Things to Do in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park
Fun Activities to Fill a Day in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is filled with beautiful landscaping, peaceful gardens, and classic San Francisco museums. There are countless activities that visitors can enjoy within the park and below are just a few.California Academy of Sciences & Morrison Planetarium
The California Academy of Sciences is both a natural history museum and a research institute. It has more than 26 million specimens, making it one of the largest museums of natural history in the world. It's also California's oldest museum, dating back to 1853.The adjoining Morrison Planetarium hosts a variety of shows and events centering around astronomy and the stars. The 75-foot dome and large theatre make for an engaging and enjoyable experience for kids and adults alike.
55 Music Concourse Drive, Inner Sunset, SF, California, 94118
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
San Francisco has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day and Things to Do in the Winter in San Francisco.
Steinhart Aquarium
The Steinhart Aquarium is part of the California Academy of Sciences. It's a diverse aquarium with almost 40,000 live animals from over 900 different species. There are unique and beautiful exhibits as well as interactive programs that everyone can enjoy.
55 Music Concourse Drive , Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118
de Young Museum
This art museum is located in Golden Gate Park and features work from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. This museum is more than 125 years old and it's popular for its unique fashion exhibits that include everything from costumes to contemporary Muslim fashions. There's also a beautiful observation tower on the 9th floor that looks out over Golden Gate Park, downtown San Francisco, the Bay, and the Marin headlands.
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94118
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
Osher Rainforest
Located in the California Academy of Sciences, this domed rainforest climbs 90 feet high. It's home to more than 1,600 different plants and animals and offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Nature lovers will love this unique perspective on a rainforest.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Kimball Natural History Museum
The Kimball Natural History Museum is a fun and educational museum for kids and adults alike. It's located in the California Academy of Sciences, and it has exhibits on fossils, natural history, and our planet.
Golden Gate Park, 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
Interested in more travel advice for San Francisco? Check out Christmas in San Francisco and The Best Children's Museums in San Francisco.
Grandview Park
Grandview Park, also known as Turtle Hill, is in Golden Gate Park. It's the place to go for spectacular views and on a clear day you can see the Pacific Ocean, the city's skyline, the San Francisco Bay, and all of Golden Gate Park. It's particularly spectacular during either sunrise (for those early risers) or sunset.
1705 14th Ave, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA, 94122
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
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
How much does it cost?
Prices for activities, things to do, and tours range from $8 to $60. The average cost for a tour or tickets is $31. A few of the best options are below.
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Interested in more travel advice for San Francisco? Check out A Nature Lover's Guide to San Francisco and A Train Lover's Guide to San Francisco and Activities and Things to Do in the Fall in San Francisco and An Art Lover's Guide to San Francisco and Best Places for Dumplings and Dim Sum in San Francisco and Best Places To Enjoy A Picnic In San Francisco.
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