If you’re seeking to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply sooner or later, I’ve acquired you coated with my jam-packed, however fully 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 last word playground for anybody seeking to soak in San Francisco’s attraction. Let’s get at the present time began!
Want extra SF concepts? See my San Francisco Bucket List crammed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis.
8:30 AM
Coffee + Pastries at Tartine Inner Sunset
We’re kicking off with the necessities: espresso and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Inner Sunset location. This native gem is legendary for its pastries—critically, their babka is a must-try. You might in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however in case you’re feeling a bit fancy, attempt the delicate scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).
Tip: If you’ve acquired room to hold a loaf of their well-known sourdough bread, seize it. (Consider 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 also can park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage 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 data, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium multi function 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’re an evening owl, try their adults-only NightLife occasion each Thursday. (It’s a mixture of cocktails, science, and slightly grown-up journey!)
Parking: You can park in Golden Gate Park on the Music Concourse Garage 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 quick 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 distinct world. From large water lilies to carnivorous pitcher vegetation, you’ll see a vibrant show of unique flora. Each 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 unbelievable, 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 Area locals!
12:00 PM
de Young Museum
I’ll admit it—I’m not normally the kind to get giddy over museums. But the de Young Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing guests since 1895 (discuss having some critical road cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Fine 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 full of 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 Art.
1:15 PM
Lunch: Hook Fish Co.
If you’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 Beach, and the vibe may be very chill. If you wish to add slightly kick to your meals, don’t miss including a touch of their selfmade habañero-carrot sizzling sauce. PS: It’s outside seating solely so bundle up if it’s chilly exterior!
ParkIng: Ocean Beach Parking is free and plentiful. You can stroll from there, after which to the subsequent cease.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Garden on the Dutch Windmill
This is THE spot in case you love a great tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Garden, positioned beneath a fantastic Dutch windmill, explodes with colourful tulips each spring. But don’t skip it simply because it’s not Spring—I visited through the cooler months, and it was nonetheless price a fast cease. That windmill alone? Total 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 sort! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and hire a pedal boat (or rowboat in case you want). They hire them by the hour, so you possibly can cruise round Blue Heron Lake. It’s peaceable, scenic, and also you would possibly even spot a marriage shoot or two (we did!). I received’t lie, this could be a little bit of a leg exercise, but it surely’s additionally a singular technique to see the park’s pure facet. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket checklist journey like cruising round a lake in the midst of town, proper?
Parking: Free parking is accessible proper subsequent to the boathouse.
4:00 PM
Walk the JFK Promenade (to the Japanese Tea Garden)
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 road performers. You’ll go by gardens, open fields, and the occasional flower show (just like the Rose Garden) that’s simply begging to be photographed.
4:45 PM
Japanese Tea Garden
The subsequent cease is for a dose of Zen on the Japanese Tea Garden. Originally 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.
Picture 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. But 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 midst of San Francisco.
Note: 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 Inner Sunset 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 peculiar. Don’t let the relaxed vibe idiot you—these dishes imply enterprise! We dug into the Slow Shrooms with miso confit and parsnip (um, sure, please!), the Monterey Squid with butter beans and charred tomatoes, and the House 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 doable to search out metered parking nearer to the restaurant (we did!).
Note: we largely drove in between places, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You might additionally take the bus (test SFMTA web site for routes/stops) or simply park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and stroll from there, experience the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther places.
This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. If you make a purchase order by means of my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no additional price to you. For extra info learn my full disclosure.
Save this Post to Pinterest for Later
