The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, one of the city's most beautiful (and most Instagrammed) landmarks, waives its admission fee entirely on First Tuesdays. Meanwhile, the Cartoon Art Museum over in SoMa runs a "Pay What You Wish" day, meaning you can get in for whatever you've got rattling around in your pocket after paying $7 for a cortado.

Look, we spend a lot of time in this space talking about how San Francisco wastes money, nickels-and-dimes residents with fees, and generally makes it expensive to exist within city limits. So when public and nonprofit institutions actually do something that makes culture accessible without another line item on your tax bill, it's worth highlighting.

These programs are a reminder that not every good thing in the city requires a new bond measure or a seven-figure grant from a board of supervisors discretionary fund. Sometimes it's just institutions doing smart community outreach — building goodwill, getting foot traffic, and letting people enjoy what this city has to offer without a $25 cover charge.

If you're new to SF, working remotely on a flexible schedule, or just looking for something to do that doesn't involve spending half your paycheck, mark the first Tuesday of each month on your calendar. The Conservatory's orchid collection alone is worth rearranging your afternoon.

A city this expensive owes its residents a few freebies. First Tuesdays deliver. Take advantage before someone finds a way to means-test it.