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

In case you’re trying to expertise all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to supply in simply someday, I’ve bought you coated with my jam-packed, however utterly doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is huge—larger than Central Park, really (sure, you heard that proper!). With over 1,000 acres of gardens, museums, lakes, and trails, that is the last 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 Record stuffed with enjoyable issues to do within the metropolis. 

8:30 AM 

Espresso + Pastries at Tartine Internal Sundown

We’re kicking off with the necessities: espresso and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Internal Sundown location. This native gem is known for its pastries—significantly, their babka is a must-try. You could possibly in all probability make a meal simply on their croissants, however should 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 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 few half mile every means.

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 among 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 slightly 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 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 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 critical road cred) and, together with the Legion of Honor, it’s a part of the powerhouse duo of the Wonderful 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 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 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 type of place close to Ocean Seaside, and the vibe could be very chill. If you wish to add slightly 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’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 great tulip show. Queen Wilhelmina Backyard, situated underneath a phenomenal Dutch windmill, explodes with colourful tulips each spring. However don’t skip it simply because it’s not Spring—I visited in the course of the cooler months, and it was nonetheless value a fast cease. That windmill alone? Complete 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 should you desire). They lease them by the hour, so you’ll be able to 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 generally is a little bit of a leg exercise, but it surely’s additionally a novel technique to see the park’s pure facet. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket listing 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 (should you’re fortunate) some road 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 should 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 examine 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 Internal 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 abnormal. Don’t let the relaxed vibe idiot you—these dishes imply enterprise! We dug into the Sluggish 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 seek out metered parking nearer to the restaurant (we did!). 

Notice: we principally drove in between areas, so I’ve added essentially the most handy parking spots. You could possibly additionally take the bus (examine 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 areas.

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