SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
- Home
- Free Thing to Do
- May
Free Things to Do in San Francisco in May: 25 Best Events, Attractions, & Activities
by Jill Loeffler •
Updated: January 5, 2023
The best free things to do in San Francisco in May include both indoor and outdoor activities. You can attend one of our annual street fairs, see a parade, or head indoors to learn more about our history at one of our museums.
On my list of 25 of the best for this month, you will find the Carnaval Festival & Parade, free museum admission days, and the Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery in the Presidio.
Other top options this month include a hike to the top of Twin Peaks, a visit to see the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, and a chance to stroll the walkways of the Golden Gate Bridge.
1. Bay to Breakers
Bay to Breakers is one of those "only in San Francisco" events that you mustn't miss if you're in town in May. Under the pretense of a 7.5-mile foot race across the city, this annual wacky, fun event is truly for everyone, runners and non-runners alike.
There is a cost to compete in the race, but most people just go to watch, have parties on the sidelines, or participate in the outrageous costumes. There are even schools of salmon that "swim" the route backwards against the crowd, and it's not unusual to see some people in their birthday suit. Don't miss out on this 100+ year tradition.
2. Cinco de Mayo
Head out to the Mission District for one of the biggest festivals this May in San Francisco. The Cinco de Mayo celebration takes place on a Saturday near the holiday. It features traditional Latin and Mexican food, dancing and entertainment.
The event takes place in the afternoon along Valencia between 21st and 24th Streets.
3. Free Museum Admission Days
One of the best free things to do in San Francisco in May is to take advantage of the free admission days offered at several of the city's finest museums.
Renowned institutions like the Conservatory of Flowers, de Young, Legion of Honor, Museum of Craft and Design, Botanical Gardens, Exploratorium, and Asian Art Museum typically offer at least one free day a month so you can enjoy their acclaimed permanent collections without having to spend a lot of money.
Click the link below to find out exactly what dates are offered by your favorite SF museums.
>> This month's schedule of free museum days in San Francisco
4. Free Walking Tours
If there's a particular neighborhood in San Francisco that you'd like to explore in depth, take one of the SF City Guide's free walking tours, led by expert volunteer guides who are full of amazing stories and fun facts. In addition to districts like the Castro, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf, you may also decide to take a tour of a famous site, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Japanese Tea Garden, or City Hall.
They also organize tours with architectural and historic themes like Downtown Deco, Landmark Victorians, Gold Rush City, and the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.
Find the schedule below, and simply meet at the designated spot to join in.
>> Info on these daily free walks
5. Carnaval Festival & Parade
It's hard to think of an event more colorful and livelier than Carnaval. At this time of year, you'll witness the streets of SF's Mission District become even more alive than usual, with the rhythms of traditional Latin American and Caribbean music, incredible over-the-top costumes, and other festivities.
The all-day street fair lasts for two days over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It stretches over eight city blocks and offers amazing food, live entertainment, and arts and crafts. The parade, which takes place on Sunday morning, is a blast to watch and features over 30 dance groups.
>> Tips to attend this year's event
6. Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day)
Kodomo no Hi is a national holiday in Japan that honors children's personalities and happiness. Here in San Francisco, Japantown celebrates this day with traditional Japanese performances, mochi pounding, arts and crafts, bouncy houses, and other games and activities for kids. There will also be a youth art contest.
Head over to the Peace Plaza to take part in the festivities, and while you're there, check out the iconic Peace Pagoda, delicious Japanese cuisine at local restaurants, and nearby shops selling authentic Japanese goods.
7. Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery
If you are looking to pay tribute to our veterans this Memorial Day, head to the National Cemetery in the Presidio, a large, beautiful military cemetery overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
The annual event begins with a concert at 10:30 am, followed by an hour-long ceremony honored by various dignitaries. The program ends at noon.
>> Details about this year's ceremony
8. Taiwanese American Cultural Festival
Another one of my favorite free things to do in San Francisco in May is to attend the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival. This cultural festival attracts over 10,000 attendees each year, who come to taste amazing Taiwanese cuisine, watch performances of traditional dances and music, and learn more about the history and culture of this island nation.
Admire the ornate costumes and masks and find out what makes this ethnic group stand out.
>> Visit their website for more details
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
9. Historic Ferry Building
At the end of Market Street, you'll find a turn-of-the-century white building with a clocktower that peeks up from behind the palm trees along the Embarcadero.
