Current Location:  USA  > California  > San Francisco Bay Area  > San Francisco  > Activities

Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California 94118
24 Reviews
Type: Museums & Monuments, Events & Shows, Nature & Gardens, Hiking & Walking, Playgrounds & Playspaces, and Events & Shows
Ages: All Ages
Cost: Free

 Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant 
California Academy of Science
 Campaign to Save the Golden Gate Park Windmills   
Children's Carrousel
  Conservatory of Flowers 
 Golden Gate Park Concourse Authority
  Golden Gate Park Stables  (415) 668-7360
 Golf Courses (415) 831-6310
   Japanese Tea Garden (415) 752-1171
 Lawn Bowling (415) 487-8787
  Sharon Arts Studio (415) 753-7004
 Stow Lake Boats (415) 752-0347
 Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (415) 661-1316
 Tennis (415) 831-6302
  Walking Tours (415) 263-0991


24 Reviews for Golden Gate Park

January 12 2011
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"one of the most interesting places to visit in San Francisco"

Ok, this place is exceptional. There are a lot of things to do here. We have been here more than 3 times and will be back again and again. First of all, the California Academy of Sciences is worth to visit. Even though the ticket is not cheap, but there are many things to enjoy. I love their new-tech Planetarium shows and their Tropical Rain forest. It's a great place for your kids to study new things, and to watch the penguin show.

Also you may interested in the Japanese tea garden. There is also the Botanical Garden for free close to the Japanese tea garden.

User_image_default_small
kayla
Icon_reviews_xsmall 25 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 1
January 10 2011
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"This place is fabulous!!"

I love the golden gate park because theres sooo much to do. Both me and my son and my daughter love this place and if you live in the bay area you should definetly check this place out as well as the rest of san francisco because its a beautiful town

January 10 2011
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Lots to do"

There is tons to see and do in the Golden Gate park. Some cost money and some don't. You could spend all day there though. There are great little parks for the kids to play at. Trails to walk and run through. Outdoor and indoor fun for the whole family. I wish we had spent more time there when we went over Thanksgiving. I am sure there is a lot that we did not see.

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Best place to spend a day"

It is free, what could be better.  Stop by Koret playground for the best playground ever. There is water, a carousel (fri/sat/sun) and plenty of room.  There is also stowe lake for boating, botanical gardens (free for SF residents), the conservatory of flowers (free first wednesdays), the deYoung, and the academy of sciences all in one.  Plus many trails that feel like you are hiking in the mountains.

User_image_default_small
LilyBella
Icon_reviews_xsmall 25 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 8
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Love it!"

I spent so many hours in this park that I can't even imagine living without it now.
There are so many activities you can do in the park that I don't even know where to start.
We lived only 1 block away from the side of the park that is close to the ocean and that side is so tranquil. There was an archery field, beautiful lake close to it (no the one with the boats), there is a nice restaurant at that end of the park.
Of course, all the tourist attractions are closer to the opposite side of the park (the Japanese Tea Garden, The California Academy of Sciences, etc.). We also love the Arguello playground, which has to offer very cool climbing structures, slides, carousel, etc.
Overall, the park just rocks!

B'sMom
B'sMom
Icon_reviews_xsmall 83 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 41
Icon_superoo_xsmall'11 Icon_founding_member_xsmall
December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Great viewing & photo spot"

If you want a postcard-picture photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, this is the place to go. You can't get any better pictures than this. It's an easy pull in - pull out venue with plenty of parking. You can get in & out very quickly, or park & spend some time hiking the beautiful trails.

User_image_default_small
lily23
Icon_reviews_xsmall 27 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 2
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Golden Gate Park"

I love Golden Gate Park.  They still have the cement slide I used to go on with my brother.  The carousel is still there aswell.  But they remodeled it and it's now a great playground for toddlers and older kids.  It's a fun place to go, especially when the weather is nice.

User_image_default_small
magasalee
Icon_reviews_xsmall 4 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 0
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Best park!"

The park has been updated since I was little and went there. Thankfully the cement slides are still there. Be sure to bring a piece of cardboard so your kids can slide down the cement slide easily. My boys ride the slide most of the time we are there, while my daughter loves the great play structure.

N8rDaddy
N8rDaddy
Icon_reviews_xsmall 7 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 3
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Something for everyone"

I've been here many times for many reasons over the years.  A recent bike trip with the family has been my favorite day in the park.  We explored the park all day on the bikes stopping wherever our interests took us.  The ponds, the shows the teahouse.  Easy terrain and endless new stuff to see.  Ice cream, picnic, Haight & Ashbury, gardens & playgrounds.  I hope you have as great a time as we did!

December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Mother's Meadow"

This is the smaller of two playgrounds within the park.  Located on Kezar Drive and MLK, this is a lovely, sunny spot for tots and older kids.  This is not exactly a "destination playground"- more of an add on stop if you are heading to CAS.  In fact, you could probably walk from CAS, though it was take a few minutes.  

