Visiting San Francisco: Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park and thus you can only visit part of the park in a day.  The park is utilized by locals and tourists alike.  With so much to do its an absolute "must do" during any visit to San Francisco.

On our recent visit we visited the park with a local of San Francisco and she helped us to experience so much.

1. Children's Playground: Despite recently being vandalized and having a portion roped off, there was still a lot for kids of all ages to play with.  There were tons of swings, for toddlers, big kids and children with special needs.  There was a big wave the as children climbed the looked like they were surfing atop it and the highlight of the park - the 2 story concrete slide.  There are a few of these around the city.  Children bring large pieces of cardboard and slide on them.
2. Carousel:  The carousel was built in 1914 and its whimsy is in the animals that children can ride.  There are ostriches, lions, pigs and your standard horses. There are 62 different animal figures aboard and even an organ. Tickets are only $2 adults and $1 child (ages 6-12) and free for children 5 and under with a paying adult.  
3. Japanese Tea Garden: This is a paid entrance space.  You can purchase tea and small authentic snack and then explore the gardens.  There is a large koi pond, a pagoda, a vertical bridge - that kids love to climb, and tons of meandering paths to enjoy some quiet in a bustling city.
4. M.H. de Young Memorial Museum: We only went to the top observation deck of the museum (hint - turn to the right upon entering - no need to pay an entrance fee to just take the elevators). This glass walled observation deck allows you a 360 degree view of the city.  There is also an aerial map that allows you see the perspective of where you are and what you can see. 
5. Bowling Greens: These are fun to stop and watch.  This is an opportunity to step back in time.  This lawn bowling club was founded in 1901 and although this seems like an old man sport, especially because they still wear the traditional all white, classes are offered for free every Wednesday at noon.

Some visiting tips:

• There is a great underground parking lot located at Fulton and 10th.  If you take public transport or a cab, know where you are going.
• Plan your visit.  Know where you want to go and what paths will take you there.
• Food is limited - there are hot dog and falafel stands but no restaurants.
• We only visited a small number of the activities available at Golden Gate Park.  The California Academy of Sciences is next on our Golden Gate Park Visit.
• There are buffalo living in Golden Gate park.  Let me know if you ever see them!    

---

About the Author:

Emily Hooke- Travel Advisor
Emily is a well versed traveller.  She has been to 5 continents, 34 states and countless cities.  Needless to say, Emily is passionate about traveling.  When not working as a school teacher or planning your vacations, Emily is on a plane or in the car with her kids and husband somewhere.   Emily has taken that passion for always having a well planned trip into her desire to help others.  Let her help you plan your next vacation.  Emily is a graduate of American University and has her Masters from Sacred Heart University. ​​​