What To Do at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park
San Francisco is one of the most popular destinations for travelers on the West Coast of the United States. San Francisco offers a little something for everyone to enjoy from shopping at high end boutiques to strolling in one of the many parks located downtown. Among these, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco stands out as the preeminent natural space in the city. To know more about the area, check out the following attractions, places and events that every one should experience when visiting San Francisco and Golden Gate Park.
Attractions
De Young Museum - The museum houses a permanent collection of American art from the 1600s through today. There is contemporary and modern art, photography, and international costumes and textiles from the Americas, Oceania and Africa. The 9th floor is an observation level providing 360° views of the city and waterfront.
California Academy of Sciences - The academy has a planetarium, aquarium and natural history museum under one roof. There are daily activities like exploring the four story rain forest, viewing the coral reef ecosystem, and gazing up at the sky of the planetarium to learn more about our planet and solar system.
Japanese Tea Garden - Built in 1893 for the California Midwinter International Exposition, the garden is filled with pagodas, a 1.5 ton Buddha, and a moon bridge. It’s also where fortune cookies were created and served for the first time back in 1914.
Places To Visit
National AIDS Memorial Grove - This peaceful space is a memorial dedicated to the millions of people whom AIDS has affected worldwide. There are also regular performing arts events for the public to attend.
Beach Chalet - Just steps from the Pacific on the west side of the park, this is a great spot for lunch, dinner, or drinks. You can learn about the history of California and Spanish Colonial architecture inside. They also have Taco Tuesdays featuring live music, craft beers, inexpensive tacos, and ½ price margaritas.
Hippie Hill - This location was a favorite place for hippies to gather during the late 1960s, and today it hosts regular drum circles. Always an adventure, this is a great place to relax and people watch on sunny days.
Music Concourse - Located in the park’s museum district and originally built for the 1894 Midwinter Fair, the concourse is lined with statues of people like Beethoven and Ulysses S. Grant. From April through October, there are free concerts on Sundays, and other musicians perform concerts regularly.
Events
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass - Since 2001, this yearly free music festival is held the 1st weekend in October. It's one of the best times of the year to visit the park, and this event is great for music lovers and is an experience to remember.
Outside Lands - This annual festival is one of the most popular music and arts festivals in the country. Typically held at the start of August, this festival has featured artists like Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder and Radiohead. In addition to live musical performances, the festival also focuses on food, wine and art.
Golden Gate Park is one of the destinations visitors to San Francisco have to see. With an assortment of museums, serene natural spaces, and regular activities that are fun for the whole family, the park is one of the most popular places in the city. The park is perfect for taking some time to relax and enjoy nature during a California vacation, and you won’t leave disappointed.