Things to Do in Golden Gate Park During Your Trip to San Francisco
There are few parks in the country as iconic as the great Golden Gate Park. With its wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, this 1,000-acre urban green space attracts visitors from around the city and across the country. A visit here is a must if you want to say you’ve truly experienced San Francisco. If you’re looking for things to do in Golden Gate Park and the surrounding area during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including...
- California Academy of Sciences
- Legion of Honor
- de Young Museum
- And more!
Save on Golden Gate Park Area Attraction Admission
Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.
California Academy of Sciences
Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of SciencesLegion of Honor
Among the most strikingly beautiful institutions in the region, the Legion of Honor is designed to be a scaled-down replica of the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur, an eighteenth-century Parisian building. Dedicated to the Californian soldiers who lost their lives in WWI, the building today also serves as a museum, featuring thousands of works of ancient and European art. Getting In: Legion of Honor tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
de Young Museum
Another one for the art lovers, the renowned de Young Museum is home to vast collections of art and artifacts from around the globe. The museum has particular strengths in American art from the seventeenth to the twenty-first centuries, costume and textile arts, and international modern/contemporary art. Getting In: de Young Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco Card.
Conservatory of Flowers
If you’re looking to get a nature fix in the middle of urban San Francisco, the Conservatory of Flowers is a great option. One of the oldest conservatories of its kind in the entire country, this institution features charming Victorian architecture as the setting for its beautiful botanical collections Getting In: Admission to the Conservatory of Flowers is separately ticketed and is not included on the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
This 55-acre wonderland is filled with flora from around the globe, with more than 8,000 different kinds of plants in unique, picturesque settings. This “living museum of plants” is a great place for school trips, family outings, and romantic afternoon strolls. Featuring landscaped and natural garden spaces, the SF Botanical Garden offers a wide variety of sights for that perfect Instagram. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Botanical Garden is separately ticketed and is not included on the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.
Japanese Tea Garden
For a peaceful oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the City by the Bay, pay a visit to the serene Japanese Tea Garden. The oldest public Japanese garden in the country, this beautiful expanse is filled with authentic architecture and landscaping to mimic a classical Japanese garden, from a koi pond to zen gardens. Don’t miss their cherry trees in the spring! Getting In: Admission to the Japanese Tea Garden is separately ticketed and is not included on the Go San Francisco Card. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.
Ocean Beach
Stroll this 3.5-acre beach along the Pacific coast for a relaxing excursion after your busy day of roaming museums and gardens. While the water will likely be too cold for a dip most of the year, the cool white sands make for a delightful stroll in the afternoon or evening. Getting In: Admission to Ocean Beach is free.
Remember to Save on Attraction Admission
These are our top recommendations for things to do in Golden Gate Park and the nearby neighborhoods during your trip to San Francisco. Don’t forget – some of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card, which can save you up to 55% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun activities to your San Francisco vacation plans.