Golden Gate Park unfolds over 1,017 acres, offering an urban oasis 25% larger than New York’s Central Park. The park presents serene gardens, historical museums, recreational facilities, and unique monuments. Uniquely preserving both nature and culture Golden Gate Park is a unique destination for visitors to experience to see a special location in one of the great cities of the United States.
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National AIDS Memorial Grove | Photo: Shutterstock
National AIDS Memorial Grove
The National AIDS Memorial Grove stands as a tribute to the thousands of lives touched by the AIDS epidemic. This serene sanctuary offers a space for reflection, healing, and remembrance, ensuring that the struggles and memories of those affected by AIDS are forever honored. The AIDS grove invites visitors to connect with the stories of courage and community that define this important chapter in our nation’s history.
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Anglers Lodge | Photo: Shutterstock
Anglers Lodge
Anglers Lodge, fascinates fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This rustic retreat, located near the Bison Paddock, features tranquil pools and a mountain-style lodge, home to the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club. Whether you're a seasoned fly-fisher or a curious beginner, the lodge welcomes all to practice casting techniques, participate in tournaments, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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Beach Chalet Visitor Center | Photo: Shutterstock
Beach Chalet Visitor Center
The Beach Chalet Visitor Center is a monument to San Francisco's history and artistry. The Spanish Revival-style building, designed by Willis Polk in 1925, originally served beachgoers and now houses the park's visitor center and the Park Chalet restaurant. The ground floor is adorned with WPA frescoes, mosaics, and wood carvings from 1936-37, while the upstairs Beach Chalet restaurant offers panoramic views of the Pacific.
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Bison Paddock | Photo: Shutterstock
Bison Paddock
A surprising encounter awaits at Bison Paddock. Here, a herd of American bison roams, continuing a tradition that began in 1892. The bison, part of the park's early menagerie, now thrive in the meadow just west of Spreckels Lake. Managed by the San Francisco Zoo and Rec and Park gardeners, the bison are a living link to the city's natural heritage.
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California Academy of Sciences | Photo: Shutterstock
California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences is a multifaceted institution combining an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum. The Academy provides visitors with an immersive journey into natural history and has been a leader in biodiversity research and environmental education.
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Conservatory of Flowers | Photo: Shutterstock
Conservatory of Flowers
The Conservatory of Flowers is a Victorian-era glasshouse, the oldest building in the park, and shelters over 1,700 species of aquatic and tropical plants. Imperial philodendron, a renowned orchid collection, and exotic plants like giant water lilies and carnivorous species are the stars of the show. Special exhibits like the Butterfly Zone and the miniature garden railroad are an additional treat.
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Japanese Tea Garden | Photo: Shutterstock
Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Created for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, this 3.5-acre garden displays the art of Japanese landscaping.
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Prayer Book Cross | Photo: Shutterstock
Prayer Book Cross
Prayer Book Cross is a 64-foot-tall Celtic cross overlooking Rainbow Falls at Crossover Drive. The monument commemorates the first English-speaking service on the West Coast using the Book of Common Prayer.
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Windmills | Photo: Shutterstock
Windmills
The Dutch Windmill (North) and Murphy Windmill (South) once pumped groundwater for irrigation, playing a crucial role in the park's development.