Things to Do in San Francisco

A historic ferry terminal turned food hall with local produce, artisan cheeses, and a Saturday farmers' market. Browsing the building costs nothing, and samples are often available.

🕐 Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm; market days vary

💡 Visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning for the farmers' market outside — best for free tastings and watching the bay activity. Skip the expensive sit-down places; grab a coffee and walk the Embarcadero.

San Francisco central shopping and hotel district, a public plaza surrounded by major retailers and theatres.

Walking or cycling across the 1.7-mile span gives you close-up views of the bridge and bay. The visitor plaza and sidewalks are free; tolls only for vehicles.

🕐 24 hours, but visitor centre hours vary (usually 9am-6pm)

💡 Start at the south end (Crissy Field) around 9am for thinner fog and fewer crowds. Bring a windproof jacket — it's always breezy.

San Francisco iconic suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait. Free to walk; pedestrian path open daylight hours.

🕐 05:00-21:00

A free working museum inside the actual cable car power house. You see the giant winding wheels and cables that move the cars, plus vintage cable cars you can climb onto.

🕐 Daily 10am-6pm (April-September); closes 5pm October-March

💡 It's small — allow 20-30 minutes. The gift shop sells cheap souvenirs. Combine with a walk through nearby Nob Hill; the cable car stop right outside lets you watch them turn around manually.

Small hilltop park with the famous 'Painted Ladies' Victorian houses as backdrop. You get a classic postcard view of the city skyline and those pastel homes.

🕐 5am-midnight

💡 Go just before sunset for golden light on the houses and fewer people. Bring a blanket — the grass is prime for sitting, and locals often picnic here.

A 1,017-acre park with meadows, gardens, lakes, and trails. The Japanese Tea Garden charges entry, but most areas are free, including the de Young Museum (general admission free with reservation).

🕐 Park open 5am-midnight; de Young Museum Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm

💡 Head to the bison paddock near the west end — it's unexpected and often quiet. The park is huge; rent a bike from a shop near Stanyan Street.