San Francisco: Golden Gate Park

What's Golden Gate Park Like?

What's larger than New York's Central Park, once consisted of sand dunes, is now covered with more than 75,000 trees and is bison-friendly?

Golden Gate Park — the ultimate haven away from urban chaos — was deeded to the people in 1870 out of the prescient notion that San Franciscans would one day feel overcrowded. This foresight proved invaluable, as 13 million people now visit the park every year.

Finding the land was the easy part. Someone still had to make grass and trees grow out of sand dunes blasted by harsh oceanside winds.

The person to do it was William Hammond Hall, a 25-year-old civil engineer who was appointed the park's first superintendent in 1871. Over the next five years, Hall established the park's original design — including the Panhandle — and began introducing grass, trees and numerous plants in an environment most thought too barren for lush foliage.

Many of the park's iconic buildings arrived with the 1894 Midwinter Fair, a sprawling expo and carnival meant to boost the economy and increase tourism. S.F. wanted to prove that it had culture — so a fine-arts museum was built. To prove that outdoor activities could be pursued, horse stables and vast, unlandscaped greens were preserved. And to showcase the exotic and quirky atmosphere of the city, several theme areas were developed, including Cairo St., Japanese Village and an Eskimo habitat.

The fair succeeded at what it set out to do. Millions of people visited San Francisco, business boomed and locals found renewed pride in their formerly sand-covered park.

The Park Today

Though the park has seen changes over the years, what remains today is a testament to the will of the city to preserve a place to play, relax and grow culturally. The newly designed California Academy of Sciences and de Young museum have brought a modern feel to one of San Francisco's oldest landmarks. Golden Gate Park is also home to a course for the relatively new sport of disc golf. Meanwhile, many old traditions, like boating on Stow Lake and watching the bison, have remained intact.

Getting To Golden Gate Park

Muni offers convenient connections to the park from transit stops throughout the city. Muni riders with Fast Pass or transfer receive a $2 discount to the de Young Museum. Use 511.org's transit trip planner for specific directions.

The de Young museum's Website also has fairly thorough directions to the park. Note that John F. Kennedy Dr. is closed to automobile traffic Sundays from Transverse Dr. to McLaren Lodge.

Parking: There is time-limited parking along John F. Kennedy Dr., Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and side streets within the park, but these streets tend to get crowded and are sometimes closed on weekends. Instead, visitors can park at the Music Concourse Garage, which is open 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. every day, and costs $3.50 an hour during the week, $4 an hour on weekends (bicycle parking is free). The north entrance is at 10th Ave. and Fulton St. and the south entrance is at Concourse Dr. and Martin Luther King Dr. inside the park.

Alternate parking is available at Ocean Beach at John F. Kennedy Dr. and the Great Highway or at the UCSF Medical Center Garage at Irving St. near 3rd Ave. Parking at Ocean Beach is free and the UCSF Medical Center Garage costs $3 an hour.

A Golden Gate park shuttle takes visitors to and from popular locations in the park, include these parking structures.

Golden Gate Park Museums & Gardens

California Academy of Sciences: The academy's dazzling new building, designed by renowed architect Renzo Piano, opened in 2008 at a price tag of $488 million. The structure was built with sustainability in mind, and so it includes a 2 1/2 acre living roof with 1.7 million native plants growing on it. The academy contains the Kimball Natural History Museum, the Morrison Planetarium, the Steinhart Aquarium and a four-story rainforest dome, and is home to 38,000 living animals from 900 species. It is renowned for its educational programs and focuses on 11 scientific fields, so there's something interesting for a visitor of any age.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Every Thursday, adults can attend from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $14.95-$24.95, free for children under age 3. Every third Wednesday of the month is free. 55 Music Concourse Dr., (415) 379-8000. (Website)

Conservatory of Flowers: Since 1879, locals and visitors have marveled at San Francisco's Conservatory of Flowers, the oldest existing glass-and-wood Victorian greenhouse in the Western Hemisphere. The conservatory's four permanent exhibits mimic different climates and house a spectacular collection of over 1,700 plant species from around the globe. Some of the most popular plants include the conservatory's carnivorous plants, rare orchids, prized century-old philodendron and lily pads that could hold the weight of a small child. Conservatory is free the first Tuesday of every month. 100 John F. Kennedy Dr., (415) 831-2090. (Website)

Garden of Shakespeare's Flowers: The garden was designed in 1928 by the California Spring Blossom and Wildflower Association to honor plants and flowers mentioned in the Bard's poems and plays. Obsessed fans can play "name the work" as they pass each of the 150-odd specimens. The secluded location gives it a "secret garden" feel and makes it a popular wedding venue. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and Middle Dr. E.

