In case you’re trying to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply sooner or later, I’ve bought you lined with my jam-packed, however utterly doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is very large—larger than Central Park, truly (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 today began!
Need extra SF concepts? See my San Francisco Bucket Record stuffed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis and my superb 24-Hour Itinerary for the Presidio.
8:30 AM
Espresso + Pastries at Tartine Inside Sundown
We’re kicking off with the necessities: espresso and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Inside Sundown location. This native gem is known for its pastries—significantly, their babka is a must-try. You can in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however in case you’re feeling a bit fancy, attempt the smooth scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).
Tip: In case you’ve bought room to hold a loaf of their well-known sourdough bread, seize it. (Take into account it a memento… that you simply’ll devour later.)
Parking: We parked on the seventh Ave/Irving Parking Lot which was straightforward and beneath $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. You may also park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Storage and stroll, it’s a few half mile every method.
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 data, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium multi functional spot. The Osher Rainforest is likely one of the highlights (and my favourite!)—a four-story lush oasis stuffed 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 case you’re an evening owl, take a look at their adults-only NightLife occasion each Thursday. (It’s a mixture of cocktails, science, and somewhat grown-up journey!)
Parking: You possibly can park in Golden Gate Park on the Music Concourse Storage which is correct subsequent to the California Academy of Sciences.
11:00 AM
Conservatory of Flowers
Now, we’re off to the Conservatory of Flowers, only a brief stroll from the science academy. This place is a botanical dream with uncommon crops that can make you are feeling such as you’ve entered a special world. From large water lilies to carnivorous pitcher crops, 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 crops are fairly unbelievable, however the Conservatory constructing itself is over 100 years previous 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 sort to get giddy over museums. However the de Younger Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing guests since 1895 (discuss having some severe avenue cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Tremendous 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 filled with American artwork from the seventeenth century to now, plus some unbelievable 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 case you’re craving an informal lunch with severe 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 form of place close to Ocean Seaside, and the vibe could be very chill. If you wish to add somewhat kick to your meals, don’t miss including a touch of their do-it-yourself habañero-carrot scorching sauce. PS: It’s out of doors seating solely so bundle up if it’s chilly exterior!
ParkIng: Ocean Seaside Parking is free and plentiful. You possibly can stroll from there, after which to the following cease.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Backyard on the Dutch Windmill
That is THE spot in case you love tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Backyard, situated beneath a lovely Dutch windmill, explodes with colourful tulips each spring. However don’t skip it simply because it’s not Spring—I visited throughout the cooler months, and it was nonetheless price a fast cease. That windmill alone? Complete fairytale vibes and picture-perfect, irrespective of the season!
2:45 PM
Pedal Boat on Blue Heron Lake
Now for a little bit of train—however the enjoyable form! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and hire a pedal boat (or rowboat in case you choose). They hire 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 received’t lie, this could be a little bit of a leg exercise, nevertheless it’s additionally a novel approach to see the park’s pure facet. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket listing journey like cruising round a lake in the course of town, proper?
Parking: Free parking is accessible 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 simple 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 actually 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 gorgeous cherry blossoms in full, fairy-tale-worthy bloom. However don’t fear if it’s not spring—any time of 12 months, this backyard will make you are feeling such as you’ve wandered into one other world proper in the course of San Francisco.
Be aware: Allowed time of entry varies relying on the time of 12 months, so verify 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 Inside 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 bizarre. Don’t let the relaxed vibe idiot you—these dishes imply enterprise! We dug into the Gradual 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 beneath $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Kothai Republic (the identical lot as for Tartine). It’s additionally attainable to seek out metered parking nearer to the restaurant (we did!).
Golden Gate Park 1-Day Itinerary Video
Be aware: we principally drove in between areas, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You can additionally take the bus (verify 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 areas.
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