Neighbourhood guide

Golden Gate Park

Museums, gardens, a bandshell, bison and the beach chalets

Golden Gate Park has 13 places on the map. It runs from the Music Concourse and the Conservatory of Flowers in the east to the Beach Chalet and Park Chalet at Ocean Beach in the west.

The eastern end holds the museums and gardens. The California Academy of Sciences is at 55 Music Concourse Drive, the de Young Museum at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, and the Golden Gate Bandshell stands on the Music Concourse. The Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden are close by, and the Conservatory of Flowers is at 100 John F Kennedy Drive.

Further west the park gets quieter. Koret Children's Quarter and the National AIDS Memorial Grove are on the way, the Bison Paddock is at 1237 John F Kennedy Drive and the Chain of Lakes follows. The Beach Chalet and Park Chalet at 1000 Great Highway sit at the ocean end.

13 places

Tap to open the interactive map

See Golden Gate Park on the interactive map

What to see

Plan the eastern end around the Music Concourse. The California Academy of Sciences and the de Young face each other across it, and the Bandshell hosts the free Illuminate LIVE concerts from March through mid-November.

The Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers are run by the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, whose page lists hours and tickets for each.

Where to eat and drink

Beach Chalet and Park Chalet share the address 1000 Great Highway. The Beach Chalet is a brewery and restaurant, and Park Chalet has a garden and a stone fireplace.

Good to know

The park is 1,017 acres, and the Recreation and Parks page covers bike routes, parking and the free shuttle. Distances between the east and west ends are long, so choose one end per visit.

Nearby neighbourhoods

Richmond District and Lands End, San Francisco

Richmond District and Lands End Lands End, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, China Beach and Balboa Street 8 places · 2.1 km away

Haight-Ashbury and the Panhandle, San Francisco

Haight-Ashbury and the Panhandle Buena Vista Park, the Panhandle, Haight Street pubs and breakfast, Kezar Stadium, Tank Hill and Sutro Tower 7 places · 2.7 km away

Sunset and Ocean Beach Ocean Beach, Fort Funston, Sunset Dunes, the zoo, Stern Grove and the tiled steps 13 places · 3.0 km away

Castro and Noe Valley A historic theatre, LGBTQ history, a farmers market and a lookout 6 places · 4.0 km away

The best of Golden Gate Park

Science and animals California Academy of Sciences Aquarium, planetarium and rainforest on the Music Concourse.

Garden Japanese Tea Garden Timed entry tickets are reserved in advance.

Glass house Conservatory of Flowers Opened in 1879, the oldest building in the park.

Wildlife Bison Paddock A small herd of bison in a meadow west of Spreckels Lake.

Park's western end Beach Chalet A 1925 building facing Ocean Beach with WPA murals inside.

Things to do in Golden Gate Park

Park Golden Gate Park San Francisco Recreation and Parks describes the park as 1,017 acres of lakes, meadows and activity areas. Its page covers getting around, the gardens, groves and lakes, and the free shuttle.

The living green roof of the California Academy of Sciences above the Golden Gate Park gardens

Museum California Academy of Sciences Science museum, aquarium, planetarium and rainforest on the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park. African penguins are among the animals on its page.

The copper-clad entrance of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park

Museum de Young Museum Art museum in a copper-sheathed building by Herzog and de Meuron that opened in 2005. The collection includes American paintings, sculpture and decorative arts, plus Native American and Spanish colonial art.

The red pagoda and pruned pines of the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park

Park Japanese Tea Garden Garden of Japanese maples, pines, azaleas and cherry trees in Golden Gate Park, described by the Gardens of Golden Gate Park as the oldest operating public Japanese garden in North America. Landmarks include a Buddha cast in 1790, a dry landscape garden and a pagoda.

Park San Francisco Botanical Garden A 55-acre garden in Golden Gate Park with more than 8,000 kinds of plants. Sections include a Moon Viewing Garden, a Garden of Fragrance, a Succulent Garden and a Children's Garden.

The white glass dome of the Conservatory of Flowers behind a flower-clock bed

Park Conservatory of Flowers Wood and glass conservatory that opened in 1879, the oldest building in Golden Gate Park. It holds aquatic and tropical plants, including carnivorous plants and giant water lilies.

