10 Ways To Fill Your Day In San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park has been described as the part of the city that, "San Franciscans would prefer to keep to themselves" and it is easy to see why.

Stretching for over 5km and containing 412 hectares of diverse and glorious offerings, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco beats New York's Central Park on many levels.

When you visit San Francisco it would be easy to spend a full day in what is one of the world's largest man-made parks and not tire of things to do.

Whether young or old and no matter what your interests, the park offers something for everyone.

In this post I will share 10 of the infinite ways you could spend a happy day, come rain or shine, in this beautiful inner city haven.

10 Ways To Fill Your Day In San Francisco's Golden Gate Park

1. The Botanical Garden

Containing 70 acres of plants, trees, flowers, water features and ornaments from around the world, the Botanical Gardens at the east side of the park are worth a visit.

Laid out in different sections reflecting their corner of the world, you will find yourself travelling continents as you explore!

https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/

2. The Japanese Tea Garden

The tranquil Japanese Tea Garden is a hidden world that will have you believing you have stepped momentarily to Japan itself.

The tea garden here was built originally in 1894 for the Midwinter International Exposition and today is a picturesque spot containing waterfalls, pagodas, native Japanese plants and ornaments as well as peaceful walkways and bridges.

In the centre of the garden is an open-air tea pavilion which serves green teas, Japanese snacks and fortune cookies which legend has it were invented here for the garden's inauguration.

For me, the Japanese Tea Garden was a delight and I would say don't miss it!

http://www.japaneseteagardensf.com/

3. Conservatory of Flowers

A Victorian wood and glass greenhouse that was inspired by Kew Gardens in London.

Originally built in 1878 and restored in 2003, this large building contains a jungle of orchids, water-lilies and carnivorous plants for you to admire, while over 800 live butterflies flutter about you.

https://conservatoryofflowers.org/

4. de Young Museum and Tower

Also located within Golden Gate Park itself are two museums, one of which is the de Young Museum.

The de Young museum is a fine arts museum which holds permanent collections of American art and wider international displays, as well as special exhibitions.

The museum building itself is worth seeing alone - a modern oxidised copper structure which unassumingly draws the eye.

Within the museum building there is also a 144 ft tower with a top floor observation point for visitors that is free to visit. This observation tower offers 360 degree views across the park, the city and to the ocean.

https://deyoung.famsf.org/

5. California Academy of Sciences

The second museum found within the park is the world renowned California Academy of Sciences.

Home to over 26 million species, the museum here is described as, "an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest and natural history museum - all under one living roof".

World renowned as an educational and scientific institute, the decade old building itself is so green it is the world's largest LEED-platinum certified museum!

The roof of the museum is unique and offers greenery that was designed to attract butterflies and insects.

A visit to this museum will keep kids and adults captivated for hours!

https://www.calacademy.org/

6. Dutch & Murphy Windmills

At the furthest westerly point of the park lie the Dutch and Murphy windmills that were built in 1903 and 1905 respectively to supply water to the park.

Worth covering the distance to see these landmarks and while here you are also across the road from the ocean at Land's End and the beach.

https://goldengatepark.com/windmills.html

7. Stow Lake - hire a paddle or rowing boat

Stow lake lies in the centre of the park and is a great spot to hire a paddle or rowing boat for some water based fun!

In the centre of the lake there is also a peaceful island that contains a pagoda and waterfall... perhaps a perfect picnic spot for some refreshments during your busy day?

https://stowlakeboathouse.com/

8. Bison Paddock

Unexpectedly within this San Francisco city based park lies a paddock of Bison direct from the Old West!

The paddock is operated and looked after by San Francisco Zoo and promotes the bison population, giving visitors the chance to observe the quiet behaviour of these large buffalo.

Take the journey towards the west side of the park to find the paddock.

9. National AIDS Memorial Grove

Built and maintained by volunteers is the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

This peaceful spot was the first AIDS memorial ever created in the USA.

The grove covers seven acres and every year thousands of people visit it from across the world to hold ceremonies, remember loved ones or to volunteer.

A perfect setting for quiet contemplation with beautiful surroundings.

10. Hire a bike or take a segway tour!

The final option on this list of 10 ways to spend your day in Golden Gate Park is a popular activity for many.

In and around the park are numerous places to hire a bike and there are also options to take a unique segway tour of the park!

Cover the acres of park with two wheels and enjoy more of the sights and wonders the park offers.

With wide avenues and paths running throughout the entire park, it is well suited to easy cycling or segwaying!

https://electrictourcompany.com/tour/san-francisco-golden-gate-park-segway-tour/

So, these are the 10 ways I would recommend to fill a perfect day in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Aside from these, just strolling through the park you will find plenty to keep your interest... hidden footpaths, diverse plants and wildlife, statues and monuments - this park truly does have it all!

When you are in San Francisco set aside a day, or even half day if that is all you can afford, to explore this great haven within the city.

**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**