If you happen to’re trying to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply in the future, I’ve bought you lined with my jam-packed, however utterly doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is huge—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 attraction. Let’s get at the present time began!
Need extra SF concepts? See my San Francisco Bucket Listing crammed 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 legendary for its pastries—severely, their babka is a must-try. You could possibly most likely make a meal simply on their croissants, however should you’re feeling a bit fancy, attempt the comfortable scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).
Tip: If you happen to’ve bought 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 straightforward and underneath $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. It’s also possible to park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Storage and stroll, it’s a couple of half mile every approach.
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: If you happen to’re an evening owl, try 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 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 vegetation that may make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered a unique 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 normally 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 critical avenue cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Nice Arts Museums of San Francisco. Which is definitely the most important 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 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.
If you happen to’re craving an off-the-cuff 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 selfmade habañero-carrot scorching sauce. PS: It’s out of doors seating solely so bundle up if it’s chilly outdoors!
ParkIng: Ocean Seashore Parking is free and plentiful. You’ll be able to stroll from there, after which to the following cease.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Backyard on the Dutch Windmill
That is THE spot should you love a superb tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Backyard, positioned underneath an attractive 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, regardless 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 should you want). 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 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 town, proper?
Parking: Free parking is on the market 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 (should you’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 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 should 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 12 months, this backyard will make you’re 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 underneath $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!).
Golden Gate Park 1-Day Itinerary Video
Be aware: we largely drove in between places, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You could possibly 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, experience the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther places.
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