica and check out the controls. Gain information from the illustrative displays, archival photography, and the audio-visual exhibits.

Free things to do in San Francisco #3. Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center

San Francisco Maritime Museum

Corner of Hyde and Jefferson Street.
September – May, 9:30 am – 5 pm, June, July, August, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Explore the hands on exhibits and watch videos showing San Francisco’s maritime history. Obtain the self-guided tour pamphlet and stroll along the Aquatic waterfront once known as Black Point Cove. Otherwise, head over to the foot of Hyde Street and observe historic sailing and steam-powered ships.

Free things to do in San Francisco #4. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park

1,017 acres (3 miles long by ½ mile wide) This fabulous park starts at Stanyan and on up to the Great Highway (along the Pacific Coast). Queen Wilhelmina’s Windmill is near the ocean side, while the bison (6 six-month old females and 3 older females) are grazing in their pasture farther east off John F Kennedy Jr. Drive.

Have a carefree stroll on Saturdays and Sundays (from April through September) on John F. Kennedy Drive between Tea Garden Drive (near 8^th Ave.) and Transverse Drive. No need to look nervously over your shoulder for the road is closed to vehicles. If you wish to speed up the pace, run on the multitude of dirt trails throughout the park.

Free things to do in San Francisco #5. Free concerts – Spreckles Temple of Music.

Golden Gate Park – between the De Young Museum & the Academy of Arts.
Sundays usually at 1 pm April through October.
The park orchestra, in its 129^th season, provides a showcase of entertainment. Groove to jazz, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Irish, Spanish, and John Philip Sousa patriotic music. Also, who would have thought, even enchanting music inspired by witches.

The Stern Grove Festival – Sigmund Stern Grove, 19^th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. Performing arts series June through August . Past performances included Cuban salsa to the San Francisco Ballet with classical music to reggae and rhythm and blues. The festival celebrates 75 years this year for their upbeat and passionate music.

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park (now known as Hellman Hollow). October 5, 6, 7 2012. Warren Hellman will forever be remembered for his philanthropy and love for San Francisco. His annual hoedown (financially supported by him and free to the public) will go on. This last fall 600,000 enjoyed the American roots music from 90 musical acts on 6 stages.

Free things to do in San Francisco #6. Lindy in the Park

Swinging dance party – south sidewalk of John F. Kennedy Drive, between the De Young Museum and the north entrance to the Music Concourse. Sundays 11am to 2 pm – weather permitting.
Multiple volunteer DJs get your heart pumping and your feet jumping.

Free things to do in San Francisco #7. A Golden Gate Bridge Stroll

Golden Gate Bridge

Open to pedestrians from 5 am to 6 pm PST and 5 am to 9 pm during daylight savings time.

Whether walking the entire 1.7 mile bridge or a shorter distance, it is a life time experience. Very few bridges in the world, allow a person to enjoy its strength and beauty up close and personal at one’s own pace. The year 2012 celebrates the bridge’s 75^th anniversary with improvements to the visitor center, trails and new viewing areas by late spring.

Free things to do in San Francisco #8. Cable Car Museum

1201 Mason Street
October 1 through March 31 10 am – 5 pm, April 1 through September 30 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter Sunday.

Located in the historic cable car barn and powerhouse, one is intrigued by the gigantic wheels and engines that pull the cables for the cable cars. Delight in seeing 3 antique cable cars from the 1870s and one can even buy a modern cable car bell from the gift shop. A variety of exhibits, historic photographs, and memorabilia describe the love for San Francisco’s moving landmark.

Free things to do in San Francisco #9. Coit Tower

1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
October 1 through February 28 – 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily – March 1 through September 30 – 10 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Atop Telegraph Hill is an historic art deco tower built in 1933 with funds from Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify San Francisco. Inside fresco murals will capture your eyes portraying the Great Depression, busy city life, and countryside farms. Wonderful views from Telegraph Hill itself and Pioneer Park (surrounding the tower) will take one’s breath away.

Free things to do in San Francisco #10. Wells Fargo History Museum

420 Montgomery Street between Sacramento and California.
Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

Touch and admire the authentic Wells Fargo stagecoach on display. Hide out among Black Bart’s memorabilia for his favorite past time was robbing the stagecoaches. You may even end up with gold fever. Gold Rush era stories and displays of gold dust may entice you to succumb to the love of gold.

Walk, run, bike on over to the free admission sites! Receive total contentment that in this day and age, one can still enjoy the freedom that comes from not having to open up your wallet.

San Francisco to Sausalito Ferry

While on my trip to San Francisco, I knew I had to visit the town of Sausalito. I had heard many great things about what to do in Sausalito from the fine dining and shops to all the historical features it has to offer. There are 2 companies with ferry services from San Francisco to Sausalito

The Blue and Gold Fleet is quite affordable (about $10 per person!), and departs from Pier 41 in Fisherman’s Wharf (next to Pier 39). The ferry schedule changes from weekday to weekend, (with additional ferry departures on weekends and peak season), so check an up to date schedule before you arrive in San Francisco.

