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.

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:

• 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.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr,

San Francisco, CA 94118

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:

• 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

Map

3) Discover A World Of Beauty At San Francisco Botanical Garden

You’ll find 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

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Last Entry 6pm

Closes One Hour After Last Entry

Garden Bookstore & Plant Shop

Open Daily

10:00am – 4:00pm

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Library

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 Stow Lake

The 12-acre Stow Lake wraps itself around Strawberry Hill at its center. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat from the Stow Lake boathouse for a self-guided tour of the lake.

As you circle the lake, you’ll see fantastic sights such as:

• 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.

Take A Super Fun Guided Segway Tour!

Have an adventure in Golden Gate Park with a small group of like-minded explorers. You’ll see the famous landmarks, plus a few hidden corners of the park.

Your knowledgeable local tour guide will share the history, stories, and a few secrets about Golden Gate Park. No experience is necessary to ride the Segway. We’ll take time to make sure each person feels comfortable before we start the tour.

Whether this is your first time in San Francisco or you have lived here for many years, you are sure to learn something and have a good time doing it!

Go online, or call us today at 415-474-3130, to book your next great adventure!

Learn More about Golden Gate Park:

• Top 7 Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

• Why Are There Two Giant Windmills in Golden Gate Park?

• 31 Fun Facts and Amazing Stories About Golden Gate Park

• 17 Fantastic Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

• 14 Things You Didn’t Know About John McLaren, the Head Gardener in Golden Gate Park

• Not to Be Missed – De Young Museum & California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park