Top 7 Things To Do In Golden Gate Park
Visitors to San Francisco are familiar with the city’s top iconic sites. Landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and cable cars are certainly at the top of most San Francisco bucket lists. If you are planning to visit this fantastic city, then spending a day at Golden Gate Park should also be added to your list as a must-see and must-do.
Visiting an art museum, having tea in an authentic Japanese Tea House, searching for a shipwreck on the beach, and meandering through the gardens are just a few of the amazing places to explore in Golden Gate Park.
Spending a day, or more, at Golden Gate Park is not just for tourists. San Francisco locals come to the park to spend time with family, read a book or relax and recharge.
Take a look at our top picks for things to do in Golden Gate Park, for visitors and locals.
1) Visit The De Young Museum Of Fine Art
The de Young Museum houses an impressive collection of art with exhibits that include:
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- American art from the 17th through 21st centuries
- Sculptures
- Decorative arts
- Modern and contemporary art
- International textiles and costumes
- Artwork from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Take the elevator to the ninth floor of the Hamon Observation Tower for a glass-walled, 360-degree view of San Francisco.
In addition to the many permanent exhibits, the museum showcases rotating special exhibitions.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Purchase tickets online in advance.
Allow 2 -3 hours.
Pro-tip: At 4:30 pm each day, the permanent collections are open free to the public. Viewing the special exhibits at that time still requires an admission ticket.
Website: https://www.famsf.org/visit/de-young
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday
9:30 am – 5:15 pm
Hamon Observation Tower closes at 4:30 pm
2) Stop For Tea at The Japanese Tea Garden
Step into the Japanese Tea Garden and find tranquility. The garden is an impressive landscape of Japanese architecture.
Wander the pathways to see:
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- An arched drum bridge
- Pagodas
- Stone lanterns
- Native Japanese plants
- Koi ponds
Stop by the Tea House for tea and Japanese refreshments.
Open Everyday
Plan to spend 1 – 2.5 hours.
Spring – Summer Hours
March – October
9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fall – Winter Hours
November – February
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Free Hour
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
9:00 am – 10:00 am
3) Discover A World Of Beauty At San Francisco Botanical Garden
Over 8,000 plants across 55 acres at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. You’ll see plants from Asia, South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, South America, and more.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours.
Open Daily 7:30am
Last Entry 6pm
Closes One Hour After Last Entry
Garden Bookstore & Plant Shop
Open Daily 10:00am – 4:00pm
Open Daily except Thursday, 10am–4pm
4) Explore The Classic Shakespeare Garden
This classic garden showcases the many flowers featured in Shakespeare’s writing. You’ll find Shakespeare’s Garden in Golden Gate Park, close to the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Look for the sign directing visitors to the garden’s free entrance.
Plan to spend 1 hour.
5) Row A Boat Around Blue Heron Lake (Stow Lake)
The 12-acre Blue Heron Lake wraps itself around Strawberry Hill at its center. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat from the Blue Heron Lake boathouse for a self-guided tour of the lake.
As you circle the lake, you’ll see fantastic sights such as:
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- Stone bridge
- Huntington Waterfall
- A Chinese Pagoda
- Colorful wildlife
Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Plan to spend 1 – 2 hours.
6) Cross The Foot Bridge To Strawberry Hill
At the center of Stow Lake sits Golden Gate Park’s highest point, Strawberry Hill, so named for the fields of strawberries that once grew here. Access Strawberry Hill via one of two footbridges that cross the lake. It’s an easy uphill hike to the 430-foot top.
Plan to spend 1 – 2 hours.
7) Search For Shipwrecks At Ocean Beach
You’ll find Ocean Beach Park adjacent to the southwest edge of Golden Gate Park. It’s 3.5 miles of white sand beach that are great for walking and exploring.
However, the frigid water and hazardous currents are not suitable for swimming. At least 20 ships have wrecked at this infamous site. It is possible to see a partial hull of the wrecked King Phillip sticking out of the sand during a shallow low tide.
8) Take a Private Group San Francisco Sightseeing Tour that includes Golden Gate Park
Explore San Francisco’s Iconic Landmarks in Style – Private Tours with Golden Gate Park!
Discover the beauty of San Francisco on a private group sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the lush and vibrant Golden Gate Park! Whether you prefer the fun and quirky Lucky Tuk Tuk or the adventurous open-air San Francisco Jeep Tour, you’ll experience the city like never before.
See the best of San Francisco! From the stunning Golden Gate Bridge to the historic charm of Fisherman’s Wharf, your expert guide will lead you through the city’s must-see spots with plenty of photo stops along the way.
Explore Golden Gate Park! Glide through this urban oasis, home to breathtaking gardens, hidden trails, and famous landmarks like the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden.
Your ride, your way! Choose from a cozy Lucky Tuk Tuk for a unique and eco-friendly adventure or a San Francisco Jeep Tour for an open-air, panoramic experience.
Perfect for families, friends, and small groups, our private tours are customizable, ensuring an unforgettable experience at your own pace.
Book your private tour today and discover the magic of San Francisco – one landmark at a time!
Learn More about Golden Gate Park:
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Top 7 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
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Why Are There Two Giant Windmills in Golden Gate Park?
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31 Fun Facts and Amazing Stories About Golden Gate Park
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17 Fantastic Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
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14 Things You Didn’t Know About John McLaren, the Head Gardener in Golden Gate Park
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Not to Be Missed – De Young Museum & California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park