Japanese Tea Garden: Many people's favorite part of the park, this was originally built as part of the sprawling 1894 Midwinter International Exposition. This intricate and private (depending on the season) complex of paths and ponds features Japanese and Chinese plants. Also hidden throughout its five acres are beautiful sculptures and bridges. At the tea house, visitors can enjoy traditional tea and cookies. The fortune cookie was invented by Makato Hagiwara, whose family supervised the garden until World War II. Free admission before 10 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 7 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., (415) 666-3232

De Young Museum: The oldest museum in San Francisco reopened on October 15, 2005 in a sensational building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron. The first and second floor of this huge museum feature permanent collections of American paintings, decorative art and sculpture, as well as a vast array of non-American art: international contemporary art, Oceanic carvings, African art, art from ancient American civilizations and textiles and costumes from around the world. The basement is reserved for their spectacular special exhibits.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and until 8:45 p.m. Friday. Admission is $6-$10, free for children under age 12. Every first Tuesday of the month is free. The de Young courtyard, cafe, store, sculpture garden and tower are free. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., (415) 750-3600. (Website)

San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum: This 55-acre horticultural extravaganza entices the senses with more than 8,000 plant varieties. With 26 different gardens, the Botanical Garden maintains blooming flowers all year round: the garden's three large cloud forests bloom in the fall and winter, and the large collection of magnolias comes to life in February. Free on the second Tuesday of the month. 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. Also accessible from the Japanese Tea Garden through the Friend's Gate. (Website)

Rose Garden: Designed in 1961, the garden highlights hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora and miniatures — the so-called "modern" roses. They're at their best from Mother's Day to Father's Day, around July Fourth and from around Labor Day through Columbus Day. Between Fulton Ave. and John F. Kennedy Dr. at Park Presidio Blvd.

Recreation at Golden Gate Park

Archery: An archery field lies just north of the golf course. Lessons and equipment (for rent or purchase) are available at the nearby San Francisco Archery Shop. The field is at Fulton St. and 47th Ave. The shop is at 3795 Balboa St., (415) 751-2776. (Website)

Basketball: Highly competitive and energetic pick-up games are always going on in the Panhandle, located at the eastern end of the park on Masonic St., between Oak St. and Fell St.

Biking and Skating: Due to the long, narrow layout of the park, you may want to tackle it on wheels. It doesn't hurt that the seven miles of paved trails lead you by lush waterfalls and gardens. Keep in mind that John F. Kennedy Dr. (the park's major artery during the week) and some other streets are closed to auto traffic on Sundays, making cycling safer and more fun.

Equipment can be rented at:
- Stow Lake Bike & Boat Rentals. 50 Stow Lake Dr., (415) 752-0347
- Golden Gate Park Bike and Skate. 3038 Fulton St., (415) 668-1117. (Website)
- San Francisco Cyclery. 672 Stanyan St., (415) 379-3870. (Website)
- Avenue Cyclery. 756 Stanyan St., (415) 387-3155. (Website)
- Nomad Cyclery. 2555 Irving St., (415) 564-2022. (Website)

Dog Runs: There are three areas for your canine friend to frolic with other dogs in: the southeast section bordered by Lincoln Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 5th Ave. and 7th Ave.; the northeast section off Stanyan St. between Hayes St. and Fulton St.; and the western section, bordered by Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Middle Dr., 34th Ave. and 38th Ave. There is also a dog-training area at 38th Ave. and Fulton St.

Fly-Fishing: The fly casting pools near the buffalo paddock are considered some of the best in the country, though there are no fish in the rectangular ponds. Visitors should also see the unique WPA-era Angler's Lodge, open whenever a member of the Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club is present. John F. Kennedy Dr. and 36th Ave., (415) 386-2630.

