Best Freebies in San Francisco

by Patrick Heig - Citysearch Editor - 191 Reviews - 64 Lists

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Updated: August 20, 2009

"The best things in life are free." True, but they're even better when they usually cost money. We're talking free concerts from major artists, free museum days, free oysters, BBQ and pizza; we're even talking free beer. Whether you're broke or just cheap, spend a little time checking out this list of the city's best freebies--it won't cost you a thing.

Free Picks

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended California Academy of Sciences
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    55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)

    The Academy's ticket prices ($25 for adults) are pretty steep--especially if you're chaperoning and paying for a gaggle of young 'uns--but all SF residents get in for free on Locals Free Days. Check the museum's website to see when your zip code gets you in gratis, and if you are bringing your kid and his friends, well, make sure they're all from your 'hood.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended El Rio
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    3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA Cesar (map)

    The super cheap beers and drinks ($1 PBRs, and $2 well drinks) make Monday nights at this tiny Outer Mission bar--and its huge backyard patio--hard to beat, but Fridays are even better: free oysters at 5:30pm and free barbecue at 7pm (be on time because they will run out).

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Gold Club
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    650 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    OK, so you'll pay $5 to get into this SoMa strip club's NSFW Friday buffet, but the $5 is to ogle the ladies on stage--the food (we're talking fried chicken, ribs, mashed potatoes, even salads and fresh fruit) is unlimited and completely free. Update: To avoid paying even the $5 entry free, text "Gold" to 35350 beforehand for a VIP pass, although we're not responsible for any subsequent texts you receive.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Palio D'Asti
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    640 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (map)

    The free wood-fired pizza during the happy hour (Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm) at this Italian restaurant/bar in the Financial District was once a well-kept secret, but the word's officially out on this deal. Buy the two drinks you needed anyway (beers are $6, specialty cocktails are $9) and get a complimentary--and pretty darn tasty--Italian-style pizza of your choice.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stern Grove
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    19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94116 (map)

    The summer concert series in this gorgeous mini-canyon of Eucalyptus trees is no secret, but there's room for everyone at shows that range from folk (Joan Baez) to hip hop (Lyrics Born) to the San Francisco Ballet and Opera.

  6. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended SFCC Clubhouse
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    414 Mason St, #705, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    During the week, you'll pay $5 to catch talented comics-in-training at this Union Square comedy club, and on the weekends, cough up a measly $10-15 to see seasoned pros. OK, so that's cheap, but what's free? SFCC's very loose "no-corkage" policy: BYOB whatever you want--from a nice Pinot Noir to a fifth of Jameson--for a night on the town so cheap it might as well be free.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Anchor Brewing Co
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    1705 Mariposa St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)

    Each weekday, Anchor does a free tour where you'll learn about the history and craft of brewing from this legendary SF company, followed by a one-hour tasting session where you'll attempt to drink as much of their brew as possible in one hour. As with anything this amazing and completely free, there's a long wait--currently about two months--but then you can reserve a spot (by calling 415-863-8350) for up to 10 friends.

  8. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
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    151 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    Tour the stunning collection of this post-modern treasure trove of a museum on the first Tuesday of the month, when entry is free, and don't forget to check out the three-years-in-the-making, $18-million-in-the-costing rooftop garden, which apart from beautiful, sun-lit sculptures features the caffeinated artistry of a Blue Bottle coffee kiosk.