San Francisco offers a multitude of urban green spaces throughout the city and located just minutes from the Inn San Francisco is the city’s largest and one of the more popular parks, Golden Gate Park. Inside, visitors are met with museums, gardens, and lush green spaces, perfect for a lazy Saturday picnic. And with so many things to do in Golden Gate Park, you won’t be able to do it all in one day. So, we have created our one-day Golden Gate Park itinerary to help you get the most out of your visit.
Morning
Stroll Through the Japanese Tea Garden
Start your day off right with our lovely breakfast at the Inn and then head on over to Golden Gate Park at 9 A.M. to take a stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. Open every day of the year (including holidays), visitors can enjoy free admission from 9 A.M. to 10 A.M., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Discover blooming flowers, a historic pagoda, a Zen garden, and so much more.
Tip: Visit during the spring to see pink and white cherry blossoms at their peak season.
The de Young Museum
As the park’s main attraction, The de Young Museum showcases a collection of American art dating back to the 17th century. Head up to the ninth floor to the de Young’s Hamon Tower for incredible views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean.
Or…
California Academy of Sciences
Another museum option is the California Academy of Sciences. See a planetarium, aquarium, and a natural history museum all under one roof. Step inside a four-story rainforest, see the largest living indoor coral reef or witness a penguin feeding. There are endless things to do so you may have to come back and spend an entire day here to see and do it all!
Afternoon
Lunch
After a morning full of walking through gardens and museums, grab a quick lunch at either one of the two restaurants inside the California Academy of Sciences, or one of the food vendors in the park. Or even pack a picnic lunch and eat amongst the park’s open green spaces.
Stow Lake
Walk off your lunch and take a walk around Stow Lake. A beautiful man-made lake, located in the center of the park, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the lake with a rowboat, electric boat, or pedal boat. It is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon while taking in the pristine park views.
Segway Tour
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the other end of the park by hopping on a Segway tour. San Francisco Electric Tour Company offers multiple Segway tours of Golden Gate Park where you can wind through the trails and take in the best views while learning about the history of the park.
Or..
Biking through the park
If the Segway tour is not your thing, rent a bike and enjoy a self-guided tour through the park’s trail system and see other highlights of the park such as the Dutch Windmill, Beach Chalet, and Spreckels Lake. Bike rental information can be found here.
Evening
Dine in at the park
No need to leave the park for dinner. Gather at the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant, a historic building located at the west end of the park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Head upstairs for unobstructed and jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean
After a long day of touring the park, sit back and relax towards the west-end of the park to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Watch from the beach or enjoy from upstairs at the Beach Chalet.
Stay at the Inn San Francisco
Located just minutes away from Golden Gate Park, the Inn San Francisco is a quaint Victorian themed bed and breakfast that offers great amenities, warm breakfast, and spacious accommodations. We hope you book your stay with us when planning your San Francisco vacation for a truly unique experience in the heart of the city.
