Travel bucket list idea:
First of all: the Golden Gate Park is not adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge. Rather, this rectangular, 1017-acre urban park lies on the city’s west side – San Francisco’s equivalent of Central Park but 20% bigger.
It’s home to some pretty stellar attractions, among them the world-class DeYoung Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers – not to mention acre upon acre of green goodness.
You can hire bikes or rollerskates to explore, and rowboats or waterbikes from the boathouse on the northwest side to float on Stow Lake, one of the park’s loveliest spots.
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
Escape the city mayhem in the immaculate, contemplative Japanese Tea Garden, which was first developed in 1894 to showcase a traditional Japanese village for the California International Exposition (World’s Fair). An additional tea house and pavilions were built and the garden became a permanent fixture of the Golden Gate Park.
Adult price: £5
Best for ages 13+
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
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A highly regarded art collection showcasing American art from the 17th-21st centuries, as well as international contemporary art, costumes and textiles.
Adult price: £12
Best for ages 18+
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
The elaborate Victorian greenhouse at the Conservatory of Flowers is the oldest building in the park, constructed in 1878 and rising 60ft (18m). Plants and flowers from around the world are housed in a variety of climate-controlled galleries, including Highland Tropics and Lowland Tropics. Closed on Mondays.
Adult price: £11
Best for ages 8+
San Francisco, California, United States of America (USA)
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One of the world’s greatest natural science museums. An aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and four-storey rainforest – all housed in an architectural masterpiece.
Adult price: £35
Best for ages 4+
San Francisco’s public transit systems will get you to the park. It’ll also help you get around the recreational area that stretches almost three miles from east to west, thanks to the free shuttle service that picks up from various spots in the park daily. You can hire bikes and skates at Unlimited Biking on Haight Street on Fulton.
A number of local companies also offer guided bike tours of the park, exclusively or as part of a wider itinerary (see our recommendations).
The park is always open, but the attractions have varying open times. Check the website before you go. Go early to enjoy the park and its attractions with fewer people. Locals love the park, and weekends bring the biggest crowds.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
California, United States of America (USA)
A beautiful bayside city with home-grown authenticity, charmingly unique neighbourhoods and excellent locally-driven food. Home to the magnificent red-ochre Golden Gate Bridge and the world’s most infamous prison, Alcatraz.
