Attractions in Golden Gate Park (San Francisco)

Golden Gate Park

In the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed more than 1000 acres (405 hectares) of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of busy city life. Stretching from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as a golf course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, check out the California Academy of Sciences and an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. For families with children, there are playgrounds, a live buffalo reserve and a carousel.You could also find the Shakespeare Garden going down a hidden lane in The Golden Gate Park.

Japanese Tea Garden

Located in Golden Gate Park, this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art. This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha, a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens Koi-filled pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs with a Japanese flair.

De Young Museum

Acting as a major cultural destination since 1895, the de Young Museum re-opened in October 2005, newly housed in a facility designed by Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects in San Francisco. The Building is magnificent and from the observation tower you can get a great view of the park. It is open, airy and massive. It als o has a perforated and embossed copper facade which goes very well with the greenery around the museum. The museum has world-renowned collections of American Painting and Sculpture dating from the 17th to the 20th century. Also is Primitive Art highly represented with extraordinary pieces from Native American Art (from the ancient Teotihuacan City), African Art (statues and potteries) and Oceanic Art (shields, dance dress and masks).

San Francisco Parks Trust Golden Gate Park Tours

These free tours are given mostly on weekends all year round. They explore different aspects of the park including the famous Japanese Tea Garden and the Grand Concourse. Tennis shoes and insect repellent are advised. At this tour you can be as close as possible to nature right in the heart of bustling San Francisco. Tour locations and departure times vary. Call ahead for information.

Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals

Inside San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park lies Stow Lake, a small recreation area complete with waterfall. Local families and tourists come here to rent paddle-boats, have a picnic, or just feed the ducks. Electric boats can be rented. Those who would rather remain on land can rent bikes and roller blades. Ride or skate through Golden Gate Park, then afterwards stop by the concession stand for popcorn, hot dogs, and ice cream. Note: Cash only.

National AIDS Memorial Grove

This seven-acre sanctuary is a tribute to the memory of those lost to this so-far incurable disease. Located on the east end of Golden Gate Park , the grove was conceived in 1989 by a group of San Francisco residents and received national status by President Clinton and Congress in October 1996. Renovation for the Memorial began in 1991 and it is a beautiful landscape with thousands of new trees, plants, six flagstone gathering areas, 15 benches, and numerous granite boulders. Today it is the site of memorial services, reflection, and events such as World AIDS Day.

Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This is a living museum in Golden Gate Park that is home to a wide array of rare and exotic plant life from around the world. Visit the 70-acre garden and explore seemingly endless trails past duck ponds, an arbor, herbs, flowers, blooming trees and redwoods, and smaller, specialized gardens with names like the Garden of Fragrance. Also on hand is an education center that provides different gardening, horticulture, botany, and environmental classes for adults and children, plus a horticulture library and bookstore. The public is allowed to stroll through the garden anytime, although they are asked to keep on the paths.

Conservatory of Flowers

The Conservatory of Flowers, located in Golden Gate Park transports you from San Francisco to a tropical rain forest, minus the exotic animals. The five galleries within the conservatory include the Lowland Tropics, Plotted Plants, Aquatic Plants, Highland Tropics and an ever changing special exhibit. The Conservatory of Flowers displays plants and flowers in its unique environment, offers guided school tours and is available to rent for corporate events and weddings. This gallery of flowers is a must see for any nature or horticulture lover.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Pull up a blanket or put on your dancing shoes for one of the most popular San Francisco music festivals. Held in the lush, expansive Golden Gate Park, this bluegrass extravaganza features both famous relics and up-and-coming talent on five different stages. Some of the past performers have included Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Gillian Welch and a local to the area, Etienne de Rocher. Expect to find banjos, overalls, beer and plenty of friendly, eclectic people to share a fun-filled, relaxing day. See website for yearly particulars.

Baker Beach

Beginning at the south of the Golden Gate Point this half mile long beach was part of Presidio, a military base of the Spanish from 1776 until 1997. After the military base was decommissioned, the beach is now administered by the National Park service. It was the original venue for the Burning Man art festival. This scenic beach provides a panaromic view of the Golden Gate Bridge and has a nude beach towards its northern end.

Sharon Meadow

Sharon Meadow located in the southeast side of Golden Gate Park is large open space which is a favorite haunt for family picnics, sun-bathing and soccer games. In fact, some areas also include tables and barbecues. A La Carte is an annual summer event held at Sharon Park, during which there is live music, great food stalls and fund-raiser walks. The lush green place with huge trees will make you fall in love with nature.

Speedway Meadow

The Speedway Meadow at Golden Gate Park is a famous family retreat for the odd day to take a picnic. Bring out your sandwich baskets and portable barbecues to enjoy a day cooking meal outdoors, relaxing under the shade of a banyan tree over soft grass as the kids scatter around playing. The place serves as a haven for Volleyball players. The park also acts as a venue for concerts and other events from time to time.