That's the Ferry Building that greets passengers landing in San Francisco from across the bay. But it's much more than just a dock. Inside the spacious interior, you'll find dozens of local gourmet food shops, restaurants, and cafes.
This is the perfect place to browse around for local products and gifts, or even do a little wine tasting with artisan cheeses, breads, and chocolates. It's open from 7 am to 10 pm every day.
>> Read more about this historic site in San Francisco
10. Lombard Street
Lombard Street is another one of those postcard SF images that people love to enjoy as a free attraction. The block between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets is so steep that, in the 1920s when more and more residents began driving cars, they laid the red-bricked road in a zigzag pattern, with one lane traversing the width of the street eight times so that cars could make it down safely.
This construction became landscaped with beautiful gardens, and today tourists come to take photos in front of this very "San Francisco" street.
>> More tips to visiting this crooked street
11. Golden Gate Bridge
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to its most famous icon, the Golden Gate Bridge. Head to the northwest end of the city to take photos of this beauty from the lookout point, then walk across the 1.7-mile stretch for free.
This is one of the best free things to do in San Francisco in May because you'll get to feel the ocean breeze and get a different perspective of the city as you explore this architectural wonder. And of course, there is no shot of the tall orange towers like the shot from directly below.
>> More info about this colorful bridge in SF
12. Mission Street Murals
The lively Mission District is full of interesting street art, covering its every nook and cranny from the sidewalks to the entire sides of four-story buildings. Wandering around this neighborhood to look at the murals is one of my favorite free things to do in May because you can do it totally at your own pace.
There are certain areas like Clarion Alley that from one end to the other are full of murals painted on top of murals. Many have social and political messages, some portray important figures in history, and others are simply bright, beautiful, and inspiring to look at.
>> Where to find these beautiful gems
13. Palace of Fine Arts
Another one of the popular free things to do in San Francisco in May is to visit the Palace of Fine Arts and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the reflection pond, neatly placed columns, and attractive rotunda.
Many like to bring a picnic to spend a relaxing afternoon at this Marina District attraction, while others like to stop by to admire this piece of history while on their way from Fisherman's Wharf to the Presidio.
The Palace of Fine Arts is the only remaining relic from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, a world fair that allowed San Francisco to put itself on the global stage and recover from the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.
>> Tips to visit this historic beauty
14. Octagon House
After admiring SF's famous Victorians and art deco architecture, travel further back in time to the colonial days, when eight-sided homes were actually in style. Back in the mid 19th-century, they were popular for the air and sunlight that flowed easily through the design.
Built in 1861, the Octagon House in the Marina District is one of the city's oldest buildings and a historical landmark.
This little treasure is worth a visit not only for its fascinating structure, but for all the valuable antique pieces displayed inside.
15. Hike the Coastal Trail
If you're looking for great outdoor free things to do in San Francisco in May, check out the city's beautiful hiking trails. The Coastal Trail is easy to access and a fun, short adventure through a part of the city you might not otherwise stop at.
You can start from the Presidio with great views of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge, walk along the waterfront, near Lands End where the bay waters meet the Pacific Ocean, and end out near Ocean Beach and the Sutro Baths.
>> More things to see and do in the Presidio
16. Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company
You know the delight of breaking open a crisp fortune cookie at the end of a Chinese meal and tugging at the paper inside to discover your fortune. But did you ever wonder where these little treats came from?
When you go to shop or eat in SF Chinatown, don't miss a quick, free stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see for yourself how they are made. The factory is small and personal, and you'll get a glimpse of every step of the process, and maybe even a fresh cookie hot off the press.
>> More about what you will see during your visit
17. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks is another famous spot in San Francisco. At 922 feet in elevation, it is the second highest point in the city, boasting great views not only of SF but of the whole Bay Area.
You can take a car or tour bus right up to the parking lot and walk a short distance to the lookout point for incredible 360-degree views, or you can spend a little more time hiking around the park, which actually encompasses acres of beautiful grassland, flora and fauna.
Twin Peaks is home to the endangered Mission Blue Butterfly, as well as a great variety of birds, rabbits, coyotes, and wildflowers.
>> More tips to visit this lovely attraction
18. Mosaic Stairs
There are several sets of elaborately decorated stairs in the city, which make for fun and unique pieces of urban art to explore. The mosaic stairs on 16th Avenue and Moraga in the Inner Sunset District stretch on for 163 steps and was created by more than 300 people in the neighborhood.
