Golden Gate Park: Top 9 things to do (+ tips for visiting)
Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s largest urban park, stretching 3 miles long and about half a mile wide. It covers over 1,000 acres, making it even bigger than New York’s Central Park.
The park is very popular with locals and tourists as it is home to some of San Francisco’s top museums and gardens, including the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
With its massive size and diverse attractions, it’s easy to spend an entire day here or even multiple days, depending on how much you want to see. Being a local, I have made several trips to Golden Gate Park over the years to enjoy the various attractions and activities with family and friends.
If you’re planning a trip, here’s a guide to the top things to do and see at Golden Gate Park, plus helpful tips to make the most of your visit.
Golden Gate Park Quick Overview
- Top attractions – California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, De Young Museum, Conservatory of Flowers, Dutch Windmill
- Top activities – Biking, pedal boats at Stow Lake, walking the length of the park, picnicking
- Transport within the park – Free Golden Gate Park shuttle, Walking, Uber/Waymo
- Walking route – John F Kennedy Dr (JFK) is one of the two main roads within the park. A portion of it, JFK Promenade, is reserved especially for walking and biking. The other road is Martin Luther King Jr Drive.
Short on time? I recommend this small group walking tour with an expert guide to see the top attractions in 4 hours:
Top 9 things to do in Golden Gate Park
With several world-class museums, each worthy of a full day in itself, beautifully landscaped gardens, lakes, hiking trails, and picnic meadows, there is a lot to explore in Golden Gate Park.
If you’re short on time, you can focus on the highlights in 3 to 4 hours, but to fully experience the park, especially if you want to visit one of the museums or walk or bike the length of the park, you’ll need a full day here.
We usually park our car at the Music Concourse paid parking garage and then explore on foot or using the free Golden Gate Park shuttle. Most recently, my husband and I walked the entire length of the park from the east end to the west, ending at Ocean Beach. We then took a Waymo cab (it’s driverless!) back to our car.
Below are some of the must-visit attractions in Golden Gate Park from my past visits:
1. California Academy of Sciences
One of the park’s top attractions, the California Academy of Sciences, is a natural history museum, planetarium, aquarium, and rainforest all under one roof.
This museum is not just for kids, adults will enjoy it equally. We had an annual membership to this museum for several years.
Our favorite here is the four-story indoor rainforest in a glass dome, which is a must-see, with tropical birds and butterflies flying around as you walk through different levels.
The Steinhart Aquarium features a massive coral reef tank and several species of marine life, including penguins and an alligator named Claude, while the Morrison Planetarium offers immersive space shows on one of the largest domed screens you might have seen. My family always looks forward to new shows at the planetarium.
During the holidays, the Academy houses reindeer, and it’s always a treat to watch them. Thursday evenings offer NightLife, a 21+ event with music, drinks, and special exhibits. It is a great time to visit for couples or a group of friends.
We sometimes make a trip to Golden Gate Park just to spend an entire day at this museum. You can easily spend an entire day here and still not see it all, but if short on time, plan to spend a minimum of 3 hours to take a quick look at the exhibits.
I highly recommend this museum for families.
➡️ Get your California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
➡️ Get your California Academy of Sciences NightLife Admission Ticket
2. Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. and one of the most scenic spots in Golden Gate Park. Originally built in 1894, the garden is beautifully landscaped and features koi ponds, pagodas, stone lanterns, and a unique arched drum bridge. You can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and snacks at the garden’s teahouse.
Spring is especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms bloom, but unfortunately, that is when it is the most crowded. I visited in March 2025 on a weekend, and although the flowers were gorgeous (the azaleas!), it was overcrowded and not the tranquil experience I was looking for. There was no space to even sit in the teahouse.
My advice would be to go on the weekdays if you can, but if you can only go on the weekends, go in the first hour of opening to have some time alone to enjoy the garden.
We bought tickets at the gate and it was around $18 per person. If you go before 10 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, admission is free.
➡️ Check here for my article about visiting Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.
3. de Young Museum
The de Young Museum is a fine art museum featuring American, African, and contemporary art. It has permanent and rotating special exhibits that showcase world-renowned artists, so it’s worth checking the schedule before you go.
Even if you don’t visit the galleries, the museum’s Hamon Observation Tower on the 9th floor is a must-see. It’s free to enter and offers 360-degree views of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco city, and the Pacific Ocean.
The museum is located in the Music Concourse area, right across from the California Academy of Sciences, making it easy to visit both in the same trip. The de Young Café offers coffee, gourmet food, desserts, and outdoor seating with views of the park.
➡️ Get your de Young Museum General Admission Ticket
4. Music Concourse
The Music Concourse is an open-air plaza in Golden Gate Park, located between the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences.