Colonnade and steps of the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, San Francisco

Landmark Golden Gate Bandshell Open-air bandshell on the Music Concourse, the oldest structure there, built for the 1894 World's Fair. Also called the Spreckels Temple of Music.

Round carousel pavilion at the Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Park Koret Children's Quarter and Carousel Playground and carousel in the southeast corner of Golden Gate Park. The playground opened in 1888 as the Sharon Quarters for Children and is thought to be the first public playground in the country.

Bison standing in the Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Park Bison Paddock Meadow in the western end of Golden Gate Park, just west of Spreckels Lake, where a small herd of American bison has lived since 1899. Bison have been part of the park since 1892.

Park Chain of Lakes Three lakes (North, Middle and South) in the western part of Golden Gate Park, left from the 14 marshy lakes that once sat among the dunes. A paved path follows North Lake.

National AIDS Memorial Grove stone marker with flower beds in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Park National AIDS Memorial Grove Memorial grove in the eastern part of Golden Gate Park with rhododendrons and redwoods. The Circle of Friends stone plaza near the eastern entry carries the names of people lost to AIDS.

Food Beach Chalet 1925 Spanish Revival building by Willis Polk at the western end of Golden Gate Park, facing Ocean Beach. It holds a brewery and restaurant upstairs and the Golden Gate Park Visitor Center downstairs, with Lucien Labaudt's WPA murals.

Food Park Chalet Restaurant and garden behind the Beach Chalet, a few steps from Ocean Beach. Its page lists house beers brewed by Chalet Ales and Lagers and a stone fireplace.

What's on in Golden Gate Park

Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.

Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Thu 12 Nov · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
11:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Japanese Tea Garden Activities
12 Nov to 21 Dec · Japanese Tea Garden
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Japanese Tea Garden.
from 13:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Scott Lambridis, Martha Conway and Yance Wyatt reading Talks and readings
Thu 12 Nov · Green Apple Books on 9th
Author reading at Green Apple Books on 9th Avenue in the Inner Sunset.
Free · 19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures
Golden Gate Bandshell: Friday Happy Hour Activities
Fri 13 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Friday happy hour event at the Golden Gate Bandshell on the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park.
16:30 to 19:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Golden Gate Bandshell: Tribute to Legends Concert
Sat 14 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Tribute to Legends concert at the Golden Gate Bandshell on the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park.
10:00 to 14:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Sat 14 Nov · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Crucial Reggae Sunday Concert
Sun 15 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Sunday reggae afternoon at the Golden Gate Bandshell in Golden Gate Park.
16:30 to 19:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department · Golden Gate Bandshell: Crucial Reggae Sunday
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Sun 15 Nov · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
14:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
November Forest Bathing Activities
Sun 15 Nov · San Francisco Botanical Garden
A forest bathing session at San Francisco Botanical Garden with tiered ticket prices.
$30 to $50 · 15:00 to 17:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Joey Clift with Jackie Keliiaa Talks and readings
Tue 17 Nov · Green Apple Books on 9th
Author reading at Green Apple Books on 9th Avenue in the Inner Sunset.
19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures

