Golden Gate Park Tours and Activities

Golden Gate Park featuring flowers and a garden
Golden Gate Park featuring bird life, forests and a garden
Golden Gate Park showing a garden and landscape views
Golden Gate Park featuring a park, a lake or waterhole and forest scenes
Golden Gate Park which includes landscape views and a park


This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard. 

The Golden Gate Park is over three miles (five kilometers) long and about half a mile (800 meters) wide. It was designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall, who incorporated winding walking trails that wind through more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of beautifully landscaped gardens, woods, and lakes. Golden Gate Park is a lush and laidback refuge from the bustle of San Francisco, stretching all the way from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to the Pacific coast.

This beautiful urban respite is where locals come to relax. Join a friendly drum circle, weave a daisy chain around the famous Janis Joplin tree, or take a paddle boat ride on Stow Lake. The low-key atmosphere still retains the vibe of the Summer of Love fifty odd years later. Pose for postcard photo opportunities in the tulip garden and soak up the sweet-smelling roses from late spring to early fall. The San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, one of the world's largest, is a blooming bonanza.

For science and nature lovers, there's an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest and more. One highlight is the California Academy of Sciences, a stunning display of "green" architecture and interactive science. Be sure to check out the living building, topped by a rolling roof carpeted in greenery. The De Young Art Museum, completed in 2005, was designed by famed studio Herzog De Meuron and houses priceless tribal relics sourced from Asia to Africa. Don't miss the city views from this museum’s top-floor gift shop.

For utter tranquility head to the Japanese Tea Gardens where you'll find ornate bridges, manicured gardens, a great cup of tea and maybe even a little inner peace. It's a small slice of Kyoto in the heart of the city. For a faster pace, strap on a set of roller skates, but beware of the hills.

Nature lovers may be lucky enough to see herons, egrets, gulls, warblers and woodpeckers among the park’s lakes and gardens, as well as frogs and turtles. The highlight for kids and adults alike is the herd of bison who reside in an enclosed field next to Spreckels Lake, on the northern side of the park.

Golden Gate Park can be reached by car, the San Francisco Municipal (Muni) services or even by bike. There is a parking garage with reasonable rates located on Fulton Street and 10th Avenue, or you may be lucky and find a park along one of the streets in or around the park itself. The Muni runs to Golden Gate Park from stops throughout the city. Consider hiring a bike either to get there or to get around once you arrive.

Plan a trip to see Golden Gate Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort
The Andrews Hotel
Aqua Breeze Inn

Tours & day trips

See all 296 activities

History & culture

See all 123 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 82 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 54 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 43 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Golden Gate Park

Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

2 out of 5
1471 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro

San Francisco
Golden Gate Park Escape | 4BR + Garage + Metro
Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking

Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking

San Francisco
Absolutely Private President's Suite, Computer, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Pub. Parking
BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!

San Francisco
BRAND NEW - ENTIRE FLOOR w/ OCEAN Beach View and PARKING!
Stanyan Park Hotel

Stanyan Park Hotel

3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City

San Francisco
Quiet Garden Apt., geographic center of The City
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway

Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway

2 out of 5
1234 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA
Motel 6 San Francisco, CA – Great Highway
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a vibrant destination offering a variety of activities for visitors. Enjoy stunning sunsets, indulge in shopping, or catch a live concert. Take a leisurely walk through the park, embark on a day trip, or join an audio tour to explore its rich history. Additionally, there are numerous family-friendly activities to ensure everyone has a memorable experience in this iconic location.

Shopping

In Golden Gate Park, enjoy shopping at Ghirardelli Square and Winery Collective, both 6.4km away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. Boudin Bakery, located 8.0km away, is perfect for tasty treats. If you're up for a drive, visit more extensive shopping options further afield.

Recreation

Experience live performances at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, just 4.8km away, offering vibrant entertainment vibes. Enjoy a round of golf at Presidio Golf Course, located 3.2km from the park, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. For sports fans, Kezar Stadium, 1.6km away, provides an exhilarating atmosphere.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail, located 3.2km from Golden Gate Park, offers stunning views and invigorating hikes along the stunning coastline. For skating enthusiasts, the Union Square Ice Rink, 6.4km away, provides a delightful wintery experience. Meanwhile, Perimeter Road, 11.3km distant, invites outdoor exploration and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Golden Gate Park! Catch a show at the Orpheum Theatre for a touch of culture, explore the stars at Morrison Planetarium for family fun, or enjoy a romantic film at the Castro Theatre. Each venue offers a unique entertainment vibe!

Find the best attractions near Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco offers a delightful mix of urban parks, historic universities, and nearby beaches, catering to those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore landmarks like the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and immerse themselves in the park's beautiful scenery. Whether you're enjoying a stroll through the park or visiting local attractions, there's plenty to see and do in this vibrant area.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: This iconic suspension bridge is a marvel of engineering, connecting San Francisco to Marin County. Its striking International Orange colour and stunning views of the bay make it a must-see attraction. Capture breathtaking photographs and learn about its rich history as you stroll along the pedestrian walkway.
  • Presidio of San Francisco: This expansive urban park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Enjoy family-friendly activities, scenic trails, and picturesque vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. With lush greenery and outdoor spaces, it’s a perfect spot for picnics and leisurely walks.
  • University of San Francisco: Nestled in a vibrant neighbourhood, this modern university boasts stunning architecture and a lively campus atmosphere. Explore its beautiful gardens and take in the city views, while experiencing the unique blend of academia and urban life.

Best time to go to Golden Gate Park

Visitor numbers around Golden Gate Park is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Golden Gate Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Golden Gate Park

To save money on your visit to Golden Gate Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months of February and November to December for lower accommodation rates. Opt for Saturdays for cheaper hotel stays, while avoiding Tuesdays, which are pricier. Enjoy free entry to the park and nearby attractions like Pier 39 and Lombard Street. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities. Walking is a great way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Golden Gate Park are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Golden Gate Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Golden Gate Park is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, starting from the lowest to ensure you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Golden Gate Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.