At the heart of the concourse is the Golden Gate Park Bandshell stage, where free concerts and performances take place throughout the year. On weekends, you might catch a local band, orchestra, or cultural event happening here.
There are food trucks on Music Concourse Dr, where we usually grab something to eat, sit in the open area near the stage, and take in the views. There are plenty of benches to take a break here and throughout the park as well.
On Music Concourse Drive you will also find bike rental and surrey rental vendors from where you can rent bikes by the hour. A bike can be a great way to explore the Golden Gate Park, although I prefer walking.
5. Conservatory of Flowers
Housed in a Victorian-era glass greenhouse, the Conservatory of Flowers building is one of Golden Gate Park’s most iconic landmarks. You will be awed just looking at the white domed building and the beautifully landscaped flower gardens outside.
Inside, five galleries showcase a variety of tropical, rare, and exotic plants.
The Aquatic Plants Gallery features a variety of colorful lilies and other flowers, while the Highland Tropics and Lowland Tropics house tropical plants and lush rainforest foliage.
The conservatory is on the Eastern end of Golden Gate Park, and the free park shuttle stops here. It is open Tuesday–Sunday, with free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.
6. Stow Lake / Blue Heron Lake
Stow Lake (now called Blue Heron Lake) can be reached by a small trail near the Japanese Tea Garden and is free to visit. We climbed a set of stairs to reach here, but there were plenty of cars parked on Blue Heron Lake Drive, which circles the lake, so you can get here by car as well.
Stow Lake is the largest lake in Golden Gate Park and a peaceful spot for walking, picnicking, or renting a paddle boat. A paved path circles the lake, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll with views of the water, bridges, and lush greenery. I found it to be less crowded than the Music Concourse area, where all the museums are.
At the lake’s center is Strawberry Hill, an island with wooded hiking trails and the man-made Huntington Falls. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of Golden Gate Park and even the city on a clear day.
We will definitely be back here on a sunny day for a picnic and to try the paddle boats with family.
7. Bison Paddock
Yes, there are actual bison in Golden Gate Park! They’ve been here for over a century, and you can see them grazing in a fenced area on JFK Drive just west of Sprekels Lake.
I highly recommend planning to see them if you are visiting with families or, like me, if you have not seen a bison before.
When we went, there weren’t many crowds here and several bison were roaming in the field. We spotted at least a dozen of them. There are two layers of fences, so they are at quite a distance.
8. Dutch Windmill and Tulip Garden
Located on the park’s northwest corner near Ocean Beach, the Dutch Windmill is one of two historic windmills in Golden Gate Park. The other Murphy Windmill is in the southwest corner of the park.
Built in 1903, it was originally used to pump water for the park’s irrigation system. Though no longer functional, it is a historic landmark today, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
At the base of the windmill, the Queen Wilhelmina Garden comes to life each spring with thousands of colorful tulips in full bloom. Peak bloom usually happens between March and April, making it an ideal time to visit.
We visited in Spring and saw so many beautiful tulips. Unfortunately, it is also very crowded during this time. If you are in the city in the spring, definitely plan to visit. Plan for an early morning visit if you want fewer crowds.
9. San Francisco Botanical Garden
Spanning 55 acres, the San Francisco Botanical Garden features 8,000+ plant species from around the world, with themed gardens showcasing redwoods, cloud forest plants, succulents, and tropical flowers.
Highlights include the Magnolia Collection (blooming January–March) and the Mediterranean and South African Gardens in summer. There are plenty of lawn areas to bring food and a blanket for a picnic.
Located near the Music Concourse, the garden is open daily with an admission fee, but it’s free for San Francisco residents and free for all from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Some additional Golden Gate Park attractions
If you have more time, here are some more attractions in Golden Gate Park worth exploring:
- Koret Children’s Quarter – A large playground with a historic carousel, great for families.
- Shakespeare Garden – A quiet, hidden gem with picnic lawns and several plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. This garden is right next to the California Academy of Sciences but is usually not crowded.
- Rose Garden – Another hidden gem with a wide variety of roses, this peaceful garden is best visited in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Located on JFK Drive, behind the Japanese Tea Garden.
- Spreckels Lake – A scenic lake on the park’s north side near Bison Paddock, best known for model boat sailing. The San Francisco Model Yacht Club hosts races and demonstrations here. There is a paved trail around the lake for walks or to watch the toy boats.
- National AIDS Memorial Grove – A secluded, forested area with a memorial dedicated to those affected by the AIDS epidemic. The grove features beautiful landscaping, winding paths, and benches for quiet reflection.