Sausalito Ferry from San Francisco

The other company is Golden Gate Ferries, which operates from the Ferry Building near downtown San Francisco. You can buy one-way tickets with either company so you can enjoy both of the slightly different routes if you like.

After hopping onboard the Sausalito Ferry at Pier 41, I walked around the boat and was able to capture some magnificent photos of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to Sausalito.

The ferry itself was very clean and had accessible restroom facilities on both the indoor and outdoor decks. It began to get a bit chilly outside so I decided to venture indoors and downstairs where I was able to grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy views from all around as I was whisked away on this very comfortable and relaxing experience. This Sausalito Ferry experience was convenient and was recommended to all my family and friends visiting San Francisco!

Bernal Hill Park in San Francisco

Yes, it is true that the natural terrain of San Francisco is in fact hilly. And those flat areas especially along the shore are man-made areas. If you like to take walks in the many different neighborhood as I do then here is another place to explore. Many folks know of Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill & of course, Twin Peaks Hill but let me introduce you to Bernal Hill.

Bernal Hill Park is located south of the vibrant Mission District and it is easily spotted with its landmark of what looks like 4 trees standing on top of a bald hill. This hilltop was part of the 1839 Rancho Rincon de las Salinas Y Potrero Viejo Mexican land grant to Jose Cornelio Bernal. Its present day community is called Bernal Heights.

Prior to the 1906, San Francisco earthquake Bernal was mostly pastureland. Its bedrock terrain survived the temblors and since there were, only a few buildings around those survived the fires that followed. The City built ‘earthquake cottages ‘on Bernal to house the quake refugees and some of those cottages still survive to this day.

Once you trek up the hill, you are rewarded with an incredible view of San Francisco and across the Bay to our neighbors in the East. You will not be alone instead you will meet many neighbors who are out walking their dogs or out with their children for a bit of exercise. When you are ready to return trek down to Cortland Ave where you will find neighborhood cafes to reward yourself with a break and a little bit of lunch.

By Olivia R.

Labyrinths at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco

A place exists for spiritual meditation in the midst of the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, atop Nob Hill. The labyrinths at Grace Cathedral are beautiful in its simplicity but also because they offer a contemplative walk amid life’s busyness. For an escape into tranquility, one can walk the indoor or outdoor labyrinth.

The labyrinths have a unique history behind it. They are replicas of the Chartres labyrinth laid on the floor of Chartres Cathedral in France, in the year 1220. Walk the labyrinths on your own or choose to go on one of the guided tours. Located outside the Cathedral doors, the terrazzo stone labyrinth looks inviting and peaceful. Note that the doors of the Cathedral are replicas of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise on the Florence Baptistry.

Walking the labyrinth helps to calm the mind. There is only one path (journey) in and out. Overlooking Huntington Park, the outside labyrinth leads you to the center where one feels at peace. On a clear night, you can look up and see the moon, the lights of Huntington Park directly across the street, and the San Francisco skyline. Then continue your journey outward, feeling a sense of equilibrium.

At the center of the indoor labyrinth, surrounded by the streaming light from the stained glass windows of the Episcopal Church, one experiences a sense of serenity. Grace Cathedral was built after the 1906 earthquake and its Neo-Gothic structure looks formidable among the hotels on Nob Hill. Yet, when one enters the sanctuary, the path of the labyrinth provides time to reflect.

Labyrinths are meditative in nature because they help you to focus on the path of your inner self. Labyrinth walks include yoga on the indoor labyrinth on Tuesdays at 6:15pm. On Sundays, evening Eucharist occurs on the indoor labyrinth at 6 pm and on the 2^nd Friday of each month, a candlelight labyrinth walk takes place. Indoors labyrinth peace walks are also conducted every Friday from 12:30-2pm.

Chinese New Year in San Francisco

When one visits San Francisco there are many sights to see but nothing quite as amazing as Chinatown. Walking thru the gates one feels as though they are in another place. A thriving working/living community the streets are adorned with shops that feature beautiful silk garments, scarves, Jade jewelry, tea sets etc. Herb Shops offer a fix for any particular remedy or ailment that one has. Tea shops offer fresh ground tea of many flavors and tastings to be enjoyed. Restaurants are full of Chinese delacies and delicious Dim Sum. Butcher shops display fish of all varieties for public viewing as Chickens and Ducks are seen h

Hanging from the ceiling rafters. One can’t help but visit the Fortune Cookie Factory to find out their fortune and if they will be lucky.The Chinese are very superstitious people having many beliefs stepped in centuries of tradition. As Chinese New Year approaches many businesses along Grant Avenue in Chinatown are adorned with Oranges and Tangerines. These are symbols for abundant happiness. Tangerines with leaves intact assure that one’s relationship with the other remains secure. For newlyweds, this represents the branching of the couple into a family with many children.