I love the down home local atmosphere.  People are super friendly, and we always come away making new friends.  Its just that kind of place.  Totally low key, nothing fancy.  Bring a frisbee and a soccer ball for the glorious meadow, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the adjacent woods (fabulous fallen trees make excellent private lunch spots), and if you time it right (~1 pm in summer), the sprinklers might even be on, making for a shrieking good time.  Wear old clothes and don't worry about getting dirty!  

kimpan
kimpan
Icon_reviews_xsmall 29 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 23
Icon_superoo_xsmall'11 Icon_founding_member_xsmall
December 23 2010
2 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Great for kids of all ages"

By far the largest park I've ever been to.  It's absolutely beautiful in here.  There are many paths to bike, rollerblade, walk, etc.  So many different areas where you can sit to have a picnic or play games.  Kids of all ages would enjoy this park.  Great place to jog with a stroller.  During the summer and warm months, there are a lot of different events going on in the park, including concerts.  The only downside about this park is the parking - have to come way early to find parking.  Otherwise, parking can be a pain.  Highly recommend a visit with the kids.  

chich
chich
Icon_reviews_xsmall 44 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 78
Icon_superoo_xsmall'11 Icon_founding_member_xsmall
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Super fun!"

The playground in Golden Gate Park is fabulous and is my favorite kid activity. Lots of places to climb and explore. On sunny days, it can be quite crowded, but it's still worth it. The carousel is nice too. I believe it is located on the west side of the park near the lawn bowling area.

For our 2.5 year old, having large expanses of grass to run wild is all he needs for a good time. The park certainly has a lot of this.

Parking can be a little tough, but we tend to park in the neighborhoods just outside of the park and walk in.

Lydie
Lydie
Icon_reviews_xsmall 146 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 55
Icon_superoo_xsmall'10, '11 Icon_founding_member_xsmall
December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"So many things to do"

It will be difficult for families to not find something they like to do at the Golden Gate Park. Art, floral, and science museums, Japanese Tea Garden,  buffalos, lake, flowers, playgrounds, concerts, etc etc, name it, the Park has it. On Sundays, some parts of the park are closed to cars so you can ride your bike or roller blade safely.

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Great Outdoor and Indoor Fun"

This park is perfect for just about anyone.  From families that want to picnic with each other to bikers and runners there are tons of things to do outside.  The temperature in the park is usually mild to moderate so going on virtually any day of the year is pleasant.  Do check to see if there are outdoor events that may lead to street closings however as this can make the trip more difficult to plan.  There are also several museums to visit that can be fun and interesting to everyone.

December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Don't miss this"

I actually have dreams about going to this place. I would say the asian tea garden is my favorite place inside of the park... I could and have spent hours in there. My daughter has loved the place since the first time she went as a toddler--she asked if we could move there on her second visit as a 4 yr old. If there is an outdoor activity you are interested in, you can find it there.

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Huge Park!"

The Golden Gate Park is 1000 acres big!!!  They have so much to do there, but you really need to have a destination set before hand because it's so big.  It has many lodges, lakes, garden's, golf courses, restaurants, visitor centers, special events and more.  It is a really special park and if you're in San Fran, you should definitely visit it! :)

December 23 2010
0 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Perfect Family Setting"

This place is absolutely beautiful! Perfect for all families and all ages. You see so many other families there that you instantly feel like you all have a bond. The Japanese Garden is so amazingly and so tranquil. Not huge which is good for the little ones who may get cranky. We definitely will be back!

kamundse
kamundse
Icon_reviews_xsmall 58 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 55
December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"A great city park"

Golden Gate Park has so many fun things to do, it is impossible to not find something your kids will love.  There is the zoo, hiking, performances, gardens, and more.  You could spend the whole day in the park and not do even half of what is there.  

December 23 2010
1 family found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"Fun with the Family"

In the 1,017-acre garden that is one of the world’s greatest metropolitan parks, you can row on Stow Lake, ride a horse, play tennis, take long walks, browse in museums, or just laze on the lawns.On a huge network of walking and biking trails, you will pass people playing boccie and tennis, tossing horseshoes, fly casting, and playing checkers and chess in the checkers pavilion. For pot stickers to pizza, make a quick side trip to a clutch of restaurants at Ninth Avenue and Irving Street.
On Sunday afternoons the main park road is closed to vehicles, and impromptu rollerblading and skateboarding happen; I mean, they really happen—fantastic free entertainment. As in any large urban park, it’s advisable to stay together, leave before dark, and avoid isolated areas. Guided walking tours are offered free on weekends; call ahead for times and location (415–263–0991). Maps of the park are available at McLaren Lodge, at Stanyan and Fell, weekdays. xOn weekends, when parking is hard to find, hop on and off the free shuttle bus that runs between McLaren Lodge and Ocean Beach, stopping throughout the park at major attractions along the way.
 

luisnmon
luisnmon
Icon_reviews_xsmall 22 Icon_helpful_votes_xsmall 29
Icon_superoo_xsmall'10 Icon_founding_member_xsmall
December 23 2010
2 families found this helpful
Violetwhite_word
"A Park for Everyone!!!"

There are so many things that I love about Golden Gate Park, from the Academy of Sciences, the De Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Gardens, and just being outdoors in such a beautiful space.  We love to come here to walk our dog, walk the baby, visit the several playgrounds or Stow Lake, and the Botanical Gardens,and we often just bring a blanket to lay out in the sun or have a picnic.  The space is so big, I still get lost in all there is at GGP.  If you are hungry, exit the park at  9th Avenue and walk up the street for all the food and other goodies it has to offer.  Take the kids to the Koret playground and ride the carousel or head to edge near Ocean beach to see the Windmills.  This park never gets old, I can still come here and see new things!