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 acquired you lined with my jam-packed, however fully doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is huge—greater 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 Checklist stuffed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis.
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—critically, their babka is a must-try. You can in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however for those who’re feeling a bit fancy, strive the tender scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).
Tip: In case you’ve acquired room to hold a loaf of their well-known sourdough bread, seize it. (Contemplate it a memento… that you just’ll devour later.)
Parking: We parked on the seventh Ave/Irving Parking Lot which was simple and beneath $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. You can even 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 information, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium multi function 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 a bit grown-up journey!)
Parking: You possibly can 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 crops that may make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered a special world. From big 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 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 sort 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 severe avenue cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Advantageous 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 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 type of place close to Ocean Seaside, and the vibe may be very chill. If you wish to add a bit kick to your meals, don’t miss including a touch of their home made habañero-carrot scorching sauce. PS: It’s outside seating solely so bundle up if it’s chilly outdoors!
ParkIng: Ocean Seaside Parking is free and plentiful. You possibly can stroll from there, after which to the subsequent cease.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Backyard on the Dutch Windmill
That is THE spot for those who love tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Backyard, positioned beneath a stupendous Dutch windmill, explodes with colourful tulips each spring. However don’t skip it simply because it’s not Spring—I visited through the cooler months, and it was nonetheless value a fast cease. That windmill alone? Whole 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 type! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and hire a pedal boat (or rowboat for those who favor). 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 is usually a little bit of a leg exercise, however it’s additionally a novel option to see the park’s pure facet. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket checklist journey like cruising round a lake in the course of the 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 (for those who’re fortunate) some avenue performers. You’ll cross 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 following 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 for those who 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’re feeling such as you’ve wandered into one other world proper in the course of San Francisco.
Observe: Allowed time of entry varies relying on the time of yr, so test 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 unusual. 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 $ – simple 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
Observe: we principally drove in between areas, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You can additionally take the bus (test SFMTA web site for routes/stops) or simply park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Storage and stroll from there, trip the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther areas.
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