Golden Gate Park Tours and Activities

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


This wonderful park is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Come here to relax, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the air and watch the wildlife.

The Golden Gate Park is around five kilometres long and 800 metres wide. Designed more than a century ago by the park commissioner, William Hall, the park incorporates numerous meandering walking trails, perfect for hiking. The paths wind their way round 405 hectares of well-maintained and sculpted landscape gardens, rugged woods and shimmering lakes. It’s a true oasis of calm and the perfect place to unwind.

There are also plenty of activities going on. Join one of the friendly drum circles or take a paddleboat ride on Stow Lake. The atmosphere in Golden Gate Park is still redolent of the peace and love of the Sixties, and it’s no surprise that California has a reputation for being one of the most liberal and tolerant cities on the planet.

Apart from the nature, science lovers will enjoy a trip to the aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest contained within the park. You’ll also find the California Academy of Sciences, which houses an intriguing and impressive display of ‘green’ architecture and interactive science. The De Young Art Museum in another gem, designed by the famed architectural studio Herzog De Meuron.

Peace, tranquillity and a taste of the Orient can be found in the Japanese Tea Gardens, with its pagodas, delicately constructed bridges and manicured gardens. Enjoy a delicious cup of Matcha tea taken with a pinch of inner peace in the minimalist surroundings.

Golden Gate Park is accessible by car, or the San Francisco Municipal (Muni) service. There’s a car park located on Fulton Street and 10th Avenue, or you may be able to park nearby. Once you get there, you can hire a bike to get around the park if you like.

Plan a trip to see Golden Gate Park

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Top Golden Gate Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
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
The SeaScape Inn

The SeaScape Inn

2 out of 5
4340 Judah St, San Francisco, CA
The SeaScape Inn
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 offers a range of activities for visitors, including exploring its stunning art installations, enjoying picturesque sunsets, and indulging in shopping at nearby boutiques. A trip to San Francisco wouldn't be complete without wandering through this vast green space, so be sure to plan accordingly for travel tips to make the most of your visit.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Golden Gate Park, visit Stonestown Galleria, only 4.8km away, offering a mix of shops and dining. Ghirardelli Square and Union Street, both 6.4km away, provide delightful shopping with vibrant atmospheres. If you're up for a drive, explore further options beyond this area.

Recreation

The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, a vibrant music venue 4.8km from Golden Gate Park, offers exhilarating concerts that uplift the spirit. For golf enthusiasts, Presidio Golf Course, 3.2km away, provides an outdoor sporting experience amidst stunning landscapes, while the Olympic Club, 6.4km away, boasts exceptional golfing facilities.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail, located 3.2km from Golden Gate Park, offers stunning views and a thrilling hiking experience amidst breathtaking scenery. For a unique adventure, visit the Union Square Ice Rink, 6.4km away, for ice skating fun, or check out the Doelger Pacelli Center, also 6.4km away, for exciting activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Golden Gate Park with a visit to the War Memorial Opera House for a captivating show, or catch a classic film at the Castro Theatre. For a theatrical experience, the Golden Gate Theatre offers an entertaining atmosphere perfect for a night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco offers a diverse range of attractions for every type of traveller, including urban parks, beautiful beaches, and historic universities. Visitors can enjoy cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and numerous points of interest. Don't miss out on nearby hotels with views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, as well as other attractions within the park and surrounding areas, ensuring a memorable holiday for all.

  • Golden Gate Bridge: A stunning feat of engineering, the Golden Gate Bridge offers breathtaking views and an iconic backdrop for photographs. Spanning 4.8km from Golden Gate Park, its vibrant orange hue against the blue sky makes it a must-see for visitors, embodying the cultural spirit of San Francisco.
  • Presidio of San Francisco: Located 3.2km from Golden Gate Park, this expansive urban park features lush landscapes, scenic trails, and historic sites. Perfect for families, it offers outdoor activities and stunning views of the bay, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
  • San Francisco State University: Situated 4.8km from Golden Gate Park, this historic university is known for its vibrant campus life and cultural events. Explore the art galleries and attend performances, immersing yourself in the educational and creative atmosphere of this esteemed institution.

Best time to go to Golden Gate Park

The best time to visit Golden Gate Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Golden Gate Park falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Golden Gate Park falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 during your visit to Golden Gate Park, consider travelling in February or November to December when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay on a Friday can also be more affordable compared to Tuesday. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore the park’s free attractions, and utilise San Francisco's public transport for cost-effective travel around the city.

  • 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 Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Golden Gate Park is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Golden Gate Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.