Every traditional Chinese household should also have live blooming plants to symbolize rebirth and new growth. Flowers are believed to be symbolic of wealth and high positions in one’s career. A home with a plant that bloom on New Year’s Day signifies a year of prosperity. The Chinese firmly believe that without flowers, there would be no formation of any fruits. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to have flowers and floral decoration in the home for the New Year.

Also important in a home is Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the balancing of energies in a given space to assure the health and good fortune for people living there. Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health, thus good feng shui came to mean good fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck or misfortune.

The best thing one can receive during the Chinese New Year are Red Envelopes. These are representative of Happiness and Good Luck. May someone grace you with one of these and make 2012 The Year of the Dragon a lucky one!

Meaningful Views Within the Presidio National Park

As you travel on the Golden Gate Bridge open top bus, you’ll have an interesting drive through the historic Presidio. It is amazing that it was a military outpost for Spain, then Mexico and proceeded to be under U.S. military control from 1848 to 1994. It is our great fortune that under public demand it became a national park for commercial and public use following its closure as a military base. One can stroll along a eucalyptus tree-lined trail and hear birds singing their sweet songs or if you are a private wine collector you may store your precious liquid assets in a restored underground bunker. The views are fantastic of the Pacific Ocean or the sweeping vista of the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge and the magnificent bay.

Golden Gate Bridge from Presidio

Otherwise one can head over to the Letterman Digital Arts Center. This famous 23-acre campus incorporates gaming technologies, motion film, and visual effects in one dynamic setting. Not to be left out, Disney has a fine museum in the park showcasing the wonderful caring nature of Mr.Walt Disney and his outstanding achievements for bringing happiness to mankind.

Yet, there is another historic feature within this national park that one may see, though many may turn away in sadness. Should we turn away or take a different view? The restful beauty of the San Francisco National Cemetery can be uplifting when one contemplates the inner strength and fortitude of those who served this country. One can admire and be in absolute awe for those who lived at a time when their own personal life may have been threatened on a daily basis. Sure we can read about it in the history books. Most of us, including me, could care less about history during our elementary and high school days. Though, life and higher education has a habit of developing our perspective. Taking the time to unlock our mind set and explore.

I finally realized years ago history is not just about dates, names, and titles for wars, nor are cemeteries about marble headstones and death. Each person had a life, however short it may have been, and the focus can be on his or her life. Case in point, if I were Pauline Cushman-Fryer, would I have the guts to sneak around and spy on the Confederates? Probably, but I know I would have been a nervous wreck. One wrong facial expression pointing out that I was lying and whoosh my ability to act would be over.

Ms. Pauline Cushman-Fryer (actress) was a Union spy during the Civil War. She could have stayed in the background, but she chose to accept the Union officer’s request to toast Jefferson Davis (not President Lincoln) during a stage performance. This gave her the advantage to continue to perform for Confederate officers and gain their confidence. Throughout the south she obtained valuable documents and information, which she gave to Union officers. She was captured in 1863 at the age of 30 by Confederates and was condemned to be hung in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Fortunately Union soldiers invaded confederate lines and Shelbyville fell and Pauline was left behind by the Confederates. She received the honorary rank of major of the cavalry by General Garfield and praised by President Lincoln for her service to the union cause.

Thirty years later upon her death at the age of 60, she was buried at the Presidio with military honors. Now, I prefer to remember her life, her achievements and not look away in sadness.

By Debbie L.

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Ask anyone what makes San Francisco one of the most beautiful cities in the world and they will undoubtedly tell you about the gorgeous, sparkling bay waters that surround it. Once a thriving port of call, the San Francisco bay now serves mainly as a destination of beauty and admiration. The Bay Cruise is an adventure out on the glistening waters that presents a whole new view of the stunning city of San Francisco.

San Francisco Bay Cruise

The Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise is a one hour cruise on a ferryboat that is fully equipped with restrooms and a snack bar. There are two levels to choose from, the open air upper level, which boasts unobstructed views, and the fully enclosed lower level, in case it gets too chilly.

The cruise leaves from Pier 39 in Fishermans Wharf. It departs from the pier, past the famed sea lions, and makes its way out along the coastline, with views of the characteristic hills of the city, Coit Tower, and Ghirardelli Square. The ferryboat approaches the iconic Golden Gate Bridge slowly, providing ample opportunity to take the quintessential San Francisco photo. The boat floats under the bridge, and then turns around on route to the infamous Alcatraz Island. Circling around Alcatraz, the narrated tour tells the true stories of the history, prisoners, and escape attempts with actual snippets of the prisoners talking.

