10 fun things to do in S.F. - for free SAN FRANCISCO

Holden Burkons from San Francisco going down Seward street slide in Eureka Valley in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, January 15, 2009. Holden Burkons from San Francisco going down Seward street slide in Eureka Valley in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, January 15, 2009. Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 7 Caption Close 10 fun things to do in S.F. - for free 1 / 7 Back to Gallery

It's easy to spend a lot of money in San Francisco on food, lodging and entertainment - whether you live here or you're visiting.

And quite frankly, times are tough: With unemployment hitting 8.8 percent in San Francisco, and nearly 300,000 Bay Area residents searching for jobs, people are thinking twice about spending money on anything but the essentials.

Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do that have that only-in-San Francisco vibe and can be enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

Some are fun, some are informative, some offer a little of both. There are those that require planning and others that can be done on the fly. Below, we offer 10 possibilities from which to choose.

Glass elevators at the St. Francis: The five high-speed elevators at the St. Francis, the landmark hotel at 335 Powell St., zip visitors up to the 31st floor (the 32nd floor is usually reserved for private parties) and offer spectacular views of Coit Tower, the Financial District skyline, the East Bay and Union Square below.

Farmers' markets: San Francisco boasts several markets throughout the week, but the two star attractions take place on Saturdays and together provide a snapshot of San Francisco's rich cultural diversity and a taste of the season's best offerings. Many stalls offer free tastes.

The Alemany Market, known by locals as the "people's market," gets packed soon after the stalls open at 6 a.m. Go elbow-to-elbow to get bok choy, green beans, fresh sugar cane and oranges. The market runs from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., 100 Alemany Blvd., tucked between Bernal Heights and southbound Interstate 280.

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, pricier than Alemany, officially opens at 8 a.m., but many regulars get there 15 minutes early to beat the crowds. The waterfront market has been at the forefront of promoting locally grown, organic produce and has become a favorite of local chefs. Stroll the stalls and pick up a fresh shot of wheatgrass juice or an heirloom tomato. The market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, near the foot of Market Street.

Wave Organ: Listen to the waves and wind make music and take in beautiful bay views. Created in 1986, the acoustical art piece is best experienced at high tide. The installation consists of 25 concrete and PVC pipes planted in the water.

Located on a jetty across from the Marina Green, at the end of Yacht Road. The nearest major cross streets are Marina Boulevard and Lyon Street.

Seward Street slides: Take a thrilling ride down the curved concrete slides at the Seward Street Mini Park in Noe Valley. The side-by-side slides are fast and fun, and not for the faint of heart. Bring a piece of cardboard or burlap to get the most out of the run. Some users swear by plastic cafeteria trays. Located on Seward Street, near the corner of Douglass Street.

Sunday service at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church: The famously liberal church known for its diversity attracts movie stars and homeless people with its message of hope and the wall-shaking Glide Ensemble choir and band.

"Celebrations" are held at 9 and 11 a.m., 330 Ellis St., at Taylor Street, in the Tenderloin.

Ocean Beach bonfire: One of the coolest ways to keep warm at night in San Francisco is to sit near a bonfire at Ocean Beach, where the city meets the Pacific. Fires are restricted to the artist-created fire rings located between Fulton Street and Lincoln Way and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can always find fires burning on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights; they must be extinguished by 10 p.m. Groups larger than 25 require a permit from the National Park Service. For more information on the rules and regulations, go to www.nps.gov/goga.

Outdoor swing dance party: Every Sunday, except when it rains, the pavement in Golden Gate Park is turned into a dance floor, where folks of all ages can do the Lindy Hop and other swing dances. What started out 13 years ago as a small gathering of friends now attracts 150 to 200 people every weekend and welcomes participants of all abilities, even the rhythmically challenged.

Lindy in the Park, as the group is known, runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays on JFK Drive, between Eighth and 10th avenues. Note: Cars are not allowed on the east end of JFK on Sundays.

Open house visits: Ever wonder what the inside of a Pacific Heights mansion looks like? Or whether a "Richmond Special" duplex feels as boxy on the inside as it looks on the outside? Every Sunday afternoon, dozens of single-family homes and condos up for sale open their doors to potential buyers and curious neighbors, providing people a chance to see how the other half lives. Locations change weekly. Check the Sunday newspaper or online real estate sites for specific times and addresses or look for "open house" signs on street corners.

Neighborhood walking tours: For more than two decades, volunteer docents have led walking tours of San Francisco neighborhoods, some well known, such as Chinatown and the Mission, others more off the beaten path, such as Glen Park and Visitacion Valley. The City Guides organization also offers tours that focus on a specific topic, such as murals, theater and the Gold Rush. For a schedule of tours, go to www.sfcityguides.org or call (415) 557-4266.

Board of Supervisors meetings: San Francisco's legislative body meets most Tuesday afternoons at San Francisco City Hall to debate everything from public toilets and high-rise development projects to universal health care and civil rights. The 11-member board is where Harvey Milk and Dan White got their start in elected office, and where Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Mayor Gavin Newsom once served. The board meets at 2 p.m. Tuesday. City Hall is located at Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street. Go to www.sfgov.org to confirm the meeting schedule.