The Best Gardens in San Francisco

Botanical Gardens and Natural Areas in San Francisco

San Francisco is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. The city is filled with outdoor spaces in every neighborhood. All you have to do is wander around and you'll stumble into community gardens or pristinely landscapes church lawns that all take advantage of this city's perfect climate. These are just some of the beautiful gardens in San Francisco, but we recommend you explore on your own and see what you stumble into.
Japanese Tea Garden
This garden is designed specifically to create a zen experience. It offers a wonderful retreat from the chaos of the city and you can sit and relax or wander through the pagodas, koi ponds, and bonsai trees. The blooming cherry blossoms and the native Japanese plants create an authentic experience where you can immerse yourself in tranquility. For a light snack, head to the teahouse.
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118
Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens
Located amid the hustle and bustle of the Financial District, this garden offers a nice retreat from the surrounding energy. There's a hedge maze, waterfalls, and grassy areas where you can relax in the sun. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a snack or take a break with a book. It's also conveniently located where you can rest your legs during a busy day of sightseeing.
750 Howard Street, SoMa, San Francisco, CA, 94103
San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Things to do in San Francisco with Kids and The Best Hiking Trails Near San Francisco.
Glen Canyon
Glen Canyon Park is a city park with 60 acres of green space and a number of fun activities including a rock climbing wall. There's a 1.8 mile trail that can get a bit crowded during popular times. During the spring season, the park is popular for its wildflowers.
Elk St and Chenery St, San Francisco, CA, 94127
San Francisco Botanical Garden
This large botanical garden has more than 9,000 plant varieties. The park is divided into different sections including the Succulent Garden, the Moon Viewing Garden, the Ancient Plant Garden, and the Garden of Fragrance. There are monthly guided tours where you can learn about the seasonal flowers as well.
1199 9th Ave, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94122
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is the last building remaining from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. It's a beautiful, classical style building that sits by a lagoon that serves as a reflecting pool. Inside the palace there are regular art exhibits and performances. The theater seats about 1,000 people.
3301 Lyon Street, Marina District, San Francisco, CA
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
Head to this beautiful garden during the spring season to see the tulips in bloom. The garden offers a touch of the Netherlands in San Francisco. The flowers are set beneath an authentic Dutch windmill and the beautiful red, pink, orange, and yellow colors really pop when the flowers are in bloom. You can also grab a bite at the Park Chalet Garden Restaurant and enjoy the view while you dine.
Golden Gate Park
The Conservatory of Flowers
Located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, this conservatory offers a tropical oasis that dates back to 1878. It's set in a Victorian building that is one of the oldest public wood and glass conservatories in North America. There are five galleries, each with their own unique ecosystem from around the world. This unique setting offers the atmosphere of a world adventure without leaving the city. Outside there is a beautiful lawn that is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a picnic or relax in a peaceful setting.
100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the closest places to San Francisco where you can enjoy a forest of redwood trees. The park spans 554 acres, with 240 acres filled with redwoods. The park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Center and it's a popular day trip from the city. Plan to arrive early if you're visiting on a weekend.
Mill Valley, CA 94941, CA, 94941
If you're looking for more information about San Francisco, read Things to Do Just Outside of San Francisco and Explore the Asian Culture in San Francisco.
The Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center
The Redwood Park at the Transamerica Pyramid Center
The Redwood Park offers a peaceful setting with plenty of benches and striking redwood trees in the heart of the city. This is a quiet spot where you can enjoy lunch or simply rest your legs before continuing to explore the city. At the center of the park is a beautiful fountain.
600 Montgomery St, Financial District, San Francisco, CA, 94111
Shakespeare Garden
For a quieter setting, head to the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park. The flowers in this garden have all been mentioned in Shakespeare plays, so literary enthusiasts can enjoy identifying the species. You can enjoy a quiet and romantic picnic and it's also the perfect place to relax with a book or spend time with your thoughts. The setting is often used for weddings as well.
Golden Gate Park
Built on a peninsula, San Francisco is surrounded by water. It touches the bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. With so much of life in the city geared towards the water, there are bound to be great beaches. From small and quiet, to larger and more popular, these are some of the best beaches in San Francisco.San Francisco is famous for its hiking trails and trails in the surrounding national parks. The Bay Area offers plenty of opportunities for hikers and backpackers whether you're in the city or out in nature.San Francisco offers some of the best outdoor activities in the world. With beautiful weather, scenic mountains, and fantastic beaches, it's the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, rock climbing, biking, and kayaking, to surfing, sailing, paddle boarding, and skydiving, there's something for everyone.

