Locals' picks: Places to play in the City by the Bay

— -- Hotel bargains aren't the only upside of a visit to San Francisco this summer. As these local experts can attest, the City by the Bay also is full of free and low-cost pleasures. They share three of their favorites with USA TODAY.

Matthew Poole Author of Frommer's San Francisco Free & Dirt Cheap and co-founder of LocalGetaways.com

Glide Memorial Church: "Rev. Cecil Williams' non-denominational Sunday services — exhilarating sermons accompanied by an amazing gospel choir — attract an audience that crosses ethnic, spiritual and socioeconomic boundaries." Celebrities make impromptu appearances; Bono, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey and the Clinton family have attended. Services are at 9 and 11 a.m., but "unless you arrive about 20 minutes early it's standing-room-only." Info: 415-674-6000, glide.org.

De Young Museum:"One of the city's best free views is in Golden Gate Park from the de Young's 144-foot-tall tower," which is open to all visitors even if you haven't paid to enter the museum (admission is $6-$10, free on first Tuesday of each month). "You'll see fabulous views of Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, Lincoln Park, the Pacific and the Marin Headlands beyond." The tower houses a massive aerial map of San Francisco, with a gift shop that stocks a poster-sized version. Info: 415-750-3600, thinker.org.

Boudin Demonstration Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf:"The Boudin Bakery's ultra-modern baking emporium houses a wonderful museum that explains the history of the city and its unique sourdough bread. Arrive in the morning to watch and smell the action when the demo bakery is in full swing." Thursday mornings through September, a new "Breakfast with the Bakers" deal includes a hosted museum tour plus pastries, coffee and juice for $6 a person. Info: 415-928-1849, boudinbakery.com.

Lisa Rogovin Owner of In the Kitchen With Lisa culinary tours (inthekitchenwithlisa.com)

18th Street near Dolores Park:"Seasonal, organic and local is the San Francisco way of eating. And from Dolores Park, at the western edge of the Mission District, it's only a block to one of the city's greatest food streets." For picnic fixings (free movies are shown at the park the second Thursday of the month), try the European-style Bi-Rite Market. Or, share a huge pressed sandwich on walnut levain bread ($10.75-$12.50) at the Tartine Bakery & Cafe, then splurge on a $3.25 scoop of salted caramel ice cream at Bi-Rite Creamery. Info: 415-241-9760, biritemarket.com; 415-487-2600, tartinebakery.com.