In the event you’re trying to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply in the future, I’ve obtained you lined with my jam-packed, however fully doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is very large—greater than Central Park, really (sure, you heard that proper!). With over 1,000 acres of gardens, museums, lakes, and trails, that is the final word playground for anybody trying to soak in San Francisco’s appeal. Let’s get this present day began!
Need extra SF concepts? See my San Francisco Bucket Record crammed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis.
8:30 AM
Espresso + Pastries at Tartine Interior Sundown
We’re kicking off with the necessities: espresso and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Interior Sundown location. This native gem is legendary for its pastries—severely, their babka is a must-try. You possibly can in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however in case you’re feeling a bit fancy, attempt the gentle scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).
Tip: In the event you’ve obtained room to hold a loaf of their well-known sourdough bread, seize it. (Think about it a memento… that you simply’ll devour later.)
Parking: We parked on the seventh Ave/Irving Parking Lot which was straightforward and below $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. You can too park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Storage and stroll, it’s a couple of half mile every manner.
9:30 AM
California Academy of Science
After your breakfast pick-me-up, head to the California Academy of Sciences. It’s a full-on wonderland of information, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium multi functional spot. The Osher Rainforest is without doubt one of the highlights (and my favourite!)—a four-story lush oasis crammed with butterflies, birds, and even some (non-scary) reptiles. And the aquarium isn’t too shabby both, showcasing the mysterious “twilight zone” the place bioluminescent creatures make their magic.
Tip: In the event you’re an evening owl, take a look at their adults-only NightLife occasion each Thursday. (It’s a mixture of cocktails, science, and a little bit grown-up journey!)
Parking: You’ll be able to park in Golden Gate Park on the Music Concourse Storage which is true subsequent to the California Academy of Sciences.
11:00 AM
Conservatory of Flowers
Now, we’re off to the Conservatory of Flowers, only a quick stroll from the science academy. This place is a botanical dream with uncommon vegetation that may make you are feeling such as you’ve entered a special world. From large water lilies to carnivorous pitcher vegetation, you’ll see a vibrant show of unique flora. Every gallery has its personal theme, just like the Highland Tropics, the place you’ll discover lush moss and misty cloud forests.
The vegetation are fairly unimaginable, however the Conservatory constructing itself is over 100 years outdated and holds the title of the oldest wood-and-glass conservatory in North America! And it’s a magnificence.
PS: 1st Tuesday of each month is FREE DAY for Bay Space locals!
12:00 PM
de Younger Museum
I’ll admit it—I’m not often the kind to get giddy over museums. However the de Younger Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing guests since 1895 (speak about having some critical avenue cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Fantastic Arts Museums of San Francisco. Which is definitely the largest public arts establishment on the town and one of many largest within the county.
Inside, it’s full of American artwork from the seventeenth century to now, plus some unimaginable textiles, costumes, and artwork from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. They’ve hosted some epic exhibitions like Monet: The Late Years and the bloom-filled wonderland of Bouquets to Artwork.
1:15 PM
Lunch: Hook Fish Co.
In the event you’re craving an informal lunch with critical seafood taste, Hook Fish Co. is the spot. We’re speaking poke, fish tacos, and the freshest guacamole. It’s a easy, order-at-the-counter sort of place close to Ocean Seashore, and the vibe could be very chill. If you wish to add a little bit kick to your meals, don’t miss including a touch of their home made habañero-carrot sizzling sauce. PS: It’s outside seating solely so bundle up if it’s chilly exterior!
ParkIng: Ocean Seashore Parking is free and plentiful. You’ll be able to stroll from there, after which to the subsequent cease.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Backyard on the Dutch Windmill
That is THE spot in case you love an excellent tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Backyard, situated below a phenomenal Dutch windmill, explodes with colourful tulips each spring. However don’t skip it simply because it’s not Spring—I visited in the course of the cooler months, and it was nonetheless price a fast cease. That windmill alone? Complete fairytale vibes and picture-perfect, regardless of the season!
2:45 PM
Pedal Boat on Blue Heron Lake
Now for a little bit of train—however the enjoyable variety! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and lease a pedal boat (or rowboat in case you choose). They lease them by the hour, so you may cruise round Blue Heron Lake. It’s peaceable, scenic, and also you may even spot a marriage shoot or two (we did!). I gained’t lie, this is usually a little bit of a leg exercise, however it’s additionally a singular strategy to see the park’s pure facet. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket listing journey like cruising round a lake in the midst of town, proper?
Parking: Free parking is obtainable proper subsequent to the boathouse.
4:00 PM
Stroll the JFK Promenade (to the Japanese Tea Backyard)
From the boathouse, it’s a fast and straightforward stroll to JFK Promenade. This walkable space is dotted with sculptures, murals, and (in case you’re fortunate) some avenue performers. You’ll move by gardens, open fields, and the occasional flower show (just like the Rose Backyard) that’s simply begging to be photographed.
4:45 PM
Japanese Tea Backyard
The subsequent cease is for a dose of Zen on the Japanese Tea Backyard. Initially created for an 1894 exposition by panorama architect Makoto Hagiwara (who really poured his coronary heart into it), this place has grown into 5 acres of pure serenity.
Image arched drum bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, koi-filled ponds, and completely laid stepping stones. And in case you time your go to for March or April, you’ll catch these beautiful cherry blossoms in full, fairy-tale-worthy bloom. However don’t fear if it’s not spring—any time of yr, this backyard will make you are feeling such as you’ve wandered into one other world proper in the midst of San Francisco.
Observe: Allowed time of entry varies relying on the time of yr, so examine the hours earlier than you go.
6:30 PM
Dinner at Kothai Republic
After a full day of exploring Golden Gate Park, head over to Kothai Republic within the Interior Sundown for a well-earned feast. This cozy, laid-back spot has been wowing foodies because it opened with its daring, Asian-inspired fare that’s something however strange. Don’t let the relaxed vibe idiot you—these dishes imply enterprise! We dug into the Sluggish Shrooms with miso confit and parsnip (um, sure, please!), the Monterey Squid with butter beans and charred tomatoes, and the Home Pear Salad full with wilted radicchio, hazelnuts, and feta.
Parking: seventh Ave/Irving Parking Lot $ – straightforward and below $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Kothai Republic (the identical lot as for Tartine). It’s additionally potential to search out metered parking nearer to the restaurant (we did!).
Observe: we largely drove in between places, so I’ve added probably the most handy parking spots. You possibly can additionally take the bus (examine SFMTA web site for routes/stops) or simply park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Storage and stroll from there, journey the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther places.
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