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Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy -
Photo courtesy of used in book
Golden Gate Park
Type: Parks
10Best Says
Considered the largest cultivated urban park in the country, this incredible haven boasts more than 1000 acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands. The park stretches three miles inland from the Bay,... Read More
Considered the largest cultivated urban park in the country, this incredible haven boasts more than 1000 acres of gardens, meadows and woodlands. The park stretches three miles inland from the Bay, and within its bounds are the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, Strybing Arboretum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers and 27 miles of footpaths. Despite the beauty of its seemingly natural surroundings, the park is entirely man-made. Visitors can spend several days just exploring this rich and diverse park, as well as the Ninth and Irving neighborhood shops and eateries that are very close by.
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Hours:
- Golden Gate Park: Daily Sunrise-8pm
- Visitor's Center: Daily 9am-5pm
Admissions:
- Free entrance; attractions within park may charge fees
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Tom Molanphy
San Francisco Local Expert
- Best Attractions & Activities: "The park is almost entirely on a slight decline all the way to the Pacific, so it's a gentle walk from its east entrance to its western end."
- Free Things to Do, Parks: "Visiting San Francisco and skipping Golden Gate is like visiting NYC and skipping Central Park."
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: Golden Gate Park is as important to San Franciscans as Central Park is to New Yorkers.
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: Golden Gate Park is a must-see for any visitor, even if it's a quick walk, bike or drive through.
- Best for Parks Because: Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's living lung, offering healthy and vibrant options for kids of all ages.
