By Ellen Kendall
Free things to do in
San Francisco include neighborhood walking tours, Ghirardelli Square, the San Francisco Botanical Gardens and free admission to the Cable Car Museum. Learn about the history of San Francisco neighborhoods and buildings. Sample free chocolate and see old cable cars. Walk through the huge San Francisco Botanical Garden. All these activities are fun and free for the whole family.
Free Walking Tours in San Francisco
Free walking tours are available year-round, rain or shine. The tours last 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, see City Hall, visit the Palace Hotel or view beautiful restored Victorian homes. Stroll along Fisherman's Wharf or go to Chinatown. Schedules for the tours change daily, but usually start at 10 or 11 a.m. and the last tour starts at 2 or 7 p.m., depending on the tour.
Walking Tours of San Francisco
www.sfcityguides.org/
(415) 557-4266
Ghirardelli Square
Sample free chocolate and learn about the history of the famous Ghirardelli chocolate company in San Francisco at Ghirardelli Square. See the bay and Alcatraz Island, as well as enjoy shops and restaurants on three levels. Don't miss the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Parlor and Chocolate Store, where you can eat ice cream confections and buy the chocolate. Monday -Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Summer Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours for the restaurants vary.
Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point #52
San Francisco, CA 94109
http://www.ghirardellisq.com/ Management Office Phone
(415) 775-5500
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Indulge your love of flowers and plants by visiting the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, which offers free admission. Free docent tours meet at the bookstore or Friend Gate at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekends and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. General botanical garden hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. The library and bookstore are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The website offers printable garden maps and the Redwood Trail guide.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94122
www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/
(415) 661-1316
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
The famous San Francisco cable cars carry millions of passengers each year. At the Cable Car Museum, which offers free admission, you can learn about the history of the cars and see older cars, as well as photographs and other memorabilia. There is also a shop where you can buy souvenirs. The hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 until Sept. 30, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Oct. 1 until March 31. It is closed on some major holidays.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
http://www.cablecarmuseum.org
(415) 474-1887
Resources
About the Author:
Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.
