An Ideal (and Nearly Free) Day in San Francisco

San Francisco offers many experiences, but affordability isn't one of them. However, if you take advantage of the city's pleasant weather and abundant parks, you can spend a delightful Sunday delving into its vibrant history and culture at little to no cost. (Food and drinks are extra.)

Begin your journey at Golden Gate Park

They say the early bird catches the worm, but a much sweeter deal is the complimentary admission to the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The perks of an early start include free nearby parking and a quieter experience as you connect with nature. You can essentially embark on a global adventure in this 55-acre arboretum. Discover international species (like lilly pilly trees from Australia), enjoy the aromas in the Fragrance Garden, and explore what’s blooming in themed areas dedicated to the Andean Cloud forest, South Africa, Asia, and beyond. You may also spot locals practicing tai chi in the serene outdoors.

Close by is the de Young museum, which opens its doors at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays. At this museum, you can enjoy the café without needing to pay for entry to the galleries. The coffee is excellent, and you can sip it on the shaded terrace while exploring the nearby sculpture garden, featuring works by Claes Oldenburg and James Turrell, among others. Also free to explore is the nine-story tower offering panoramic views of the city.

For years, a section of the park's main road, John F. Kennedy Drive, has been closed to vehicles on Sundays. Now, 1.5 miles of it is car-free every day. You could easily spend the entire day wandering through the 1,000 acres of greenery: paddle a boat on Stow Lake or see where the buffalo graze. If you head west toward the Pacific Ocean, the Beach Chalet provides great food and even better views, plus a brewpub. Don’t miss the stunning 1930s murals on the first floor. On weekends, a lengthy stretch of the Great Highway, running alongside Ocean Beach, is now car-free.

Make your way to the waterfront—with a stop for croissants

A much more picturesque spot for viewing the open water lies a few miles north and east of the park, at the Marina Green. In this city of microclimates, fog and wind are common throughout the year, especially near the bay, so don’t forget to bring a jacket.

As you head toward the northern waterfront, Clement Street presents a variety of enticing spots to recharge. At the eastern end, you'll find Ariscault Bakery, famous for its croissants; treat yourself to a kouign-amann alongside your coffee as a reward for surviving the long wait. (Calories don’t count on Sundays, right?) Continue north on Arguello for a scenic drive through the Presidio, leading you to Marina Boulevard.

Visit the Maritime Museum

Finding parking in San Francisco can feel like a competitive sport. However, if you're willing to walk a bit, you might score a free spot in the lots near Fort Mason. Take a long flight of stairs and a paved path over a hill heading east toward Aquatic Park. Among the highlights is the Maritime Museum, a hidden treasure located in a former streamline moderne public bathhouse built in 1939. Be sure to admire the vibrant murals. This is just one of many buildings in the city that were enhanced by WPA artists during the Great Depression. It’s free and open every day. Instead of continuing east to the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf, filled with tourist traps, head back west to Fort Mason.

Discover Fort Mason

While the Maritime Museum remains a bit of a hidden gem, Fort Mason and the nearby Marina Green are well-known, providing plenty of space for both locals and tourists to explore.

From the piers at Fort Mason, over 1.5 million troops departed for the Pacific during World War II. Today, Fort Mason stands as a National Historic Landmark and serves as a vibrant hub for arts and culture. You can check out the charming Museo Italo Americano, open from 10 to 2 on Sundays, which is free to enter, unlike the city's larger museums. When I’m wandering through urban green spaces, I often skip a sit-down meal, but the pioneering vegetarian Greens restaurant makes for a tempting lunch spot. The cuisine is as delightful as the stunning bay views from its expansive windows.

Stroll from Marina Green to Fort Point

I usually continue west along the Marina Green for a quick treat at Dynamo Donut and Coffee Kiosk, a small outpost of the Mission District favorite. (Spiced chocolate or chocolate rose? The choice is yours.) As a colorful array of kite surfers whizzes by, enjoy a scenic walk along the trail through Crissy Field to Fort Point, nestled beneath the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. This area is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; a great stop along the way is the aptly named Warming Hut. (No one ever said San Francisco summers are sweltering.) Refresh yourself with tea, hot chocolate, or coffee and browse the shop filled with national park-themed treasures.

The red-brick Fort Point, a National Historic Site established during the Civil War, provides a unique vantage point of the bridge above, accompanied by the sound of crashing waves. (And yes, the fort is free to explore and open year-round from Friday to Sunday.) Fans of Hitchcock may recall this spot from a scene in Vertigo, filmed in the city. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the stunning views. You're in an ideal location to witness the sunset.