Tips for visiting Golden Gate Park
If you are planning to visit Golden Gate Park, below are some tips to make the most of your day:
- Plan your route – The park is massive, so figure out what areas you want to see in advance.
- Wear layers – San Francisco’s weather can change quickly, and the park can be chilly even on sunny days.
- Wear good walking shoes – There will be plenty of walking to do, so make sure you have good shoes. I can easily track over 10,000 steps here,
- Bring water and snacks – There are some food options in the park (see where to eat section below), but they’re spread out, so it’s good to have something on hand.
How to get to Golden Gate Park
You can get to the Golden Gate Park by driving, taking a rideshare like Uber/Waymo/Lyft or by taking public transportation. Being locals, we typically drive, but Uber/Waymo is also quite convenient. We walked along the length of the park and then took a Waymo back to the Music Concourse parking garage.
By Public Transit
- The N-Judah Muni Metro line stops a block from the southeast side of the park.
- Several bus routes (5, 7, 28, 43, 44) have stops along different sections of the park.
Parking
- Free street parking is available inside the park, but it fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- There’s a paid parking garage under the Music Concourse. This is where we always park. It’s around $30 for the day, with hourly rates as well.
For tourists, it’s important to know that Golden Gate Park is not within walking distance of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is south of the bridge and you have to take a cab or public transport to get there.
How to get around Golden Gate Park
You can definitely walk all around Golden Gate Park, but there are transport options that you can take, like the free shuttle within the park or renting a bike.
The free Golden Gate Park Shuttle runs daily till 6 PM and stops at major attractions on the east end of the park.
You can also rent bikes from the vendor on Music Concourse Drive. Getting a ride-share like Uber is also great between attractions inside the park.
Free vs ticketed attractions
Most of the park is free to explore, but the museums and the popular gardens require tickets:
- Free: Hamon Observation Tower at de Young, bison paddock, Stow Lake, windmills and tulip garden, Shakespeare Garden, Rose Garden, Koret playground.
- Ticketed: California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco Botanical Garden.
Where to eat
While the park isn’t packed with food options, here are some good spots:
- de Young Café – In the De Young museum building, the cafe has gourmet meal options as well as grab-and-go salads and sandwiches. An entrance ticket to the museum is not required to visit the cafe.
- Japanese Tea House – Tea and small snacks inside the Japanese Tea Garden. An entrance ticket is required to visit the tea house.
- Blue Heron Boathouse Cafe – This cafe at the Blue Heron boathouse (Stow Lake) has burgers, hot dogs, salads, and drinks.
- Beach Chalet – Ocean views and a full menu, located at the park’s western end.
- Food Trucks – On weekends, you’ll often find food trucks on Music Concourse Dr behind the stage.
- Bring your own picnic – You can bring your own food and do a picnic in one of the several lawn areas throughout the park. There are plenty of picnic tables as well.
Is Golden Gate Park safe?
Golden Gate Park is quite safe during the day, especially around major attractions. We have visited several times during the day and never had an issue.
However, like any big city park, it’s best to:
- Stick to well-lit areas if you’re there in the evening.
- Avoid the more secluded trails when dark.
- Be mindful of your belongings, as car break-ins can happen.
Where to stay
While there are no hotels inside Golden Gate Park, the historic Stanyan Park Hotel on the east end is the closest you can stay to the park.
As Golden Gate Park is quite easily accessible by cab or Uber, staying in Fisherman’s Wharf or downtown areas like Union Square or Nob Hill is great, too.
The Marriott San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf is a great stay in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, surrounded by top attractions like Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. We stayed here once for a staycation in the city and enjoyed the hotel and its convenient location.
Final Takeaways: Visiting Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
Golden Gate Park is one of the best places to explore in San Francisco, with a mix of free and ticketed attractions, walking trails, and gorgeous gardens. Whether you’re visiting the museums, biking through the park, or just relaxing by the lake, it’s worth spending a day here or half a day with this Golden Gate Park Walking Tour if you are short on time.
I wish I lived within walking distance from Golden Gate Park so I could explore its beautiful gardens and trails every evening. It’s an hour’s drive for me from the East Bay area, but we still try to visit and explore when it’s a beautiful sunny day on a weekend.
Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy one of the city’s best outdoor spaces.
More about San Francisco
- Check out my San Francisco itineraries:
- Things to do in Haight Ashbury – San Francisco’s hippie neighborhood
- How to spend one day at North Beach – San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood
- Visiting Muir Woods from San Francisco
- 25 weekend trip ideas from San Francisco
⭐ Got questions about your trip?
Join my private Facebook group – California Travel Advice & Tips! It’s the perfect spot to connect with me and other California locals, as well as past visitors. It’s a great growing community and the quickest way to get answers for your visit!
