It’s a classic San Francisco cliche: a knit-capped hipster on a sticker-covered laptop working from a coffee shop (aka coffice). Let’s bust out of the admittedly great java-fueled routine to explore some other free Wi-Fi alternatives—beyond the public parks you may already know. After all, a change of scenery may inspire your best work yet.
Beach Chalet Beer, beach and bandwidth—what more could you ask for? The Beach Chalet and adjoining sister spot Park Chalet both offer free Wi-Fi with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Park Chalet patrons may want to bring along a blanket and take their laptop to the lawn. Happy hour (Mon–Fri 3–6pm) brings great deals on drinks and bites.
San Francisco Library, Main Branch Duh, of course there’s free Wi-Fi in the library. But when’s the last time you ventured inside the beautifully designed and usually empty Main Branch? Relive your fourth grade field trip by lugging your homework to this bright, clean workspace funded by your tax dollars. Don’t forget to stop by the sixth floor History Center, the official archive of the city and county of San Francisco.
Ferry Building Marketplace Thanks to local politics and the fine folks at Google, the public can enjoy free Wi-Fi along a three-mile stretch of Market Street. The easiest spot to take advantage of this generosity is at the Ferry Building, SF’s top locale for people-watching, award-winning snacks and plenty of seats with a view. Pair your work with some wine-tasting at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.
Noir Lounge This low-lit wine, cocktail and snack spot has remarkably fast Wi-Fi and is often open in the afternoon. Patrons can bring their laptops to the chic Hayes Valley space to work on both their spreadsheets and sommelier skills. On select evenings, vintage noir films are shown in the lounge’s screening room.
One Kearny rooftop garden San Francisco is home to many “secret” rooftop public gardens known as POPOS (privately owned public open spaces). Many of these little green gems are often empty because few of us realize there are public parks dotting the tops of private buildings. One Kearny is home to one of the most beautiful of the bunch and is located right on Market Street. While a phone call to the front office revealed that management is loathe to advertise it, San Francisco’s new free Wi-Fi zone extends to this charming spot.