Show all 45 events

Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited Activities
Wed 18 Nov · Golden Gate Park Central
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park Central.
11:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Wed 18 Nov · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Reed Turchi with Jesse Nathan Talks and readings
Wed 18 Nov · Green Apple Books on 9th
Author reading at Green Apple Books on 9th Avenue in the Inner Sunset.
Free · 19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures
Singer/Songwriter Wednesday Concert
Wed 18 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Wednesday afternoon of singer-songwriter performances at the Golden Gate Bandshell in the Music Concourse.
16:00 to 19:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department · Golden Gate Bandshell: Singer/Songwriter Wednesday
From SF to Gaza with Kemi Ashing-Giwa and Sarah Gailey (benefit) Talks and readings
Thu 19 Nov · Green Apple Books on 9th
Author reading at Green Apple Books on 9th Avenue in the Inner Sunset.
19:00 · Map · Source: City Lights, Green Apple, Book Passage, The Booksmith, City Arts and Lectures
Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited Activities
Thu 19 Nov · Golden Gate Park Central
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park Central.
14:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Ask A Master Gardener Activities
Fri 20 Nov · SF Botanical Garden
A free community program at San Francisco Botanical Garden where visitors can put gardening questions to a master gardener.
Free · 10:30 to 13:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Bandshell: Friday Happy Hour Finale Concert
Fri 20 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Friday happy hour event at the Golden Gate Bandshell on Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park.
16:00 to 19:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Sketching with Sami: The Conservatory Through Lines Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Conservatory of Flowers
A sketching workshop in the West Gallery of the Conservatory of Flowers, with materials brought by participants.
$25 to $50 · 10:00 to 12:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
American History in Golden Gate Park Activities
Sun 22 Nov · American History in Golden Gate Park
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from American History in Golden Gate Park.
13:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Architectural Treasures in Golden Gate Park: Nature, Art and Science Activities
Sun 22 Nov · Architectural Treasures in Golden Gate Park: Nature, Art and Science
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Architectural Treasures in Golden Gate Park: Nature, Art and Science.
09:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Bandshell: Crucial Reggae Sunday Finale Concert
Sun 22 Nov · Golden Gate Bandshell
A Sunday reggae afternoon at the Golden Gate Bandshell on Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park.
16:30 to 19:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Sun 22 Nov · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
12:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
After-Hours Yoga in the Conservatory Activities
Tue 24 Nov · Conservatory of Flowers
An evening yoga class in the West Gallery of the Conservatory of Flowers, with exclusive access from 5:30.
$30 · 18:00 to 19:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Wed 25 Nov · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Fri 27 Nov · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
11:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Sat 28 Nov · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
American History in Golden Gate Park Activities
Sun 29 Nov · American History in Golden Gate Park
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from American History in Golden Gate Park.
13:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Blue Muse and The Celestial Voice: Sound Bath Activities
Sun 29 Nov · Conservatory of Flowers
A sound bath session in the Orchid Pavilion next to the Conservatory of Flowers.
$45 · 17:00 to 18:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden · Blue Muse & The Celestial Voice: Sound Bath Experience
Free Day at the Conservatory of Flowers Garden
Tue 1 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A free admission day at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park.
Free · 10:00 to 16:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden · Free Day: Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Wed 2 Dec · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:30 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Holiday Tree Lighting at McLaren Lodge Illumination
Thu 3 Dec · McLaren Lodge
A holiday tree lighting at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park.
16:00 to 20:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department · Holiday Tree Lighting
Ask A Master Gardener Activities
Fri 4 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A free community program where visitors can ask master gardeners questions at SF Botanical Garden.
Free · 10:30 to 13:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
from 14:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Grow + Make: Botanical Holiday Cards and Presses Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Conservatory of Flowers
A holiday card making workshop in the Orchid Pavilion at the Conservatory of Flowers.
$65 · 10:30 to 12:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden · Grow + Make: Botanical Holiday Cards & Presses!
Birding in the Garden Activities
Sun 6 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A birding outing at SF Botanical Garden with Golden Gate Bird Alliance.
Free · 08:00 to 11:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden · Birding in the Garden with Golden Gate Bird Alliance
Golden Gate Park East End, Creating San Francisco’s Great Urban Park Activities
Sun 6 Dec · Golden Gate Park: East End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: East End.
14:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Inner Richmond District The Wild Side: Beertown, Barracks and Buffalo Bill Activities
Sun 6 Dec · Inner Richmond: Beertown, Barracks & Buffalo Billl
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Inner Richmond: Beertown, Barracks & Buffalo Billl.
15:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited Activities
Mon 7 Dec · Golden Gate Park Central
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park Central.
11:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited Activities
Wed 9 Dec · Golden Gate Park Central
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park Central.
11:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Golden Gate Park: West End Activities
Wed 9 Dec · Golden Gate Park: West End
A guided walking tour led by a Friends of San Francisco City Guides volunteer from Golden Gate Park: West End.
10:00 · Map · Source: Friends of San Francisco City Guides tours
Ask A Master Gardener Activities
Fri 11 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A free community program where visitors can ask master gardeners questions at SF Botanical Garden.
Free · 10:30 to 13:30 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Midday Yoga in the Garden Activities
Fri 11 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A 60-minute vinyasa yoga class on the Temperate Asia Lawn at SF Botanical Garden.
$20 · 12:00 to 13:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Knitting in Nature Activities
Sat 12 Dec · SF Botanical Garden
A knitting session on the Library Terrace at SF Botanical Garden.
Free · 10:00 to 13:00 · Map · Source: San Francisco Botanical Garden

All 45 local events in Golden Gate Park

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