San Francisco has some of the best museums in the country. From iconic museums like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Asian Art Museum, to unique museums like the Cartoon Art Museum, there's something for everyone.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? You might also be interested in A Nature Lover's Guide to San Francisco and Best Places To Enjoy A Picnic In San Francisco.
San Francisco is a city full of history and heritage. From its iconic cable cars to its historic architecture, San Francisco has a wealth of interesting sites to explore.San Francisco is known for being a foodie's paradise. The city is home to some of the country's best restaurants, as well as gourmet food shops, farmers markets, and food trucks. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to choose where to go. Luckily, San Francisco's food scene is diverse, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you're sure to find something you love.San Francisco is a terrific cruise destination because there is so much to see. When getting off of a ship at the port here, you can quickly and easily stroll around town to see so many of the city's famous sites and attractions from Pier 39 to Coit Tower to Lombard Street and the city's famous cable cars.

San Francisco has an abundance of family-friendly attractions, making the city a great option for a family vacation with the kids. From museums to parks, there are plenty of attractions to keep children entertained.San Francisco is a honeymooner's paradise. The scenery, the romance, and the architecture are all perfect for a romantic getaway. The Bay Area also boasts some world-class restaurants and theater productions, making it perfect for a honeymoon filled with fine dining and a show.San Francisco is a city that embraces romance. From the cable cars, to the restaurants, to the beautiful parks and gardens, San Francisco's love of life, its romance, is palpable. Here are some of the most romantic spots in this dynamic city.
If you're looking for more information about San Francisco, read The Best Hiking Trails Near San Francisco and The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco.
San Francisco is a backpacker's paradise. With its vibrant nightlife, cheap hostels and hotels, and easy access to all the attractions, it's no wonder that backpackers from around the world flock to the city.

San Francisco's beaches are legendary, and the city's best waves are right at its doorstep. From beginners to experts, you'll find San Francisco beaches welcoming surfers of all skill levels.San Francisco is a city that has it all. From its rich history, to its diverse culture, to its incredible food scene, San Francisco has a little bit of everything for everyone. And it's all packed into a small area so that visitors can explore everything they want on foot.San Francisco is known for its beautiful weather and amazing scenery, making it a perfect destination for photographers. The hilly streets and colorful architecture provide endless opportunities for stunning photos. There are a variety of places in San Francisco to take photos, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Cable Cars.San Francisco is home to some of the most impressive landmarks in the world. The city is famous for the Golden Gate bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Alcatraz Island, but there are also many other iconic landmarks and architectural marvels throughout the city.

San Francisco is famous for its nightlife, and with good reason. With a variety of bars and clubs, there is never a shortage of things to do after the sun goes down.
San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Parks in San Francisco and The Best Places To People Watch In San Francisco.
Kayaking is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round in San Francisco. With calm waters, the San Francisco Bay offers perfect conditions to kayak. The bay is dotted with islands, and kayaking is one of the best ways to explore them.Sailing in San Francisco is a unique experience, and a great way to see the city from the water. From sunset sails to dinner cruises, there are many options to choose from.San Francisco is home to some of the best fishing in the country. The bay is teeming with fish, including salmon, halibut, and rockfish. Anglers of all ages and skill levels flock to the city's piers and waterfronts to catch their limit.