You'll find another set nearby at 16th Avenue and Kirkham, comprised of almost a dozen different sections bursting with colorful garden scenes. There's also wide set of vibrant mosaic stairs on California Street leading up to the Lincoln Park Golf Course.
19. Surfers at Fort Point
Even if you don't surf, or if the dark swells of the cold Pacific Ocean aren't quite enticing for your taste, it's invigorating to watch the surfers who take to the waves at Fort Point, right under the Golden Gate Bridge.
In fact, there is usually a small group of spectators watching here. Just make sure to bring a windbreaker and a camera for this fun free activity at this iconic spot in San Francisco.
>> See what else you can do at Fort Point National Historic Site
20. Pier 24 Photography
As the name implies, the Pier 24 photography museum is located right along the Embarcadero. Not many know about this place, which is free to all visitors who make an appointment.
When you visit, you'll have plenty of room to explore and take in the beautiful art without crowds. The 20 galleries offer a fantastic variety, ranging from portraits to landscapes, 19th century to modern. It takes about two hours to see the whole collection.
>> More info on this cool museum
21. Japanese Tea Gardens
One of the most relaxing free things to do in San Francisco in May is to take a stroll in the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park. This impeccably manicured space is full of beautiful treasures at every turn, including a high-arching drum bridge, a Zen rock garden, a teahouse, a dwarf tree collection, and a five-story pagoda.
You can visit the gardens at any time, but the free entrance hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 to 10 am. Once you're in, you can stay for as long as you'd like. Here you will truly find peace from the hustle and bustle of the city.
>> More details on what you'll see
22. Alamo Square Painted Ladies
If you want to hit all of San Francisco's most photographed spots, you must stop in the Alamo Square neighborhood to admire the perfectly painted pastel Victorians, often referred to as Painted Ladies.
The seven that are lined up in a row just across from the park with the SF city skyline in the background are the most famous, as this scene appears in the opening credits of "Full House" and in countless postcards.
They are known as the Seven Sisters. The park is the perfect place to sit down for a picnic and take in the view, a lovely way to spend an afternoon without spending money.
>> Tips to visit and where to find the best places to take pictures
23. Rincon Murals
The Rincon Center in downtown San Francisco was once the city's main post office, and maintains many relics from its postal days, as well as fantastic art deco elements. Inside the lobby, you'll find 27 impressive murals lining the walls, each with a description that outlines its significance.
They are all scenes that depict important people and moments in San Francisco and California history. After taking a look at the artwork and historic artifacts that are also on display, you can head into the center courtyard, where you'll find a fountain falling from the ceiling.
>> Pictures of these murals and visiting tips
24. Cable Car Museum
If you are fascinated by the shiny red cable cars that run up and down San Francisco's picturesque hills and provide a unique form of transportation not found in many other places, you'll also enjoy the free museum dedicated just to these endearing vehicles.
The museum contains old photographs, memorabilia, and historic information about the cars, and it is also the building from which the tracks are operated, and in which the cars are stored at night.
See how the cables are pulled by giant wheels in real time, and maybe even catch one as it leaves the barn.
>> Pictures of what you will see inside
25. City Hall
City Hall is not only the center of civic action in San Francisco, but also an elegant work of architecture and a living part of SF history. It boasts the nation's highest dome and stands out from the rest of its surroundings with its white columns and golden top.
The inside of the building is just as impressive, with a huge marble staircase under the rotunda. Inside, you'll also find a tribute to Harvey Milk and former mayor George Moscone, who were assassinated there in 1978.
>> More visiting tips for City Hall
More Ways to Save
In addition to these free things to do in San Francisco in May, you will also find some great ways to save on our paid attractions. Here are a few of my recommendations.
CityPass: The CityPass is perfect if you plan to visit some of our top museums such as the California Academy of Sciences. It includes tickets to this museum and several others. It also includes a ticket on an SF Bay Cruise. Visit their site for more details.
Groupon: This is where I go for restaurant and event tickets. You will find dozens of options from theater to annual wine tasting events. You can also find some great restaurant deals. Visit the San Francisco area of their site for details.
Living Social: This is another great place to look for attraction tickets and discounts on local events. They selection changes frequently, so make sure to keep checking back for new deals. Visit their SF section for a list of current deals.
More Tips to Plan Your May Visit
More Free Things to Do in San Francisco in May
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!