Golf: A nine-hole public golf course is located at the west end of the park. 970 47th Ave., (415) 751-8987.

Handball: Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor courts, the park has 'em. Two of each, in fact. Reservations are not necessary, and the courts are open every day. Bring your own equipment. Middle Dr. East between MLK Jr. Dr. and Bowling Green Dr.

Horseshoes: These 16 courts were newly restored in 2009. Conservatory Dr. East. For more information, visit the San Francisco Horseshoe Pitching Club website.

Kezar Stadium: The 10,000-seat outdoor stadium includes an all-weather track for public use. Teams can reserve the field for various sports. Gymnasium and basketball courts available in the pavilion. 755 Stanyan St., (415) 831-6305.

Lawn Bowling: The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club manages three greens and offers free lessons. Contact the club for information and reservations. Bowling Green Dr., between Middle Dr. East and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., (415) 487-8787. (Website)

Lindy in the Park: Swing dancing every Sunday (weather permitting), from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free beginner lesson at 12:00 p.m. John F. Kennedy Dr. between 8th Ave. and 10th Ave. (Website)

Pétanque: This French bowling game, similar to bocce, has a small but devout following in the Bay Area. Bring your own equipment. Court opposite 38th Ave. and Fulton Ave.

Spreckels Lake: Both wind-powered and motor-powered model boats can be seen sailing on this artificial lake at Kennedy Dr. and 35th Ave. For more info, see the SF Model Yacht Club Website.

Stow Lake: This beautiful lake, the largest in the park, is popular with fly fishers and amateur boaters. It also serves as the park's principal reservoir. Paddleboats and rowboats can be rented at the northwestern side of the lake. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. and John F. Kennedy Dr. near 19th Ave., (415) 752-0347.

Strawberry Hill: This naturally formed island in the middle of Stow Lake affords great views of the surrounding park, the Golden Gate Bridge and Mt. Tamalpais. A good day-hike, with lush foliage, trees and an artificial waterfall.

Surfing, sea-lion watching, sunbathing and beachcombing: Ocean Beach is a great place for all of those activities; unfortunately, swimming is discouraged because of dangerous riptides. Nonetheless, the beach is still a beautiful and stunning place to watch the waves crash over imposing cliffs. Located at the end of the park, near the Cliff House.

Tennis: Twenty-one courts are located at the Golden Gate Park Tennis Complex at the eastern end of the park. Reservations required. See the Golden Gate Park Tennis Club website for more info. Bowling Green Dr. and John F. Kennedy Dr., (415) 753-7001.

Team Sports:The many fields and meadows are first-come, first-serve for team pick-up games and league play, with space for soccer, football, baseball, ultimate frisbee and softball. See the Rec & Park Website for more info. (415) 831-5510.

Disc Golf: The permanent 18-hole course at Marx Meadow is a popular spot for pick-up games. Check the San Francisco Disc Golf website for updates. John F. Kennedy Dr. between 25th Ave. and 30th Ave.

Ultimate Frisbee: Games usually spring up at Speedway Meadow. Some games draw big crowds, and all skill levels are represented. Check out the Bay Area Disc Association website for info about league play.

Golden Gate Park's Other Sights

Arts & Crafts: Adults and children can take classes in ceramics, painting, metal arts and drawing at the Sharon Art Studio. Near Koret Children's Quarter at the far eastern end of the park. Bowling Green Dr. between Kezar Dr. and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., (415) 753-7004.

Beach Chalet and Park Chalet: This Spanish-style two-story building, designed by famed architect Willis Polk, opened in 1925 as a changing room for people dipping in the ocean across the street. Although it fell into disrepair for decades, it reopened in 1997 as a brewpub and restaurant. The downstairs serves as the Golden Gate Park Visitor's Center, and showcases Lucien Labaudt's WPA-era frescoes. The Park Chalet is a glass-enclosed casual restaurant and bar at the back. A stone fireplace warms diners on foggy nights, while retractable glass walls that face the Dutch windmill and trees in Golden Gate Park open when the weather is nice. (-SF Chronicle/SF Gate) 1000 Great Hwy. (at Fulton), (415) 386-8439. 1000 Great Highway (between Fulton St. and Lincoln S), (415) 386-8439. (Chronicle reviews: Beach Chalet, Park Chalet) (Website)

Birding: For a great guide on what you might see and when, see this page on the San Francisco Field Orinthologists' Website.