San Francisco's location on the Pacific Ocean makes it one of the premiere locations for windsurfing in the world. The waters here are smooth, and the winds are consistent, too. The winds blow year-round, but the best winds are in the summer.Parasailing is a thrilling adventure that puts you high in the air, where you can take in some of the most breathtaking views of San Francisco. Parasailing is an activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, and it's an ideal way to see the sights of San Francisco from a different perspective.San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf are hubs for all things water-related. With dozens of different options, San Francisco is a terrific town to explore from the water, or just have a great time on a boat.San Francisco is the birthplace of the hippie movement, and the city's musical legacy lives on today. With an abundance of live music venues, from bars to clubs to outdoor festivals, there's never a shortage of musical events happening in the city.

San Francisco has a reputation as one of the most theater-centric cities in America. Theaters line the city's streets, and nearly every corner has a performance of some kind. With dozens of theaters, a theater district, and a thriving theater community, it's no wonder that San Francisco is a mecca for theater lovers.San Francisco is famous for its shopping, with high-end boutiques, department stores, and flea markets all across the city. San Francisco has everything from high-end designer fashion to vintage finds and one-of-a-kind items.San Francisco has long been known as the "Capital of Cool". The city's status as a tech hub is undeniable, and nowhere is this more evident than in its many tech companies. Tech companies dot the city's skyline, and you'll find them everywhere. Whether it's walking down the street and spotting a tech company's logo, or seeing employees sporting their company logo on their t-shirts, San Francisco's tech scene is inescapable.

San Francisco is known for its amazing hotels, and with good reason. The hotels in San Francisco are as eclectic and unique as the city itself. From boutique hotels to luxury hotels and anything in between, San Francisco has some of the best hotels in the world.San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is one of the best places in the city for bird watching. With more than 1,000 species of wild birds, the park is teeming with life. You can spot some species by walking the trails, and there are also several spots where you can sit on a bench and watch the birds.San Francisco is a melting pot of different cultures. From its diverse neighborhoods to its eclectic food scene, San Francisco's culture has been shaped by the many people who have come and lived here.

San Francisco's nightlife scene is legendary, and it's easy to see why. With everything from huge clubs to intimate lounges, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for dance clubs, live music, or somewhere to sip a cocktail, San Francisco's nightlife scene has got you covered.San Francisco is famous for its hilly terrain, and cycling is a great way to explore the city. There are plenty of great places to rent a bike, and the city's hilly terrain makes it perfect for a leisurely ride. Many of the best routes are along the waterfront, and there are also many quieter, residential streets to explore.San Francisco's architecture is as diverse as the city itself. From Victorian to Art Deco to contemporary, the cityscape is dotted with architectural styles, and is home to a variety of famous landmarks.

San Francisco is one of the world's great cities for art, with a vibrant art scene that's constantly evolving. The city's museums and galleries are world-renowned, and many have free or inexpensive admission.San Francisco is a beautiful city, and with 15 international schools, it's the perfect place to study English abroad. The city's cultural diversity, its rich artistic heritage, and its many attractions make it an ideal place to learn English.San Francisco's gardens are some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. From formal, manicured gardens to natural, wild gardens, San Francisco's gardens are a great place to spend an afternoon.San Francisco's farmers markets and flea markets are more than just places to buy fresh produce or artwork. They are community gathering spots, where locals come to socialize, play, eat, drink, and listen to live music.

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to several excellent aquariums, including San Francisco and Oakland's popular California Academy of Sciences. Visitors can explore over 1,000 species of plants and animals in more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits, including a giant kelp forest, a coral reef, and a tide pool.San Francisco is home to two world-class zoos: the San Francisco Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. The San Francisco Zoo is home to over 1,200 animals, including African elephants, Asian elephants, giraffes, tigers, lions, and cheetahs. The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is home to over 1,500 animals including African lions, giraffes, tigers, and cheetahs.San Francisco has dozens of breweries, and each one offers a different experience. From classic brewpubs to cutting-edge breweries, there's no shortage of great places to enjoy a beer.
How much does it cost?

Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $8 to $599. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $230. A few of the best options are below.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

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