A Packed One-Day Itinerary for Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

For those who’re seeking to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply at some point, 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 last word playground for anybody seeking to soak in San Francisco’s attraction. Let’s get at the present time began!

Need extra SF concepts? See my San Francisco Bucket Checklist stuffed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis.

8:30 AM

Table of Contents

Espresso + Pastries at Tartine Inside Sundown

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 can in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however when you’re feeling a bit fancy, attempt the tender scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as scrumptious because it sounds).

Tip: For those who’ve bought room to hold a loaf of their well-known sourdough bread, seize it. (Contemplate 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 may also park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage 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 without doubt 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: For those who’re an evening owl, take a look at their adults-only NightLife occasion each Thursday. (It’s a mixture of cocktails, science, and slightly grown-up journey!)

Parking: You’ll be able to 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 crops that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve entered a distinct 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 Young Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing guests since 1895 (speak about having some critical road 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.

For those who’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 slightly kick to your meals, don’t miss including a splash of their do-it-yourself 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 when you love an excellent tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Garden, positioned below an attractive 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? 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 form! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and lease a pedal boat (or rowboat when you want). 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 could be a little bit of a leg exercise, but it surely’s additionally a novel approach to see the park’s pure aspect. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket checklist journey like cruising round a lake in the midst of town, proper?

Parking: Free parking is out there 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 (when you’re fortunate) some road performers. You’ll go 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 Garden. 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 when 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’re feeling such as you’ve wandered into one other world proper in the midst of San Francisco.

Notice: Allowed time of entry varies relying on the time of 12 months, 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 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 below $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!).

Notice: we principally drove in between places, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You can additionally take the bus (test SFMTA website for routes/stops) or simply park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and stroll from there, journey the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther places.