Golden Gate Park in San Francisco has something for everyone. Experience 10 of the best or funnest attractions. Don't miss the skate disco section of the park at the end of this video! Give this video the thumbs up and subscribe - appreciate the support.
Conservatory of Flowers; This gothic style greenhouse and botanical garden was built in 1879 and offers a close up experience with rare and exotic plants. There are 4 theme ares including lowland tropics, highland cloud forest, aquatic plants and potted plants. People love to hang out on the huge grass lawn in front of the facility and musicians often play nearby. Electronic crickets chirp as you walk up to the greenhouse. Located on JFK drive toward the east side of the park it is open 10am to 4:30 Tuesday through Sunday. Cost is $7 but free on the first Tuesday of the month. www://conservatory of flowers.org
Ancient Old Oak Trees: This grove of old woodlands were here before the area became a park. Fortunately they built the Golden Gate park around the trees. They were cut down for firewood after the big 1906 earthquake in San Francisco but grew back from the stumps and roots. Trail behind the Conservatory of Flowers starting around the Skate disco park. Always free. www://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/oak-woodlands-natural-area-413
Japanese Tea Garden: originally created as a “Japanese village” for the 1894 California midwinter International Exposition featuring a tea garden. It endures today featuring classic elements such as arched drum bridge, pagodas, stepping stones, zen garden and koi fish. Hours vary by season but generally 9 - 6 costing $5 - $8 with a free hour M/W/F before 10am and San Francisco residents get a discount. www://Sfjapaneseteagarden.org
Carousel: The offer of magic ride awaits on glossy collection of characters that include dragon, camel, giraffe, ostrich, tiger and of course horses. This San Francisco playground opened in 1888 and the current carousel is a 1914 beauty built by Herschell-Spillman. Check out the alluring picture panels depicting scenes from Golden Gate Park. Located near hippy hill on the east side of the park. Rides are only $2. Generally open every day from 10:30 to 5. www://goldengatepark.com/golden-gate-park-carousel.html
Stow Lake: This man made lake has an island in the middle that is the highest point in the park. This charming lake has pedal and row boats, a waterfall and Chinese pavilion. Generations of families have been coming here to glide around on the boats, hike the wooded paths and watch the ducks and turtles. There is plenty of parking and near the free shuttle. Boat rental rates as of this writing were $26 to $45 per hour. Some pedal boats come with electric motor. www://Stowlakeboathouse.com
Disc Golf Course: A tightly wooded 18-hole course that is fun for beginners and challenging for experts. Score cards and course maps are located on the website below. The course was built by and is maintained by volunteers. San Francisco’s disc golf course is located off Marx Meadow. www://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/disc-golf-course-227. The volunteers use this website www://sfdiscgolf.org Playing is Free.
Botanical Garden: More than 9000 plants live in this 55 acre San Francisco oasis opened in 1940. Highlights include magnolias, a century old redwood grove and a fragrance garden although there 22 different plant collections to visit. Check for special events like the annual piano show where pianos are put around the park for anyone to play when a scheduled performance is not happening. Generally $7 but residents/school groups get a discount and the 2nd Tuesday of the month is free for all.
De Young Museum: A renounced museum with an industrial observation tower offering panoramic views of the park and San Francisco. There are 6 exhibits plus a special entry limited engagement exhibit. The observation tower is free for all and the museum is $6 - 15 with the main collection free the 1st Tuesday of the month.
Lindy in the Park: Original and longest running swing dance party in San Francisco. Open every Sunday weather permitting from 11 - 2. Free to join in the swing dancing or get free lessons. Located in the GG park on JFK drive between 8th and 10th Avenues. Lindyinthepark.com
6th Avenue Skate Park: Every Sunday or anytime really is fun to skate in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Friday, Saturday and especially Sunday afternoons are especially popular. Disco dancing on skates. Skate rentals are not located in the park. On JFK drive at 6th avenue. Free
Park History
In the 1870’s this area of San Francisco was mostly sand dunes and was called the outlands. The park was sculpted from the dunes with the help of two windmills on the west edge of the park that could pump 1.5 million gallons of water per day into reservoirs for watering plants. They also used lots of horse manure.
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