As the ship pulls back into the harbor it’s hard to believe an hour has passed. The passengers step back on dry land with a new appreciation for the sparkling waters behind them and for the city of San Francisco itself.

Italian Food in North Beach

In my previous review on fun things to do in the City I discussed Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco’s North Beach, suggesting that one should go to any of the great Italian restaurants in the area and have a culinary treat from San Francisco! There is one rule: there are not any bad restaurants allowed in our City by the Bay.

As you walk on Columbus Avenue, in North Beach, there are many great restaurants to experience. You will find Steps of Rome, Piazza Pelligrini, fun garlic restaurant The Stinking Rose, Firenze by Night Ristarante, L’Osteria del Forno, Mona Lisa, Trattoria Contadina, and much more.

However, my most favorite Italian restaurant is the Fior d’ Italia, now located in the historic San Remo Hotel, at 2237 Mason Street between North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf.

After my first visit to the Fior d’ Italia I was hooked. The Fior serves Northern Italian cuisine and they make their pasta fresh daily, along with their sauces. Essentially almost everything is made fresh daily and prepared on site in the Fior d’ Italia’s kitchen.

The last time I was there I had the Linquini Vongole Rosse – Rosse o Bianche (linguini and clams. in red or white sauce), Very generous portions. My dinner companion had the Vitello Piccata, slices of veal sautéed with lemon, white wine and capers. Another culinary masterpiece! The server brings you warm bread to the table with a small plate of olive oil for your bread dipping. I started off with their Caesar Salad for one, which is more than enough for two persons, which was shared with my companion, and luckily I had room for dessert – their wonderful Tiramisu! The Fior’s presentation of Tiramisu is out of this world. A frothy confection to savor!

Please give your taste buds a wonderful treat and visit the Fior d’ Italia Restaurant. It is the oldest Italian restaurant in America, and has been serving their wonderful meals since 1886 with their truly old world hospitality – only in San Francisco!

By Janet T.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

I recently went on an amazing tour of the wine country which included both Napa and Sonoma Valley. I was delighted that we could visit both areas on the same day with a bus tour. This particular sightseeing bus was a fantastic experience! We visited four wineries, three of which had no tasting fee at all. The other winery only charged $5 because we were with the group, and they actually waived the tasting fee when we purchased a bottle!

Wine Tasting

Our driver let us know what kinds of questions to ask when purchasing wine, and also allowed us to store multiple cases on the bus. We were very impressed with his knowledge of the countryside, and the excellent tour he gave us on the way to the wine country. He gave us history, culture, and much more than what we were hoping for. He also stopped in Sonoma Square for lunch which was an excellent choice. We had heard so much about the square, and were excited to try more tasting rooms. Plus we got to check out some of the shopping they had to offer. I really like the fact that there are upscale and casual restaurants to choose from in Sonoma square.

It’s great that we had such a great variety of options available to us. Each winery also gave us an amazing tour of their properties, also explaining some history and culture which we enjoyed greatly. There were also options to upgrade to a reserve tasting.

By Michelle K.

The Cliff House in San Francisco

A once modest establishment of 1863 enhanced to extravagance then brought to its demise by a fire during an attempted remodel of 1907. The Cliff House now stands once again overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, Seal Rock and the memories of the recreation and attractions that gathered the area. Built Originally by Charles Butler in 1863 located in the area referred to as Lands End, Cliff House attracted the upper class looking for beautiful views as well as other recreation such as horse racing made available by the construction of the toll road. After the remodeling of Adolph Sutro the enormous French Château like structure, referred to as “The Gingerbread Palace,” provided fine dining, dancing and entertainment in a more elegant fashion. Withstanding the destruction of the 1906 earthquake sadly the chateau was brought to the ground in a fire one short year later. Within 2 years Sutros’ daughter had the building reconstructed and although considerably more modest continued to attract those of all classes.

The structure today remains similar in appearance as of the latest construction, although there have been a number of interior and exterior remodeling. In fact after becoming a part of the Golden Gate Nation Recreation Area extensive renovation was required to preserve the historic elegance and atmosphere. The area surrounding provides easy access to the historic remains of The Sutro Baths, the sands of Ocean Beach and views of Seal rock. You will also find the memory of those with the luxury of attending the festivities of the past in autographed photos lining the interior. In short fine dining, dancing and entertainment overlooking the vast depths of the Pacific Ocean and infinite skyline will forever remain the memory of The Cliff House.

By Jamie D.

City Sightseeing Blog

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Free things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco to Sausalito Ferry

Bernal Hill Park in San Francisco

Labyrinths at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco

Chinese New Year in San Francisco

Meaningful Views Within the Presidio National Park

San Francisco Bay Cruise

Italian Food in North Beach

Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

The Cliff House in San Francisco

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