Golden Gate Park is a massive park that covers 1,017 acres of land and offers numerous walking paths, bucolic lakes, meadows, and varied recreation. This park was so massive in scope that its development is what inspired the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department to be formed.

All kinds of fun can be found at this park whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll, a round of golf, a satisfying hike, or just some scenic views. People typically spend about an hour or 2 in the park, but there's enough here to take up your whole day.

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 12 Best Things to Do in San Francisco and 12 Best Things to Do for Couples in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

Golden Gate Park highlights

The park's natural features are often cited by visitors as the most alluring aspect of their visit. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is especially appealing, as its 55 acres feature more than 7,500 different plant species along with the largest horticultural library in northern California.

You may also want to visit the Bison Paddock where you can see a group of live bison in a secured environment that offers them plenty of space to roam. You can also visit a 17th-century style Shakespeare garden with an ornate metal gate entrance and a walkway overarched with trees.

Good to know when visiting Golden Gate Park

Travelling to Golden Gate Park is easy no matter what kind of transport you take. Drivers will find parking throughout the park itself for free, though space is limited. The adjacent car park has plenty of space, but there is a fee for parking there that varies based on the date and time you visit.

If you take the Muni bus, you'll find multiple lines that can drop you around the park and right in the middle of it. Additionally, all the roads in and around the park have bike-friendly lanes, and you'll find special access points just for cyclists.

Golden Gate Park in San Francisco

Open: 24/7

Phone: +1 415-831-2700

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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Where to stay in San Francisco

Terrace/patio
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (2101)
The price is P7,823
per night
P9,207 total
includes taxes & fees
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, sun loungers
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (3373)
The price is P7,476
per night
P8,798 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Restaurant
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
9.0 out of 10, (1118)
The price is P11,500
per night
P15,714 total
includes taxes & fees
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Exterior
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
9.2 out of 10, (1517)
The price is P10,936
per night
P12,871 total
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Exterior
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
9.4 out of 10, (1704)
The price is P11,404
per night
P13,422 total
includes taxes & fees
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Terrace/patio
Fairmont San Francisco
8.8 out of 10, (1134)
The price is P19,673
per night
P25,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Fairmont San Francisco
Front of property - evening/night
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
8.6 out of 10, (815)
The price is P8,464
per night
P9,962 total
includes taxes & fees
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lobby sitting area
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
8.4 out of 10, (470)
The price is P5,640
per night
P6,638 total
includes taxes & fees
FOUND Hotel Carlton, Nob Hill
Breakfast and dinner served
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
8.8 out of 10, (515)
The price is P7,672
per night
P12,244 total
includes taxes & fees
Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Curio Collection by Hilton
Exterior
Handlery Union Square Hotel
8.8 out of 10, (2186)
The price is P10,279
per night
P12,098 total
includes taxes & fees
Handlery Union Square Hotel

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