If you’re looking to experience all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to offer in just one day, I’ve got you covered with my jam-packed, but completely doable itinerary. Golden Gate Park is massive—bigger than Central Park, actually (yes, you heard that right!). With over 1,000 acres of gardens, museums, lakes, and trails, this is the ultimate playground for anyone looking to soak in San Francisco’s charm. Let’s get this day started!
Want more SF ideas? See my San Francisco Bucket List filled with fun things to do in the city.
8:30 AM
Coffee + Pastries at Tartine Inner Sunset
We’re kicking off with the essentials: coffee and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Inner Sunset location. This local gem is famous for its pastries—seriously, their babka is a must-try. You could probably make a meal just on their croissants, but if you’re feeling a bit fancy, try the soft scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as delicious as it sounds).
Tip: If you’ve got room to carry a loaf of their famous sourdough bread, grab it. (Consider it a souvenir… that you’ll devour later.)
Parking: We parked at the 7th Ave/Irving Parking Lot which was easy and under $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. You can also park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and walk, it’s about a half mile each way.
9:30 AM
California Academy of Science
After your breakfast pick-me-up, head to the California Academy of Sciences. It’s a full-on wonderland of knowledge, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium all in one spot. The Osher Rainforest is one of the highlights (and my favorite!)—a four-story lush oasis filled with butterflies, birds, and even some (non-scary) reptiles. And the aquarium isn’t too shabby either, showcasing the mysterious “twilight zone” where bioluminescent creatures make their magic.
Tip: If you’re a night owl, check out their adults-only NightLife event every Thursday. (It’s a mix of cocktails, science, and a little grown-up adventure!)
Parking: You can park in Golden Gate Park at the Music Concourse Garage which is right next to the California Academy of Sciences.
11:00 AM
Conservatory of Flowers
Now, we’re off to the Conservatory of Flowers, just a short walk from the science academy. This place is a botanical dream with rare plants that will make you feel like you’ve entered a different world. From giant water lilies to carnivorous pitcher plants, you’ll see a vibrant display of exotic flora. Each gallery has its own theme, like the Highland Tropics, where you’ll find lush moss and misty cloud forests.
The plants are pretty incredible, but the Conservatory building itself is over 100 years old and holds the title of the oldest wood-and-glass conservatory in North America! And it’s a beauty.
PS: 1st Tuesday of every month is FREE DAY for Bay Area locals!
12:00 PM
de Young Museum
I’ll admit it—I’m not usually the type to get giddy over museums. But the de Young Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing visitors since 1895 (talk about having some serious street cred) and, along with the Legion of Honor, it’s part of the powerhouse duo of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Which is actually the biggest public arts institution in town and one of the largest in the county.
Inside, it’s packed with American art from the 17th century to now, plus some incredible textiles, costumes, and art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. They’ve hosted some epic exhibitions like Monet: The Late Years and the bloom-filled wonderland of Bouquets to Art.
1:15 PM
Lunch: Hook Fish Co.
If you’re craving a casual lunch with serious seafood flavor, Hook Fish Co. is the spot. We’re talking poke, fish tacos, and the freshest guacamole. It’s a simple, order-at-the-counter kind of place near Ocean Beach, and the vibe is very chill. If you want to add a little kick to your food, don’t miss adding a dash of their homemade habañero-carrot hot sauce. PS: It’s outdoor seating only so bundle up if it’s cold outside!
ParkIng: Ocean Beach Parking is free and plentiful. You can walk from there, and then to the next stop.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Garden at the Dutch Windmill
This is THE spot if you love a good tulip display. Queen Wilhelmina Garden, located under a beautiful Dutch windmill, explodes with colorful tulips every spring. But don’t skip it just because it’s not Spring—I visited during the cooler months, and it was still worth a quick stop. That windmill alone? Total fairytale vibes and picture-perfect, no matter the season!
2:45 PM
Pedal Boat on Blue Heron Lake
Now for a bit of exercise—but the fun kind! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and rent a pedal boat (or rowboat if you prefer). They rent them by the hour, so you can cruise around Blue Heron Lake. It’s peaceful, scenic, and you might even spot a wedding shoot or two (we did!). I won’t lie, this can be a bit of a leg workout, but it’s also a unique way to see the park’s natural side. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket list adventure like cruising around a lake in the middle of the city, right?
Parking: Free parking is available right next to the boathouse.
4:00 PM
Walk the JFK Promenade (to the Japanese Tea Garden)
From the boathouse, it’s a quick and easy walk to JFK Promenade. This walkable area is dotted with sculptures, murals, and (if you’re lucky) some street performers. You’ll pass by gardens, open fields, and the occasional flower display (like the Rose Garden) that’s just begging to be photographed.
4:45 PM
Japanese Tea Garden
The next stop is for a dose of Zen at the Japanese Tea Garden. Originally created for an 1894 exposition by landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara (who truly poured his heart into it), this place has grown into 5 acres of pure serenity.
Picture arched drum bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, koi-filled ponds, and perfectly laid stepping stones. And if you time your visit for March or April, you’ll catch those stunning cherry blossoms in full, fairy-tale-worthy bloom. But don’t worry if it’s not spring—any time of year, this garden will make you feel like you’ve wandered into another world right in the middle of San Francisco.
Note: Allowed time of entry varies depending on the time of year, so check the hours before you go.
6:30 PM
Dinner at Kothai Republic
After a full day of exploring Golden Gate Park, head over to Kothai Republic in the Inner Sunset for a well-earned feast. This cozy, laid-back spot has been wowing foodies since it opened with its bold, Asian-inspired fare that’s anything but ordinary. Don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you—these dishes mean business! We dug into the Slow Shrooms with miso confit and parsnip (um, yes, please!), the Monterey Squid with butter beans and charred tomatoes, and the House Pear Salad complete with wilted radicchio, hazelnuts, and feta.
Parking: 7th Ave/Irving Parking Lot $ – easy and under $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Kothai Republic (the same lot as for Tartine). It’s also possible to find metered parking closer to the restaurant (we did!).
Note: we mostly drove in between locations, so I’ve added the most convenient parking spots. You could also take the bus (check SFMTA website for routes/stops) or just park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and walk from there, ride the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther locations.
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