For San Francisco residents, Golden Gate park is that place you’ve religiously taken out-of-towners and spent countless afternoons strolling around with your SO or kids. But there is probably more than one secret spot you’ve never stumbled across in one of your trips around the 1,017 acre public space. Below, we’ve pulled together a collection of the top overlooked attractions at our city’s crown jewel – after all, Golden Gate Park was named one of the America’s best public parks just a couple of years ago. Let us know in the comments which ones you think are the best on the list!
- Stow Lake: Do you want to recreate a scene from The Notebook? Rent a rowboat or paddle boat and take a peaceful ride on the lake listening to birds chirping as the ducks swim past.
*The only thing to watch out for here is a possible sighting of the The Ghost of Stow Lake, spotted in the area for more than a hundred years. - San Francisco Botanical Gardens: Have you wanted to see plants from different regions of the world? Come visit the Botanical Gardens; plus, admission is free for all San Francisco residents.
- Carousel: Do you have kids or just want to pretend you are a kid again for a day? Hop on the merry go round and pick your favorite animal to go on a ride that is sure to put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.
- Bison Paddock: Yes, you read that right. There are bison walking in an area of the park. Stop and take it all in because how many people can say they can see bison in their local park?
- Tennis Courts: Grab your racket and hit the courts! Complete a match then take a break and have a picnic on the lawn area nearby.
- Conservatory of Flowers: Twist and turn your way through rooms filled with bright flowers set up in pots on the floor, tables, and ceiling. Depending on the month, you might find butterflies or venus fly traps among other special “guests.”
- Music Concourse: Located between the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum, a stage is set up for multiple different genres of live music. Some days you may stumble upon artists creating new pieces and displaying their available artwork.
Not sure where all these exciting places are located? No problem! Take a look at the map and start your exciting adventure.
[Editor’s Note: As part of my commitment to San Francisco and the greater good of all residents in this wonderful city, I have teamed up with some USF Journalism students to allow them to get their feet wet with writing/blogging/marketing on a larger scale. Written by Kianna Fernandez.]
Fairy doors.. Are super hidden gems..
Our favorite hidden gem is a time capsule from the glory days of the 1930’s WPA -building era which heavily focused on our nation’s natural beauty. Located just across from the Bison Paddock, surrounded by lush gardens, especially this time of year.. are the internationally renowned casting pools and lodge of the GGACC.. If there were ever a sweet, souvenir of the relationship between the Bay and The Sierras, this is it. Must love rods and flys.