Golden Gate Park
San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a massive park and at 1017 acres is larger than New York's Central Park. From the sky Golden Gate Park looks like an enormous green rectangle in the middle of a sea of houses. Before the park was created back in the 1870s there was nothing but wind swept sand dunes there. Now there's a beautiful park with tons of things to do.
Just some of the things to do in Golden Gate Park
Copyright 2008
The de Young Museum: - This museum originally opened in 1895. It suffered severe damage in the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 and was not re-opened until 2005. Thankfully it's open now for all of us to enjoy. The museums permanent collections include American, African, American Indian, Oceanic, New Guinea, Maori, and Filipino art. There are also special exhibitions that come in so there's always something new to see.
The California Academy of Sciences: - This is one of the oldest and largest natural history museums in the world. In addition to the natural history museum the California Academy of Sciences is also home to the Steinhart Aquarium and the Morrison Planetarium. This wonderful place is currently closed for a major renovation but is opening soon. The grand reopening is set for September 27, 2008.
Japanese Tea Garden: - This beautiful garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. It covers 5 acres with paths, ponds, pagodas, and plants.
Entrance to Japanese Tea Garden
Conservatory of Flowers: - This beautiful glass building is home to five galleries with almost two thousand plant species in its exhibits.
San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum: - 55 acres and over 7500 varieties of plants from around the world are on display here and there is no charge to get in.
Stow Lake: - You can rent bicycles and go for a ride or you can rent a boat and float around the lake.
Children's Playground: - A large playground that was just recently renovated will definitely keep the kids busy.
Spreckels Lake: - People come here to sale model and radio controlled boats.
And so much more...
There's just so much to do in Golden Gate Park I can't possibly list it all. There are dog runs, miles of trails for running, biking, or skating, a 9 hole golf course, 21 tennis courses the list is almost endless. If you're taking a trip to San Francisco your vacation would not be complete without spending some time at Golden Gate Park.
Stowe Lake Paddle Boat
Stowe Lake Boat House
S.F. Visitor Pages