Things to Do in San Francisco Under $20.
High-value entertainment, cheap eats, and fun activities that won't break the bank.
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Upcoming Events & Happenings
Alemany Farmers Market
Known as 'The People's Market', Alemany is the first farmers market in California, providing fresh seasonal produce, specialty Asian greens, and budget-friendly ingredients directly from regional growers.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Foodwise)
San Francisco's premier California-certified farmers market, featuring over 100 regional farms, artisanal bakers, purveyors, and celebrated food stalls along the Embarcadero waterfront.
de Young Museum: Free Saturdays for Bay Area Residents
Enjoy free general admission every Saturday for residents of all nine Bay Area counties, exploring permanent art collections, sculpture gardens, and the 9-story Hamon Observation Tower.
Downtown First Thursdays: Carnaval SF Block Party
A massive monthly street party taking over 2nd Street in Downtown SF featuring live DJs, disco stages, Carnaval dancers, outdoor bars, food vendors, and art installations.
Hand-Picked Venues & Spots in San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts
★ 4.8Monumental Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades mirrored in a tranquil lagoon
Constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this architectural masterpiece in the Marina District features a towering classical rotunda, sweeping colonnades, weeping willows, and a peaceful lagoon inhabited by swans and ducks. It offers a romantic, serene sanctuary perfect for strolls and architectural photography.
Twin Peaks
★ 4.7Spectacular 360-degree panoramic vantage point above San Francisco
Rising nearly 1,000 feet near the geographic center of the city, Twin Peaks provides an unmatched 360-degree panorama of downtown skyscrapers, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the East Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is an unforgettable stop for photography, sunset watching, and feeling the brisk marine breeze.
Ferry Building Marketplace
★ 4.6Historic waterfront landmark with world-class artisanal foods and bay views
Set inside a restored 1898 transit hub at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building is the epicurean heart of San Francisco, showcasing local merchants selling gourmet cheeses, sourdough bread, craft coffee, seafood, and fresh pastries alongside panoramic views of the Bay Bridge.
Japanese Tea Garden & Golden Gate Park
★ 4.5Tranquil koi ponds, arched moon bridge, and classical pagodas
Originally created as an exhibit for the 1894 Midwinter International Exposition, this is the oldest public Japanese garden in North America. Stroll tranquil pathways surrounded by manicured bonsai, azaleas, stone lanterns, a Zen dry garden, and a traditional teahouse serving green tea and Japanese confections.
The Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
★ 4.4Iconic Postcard Row Victorian houses framed against the modern skyline
Perched on the eastern slope of Alamo Square Park, this famous row of colorful Queen Anne-style Victorian homes stands in striking contrast to the modern downtown skyline behind them. The park's rolling grassy lawns make it one of the city's favorite destinations for relaxing picnics and classic San Francisco photographs.