Buffalo Paddock: Small herds of bison have made their stoic presence known since 1892, when the park was a free-range zoo of elk, bears, goats and other animals. John F. Kennedy Dr. between 36th Ave. and Chain of Lakes Dr. East.

Golden Gate Park Band: The Golden Gate Park Band has been playing free public concerts on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day in Golden Gate Park since September of 1882. Check their website for the concert schedule.

Koret Children's Quarter: TThe 1912 Herschel-Spillman carrousel is the main draw, but there are also swings, slides and other kids' playground favorites. The carrousel is open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day, and Friday through Sunday the rest of the year. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and Bowling Green Dr., (415) 831-2700. (Website)

McLaren Lodge: This elegant building was built in 1896 to house John McLaren. It is also one of the oldest Mission-style structures in the City. Today, it houses the Rec & Park Department headquarters as well as a park information center. It's also the site of the annual Golden Gate Park tree lighting in early December. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (415) 831-2700.

Music Concourse and Pavilion: Built in 1899 as part of the Midwinter Fair to promote California, it reopened in 2007 with newly landscaped grounds leading to the classically-styled Music Pavilion. Every Sunday during the summer, the Golden Gate Park Band gives free concerts here.

National AIDS Memorial Grove: Built and maintained by volunteers, this solemn spot offers a chance for reflection and remembrance. Bowling Green Dr. and Middle Dr. East. (415) 765-0498. (Website)

Opera in the Park: In September, San Francisco Opera's annual free outdoor concert features arias and operatic excerpts by current artists, accompanied by the acclaimed San Francisco Opera Orchestra. Sharon Meadow off Kezar Dr. (Website)

Picnic Grounds: There is almost nothing more pleasant than a sunny day picnicking in the park. If you have a large group, reserving a spot could make the day hassle-free, as long as the weather cooperates. Barbecue pits between Marx Meadow and Speedway Meadow near John F. Kennedy Drive, (415) 831-5500 for reservations.

Rose Garden: Designed in 1961, the garden highlights hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora and miniatures — the so-called "modern" roses. They're at their best from Mother's Day to Father's Day, around July Fourth and from around Labor Day through Columbus Day. Located between Fulton Ave. and John F. Kennedy Dr. at Park Presidio Blvd. (-SF Chronicle/SF Gate) (Chronicle Article)

Portals of the Past: A front porch standing without a house, reflecting in a still lake below — that's all that remains of a wealthy Nob Hill house destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. At Lloyd Lake, between John F. Kennedy Dr. and Cross-Over Dr.

Rhododendron Island: The nearly 1-acre, sunken bowl next to Spreckels Lake was restored by a huge team of volunteers in 2004. Now, the island is home forty cypresses and stone pines providing shade for 400 rhododendrons. They bloom once a year, with different varieties showing color between February and May.

Statues: Most of them are cleverly hidden in inconspicuous locations because John McLaren, the gardener who tended Golden Gate Park for more than 50 years, did not care for statues. In fact, he hated them so much, it is rumored that he took the one that sculptor Earl Cummings created of McLaren himself and hid it in the stables, where it was not discovered until after his death in 1943. Pick up a map to the monuments at the Japanese Tea Garden or McLaren Lodge and begin your scavenger hunt.

Windmills and the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden: Two historic windmills sit at the west end of the park. The Dutch (North) Windmill was completed in 1902. The Murphy (South) Windmill was built in 1905 and was the largest windmill of its kind in the world. Both fell into disrepair, but only the north windmill was repaired in 1980, when the adjacent tulip garden was also planted. (The tulips bloom in February and March.) Thanks to funds raised by the Campaign to Save the Golden Gate Park Windmills, in 2002 the cap of the South Windmill was shipped to the Netherlands for restoration. (Chronicle Article)

For more information and a schedule of events in the park, visit the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department website

Original reporting 10/05. Updated 07/10 by Dana Sherne.