San Francisco is full of green spaces —from the huge Golden Gate Park to the Presidio to small neighborhood parks and playing grounds. You can explore the “greener” side of San Francisco which gets “greener” day by day. And to be truly green, be sure to carry a reusable water bottle, a reusable shopping tote to carry all your shopping along the way.
EXPLORE GOLDEN GATE PARK
Experience miles of green lawns, bridle paths, lakes, flowers amid countless trees and 7,000 kinds of plants right in the heart of San Francisco at the Golden Gate Park. Here you’ll enjoy a treasure of varied attractions from top museums to exquisite gardens to extraordinary events like Outside Lands— you can even see Buffalo roam.
DOLORES PARK
Visit the “The Gay Beach,” one of the most popular parks in San Francisco, located at the intersection of three distinct neighborhoods, the Castro, Mission District and Noe Valley. Known for its congregation of young people and spectacular views of the City, it’s a great place to see and be seen.
THE PRESIDIO
The Presidio is a great escape – once a premier Army post, the Presidio is now a unique national park next to the Golden Gate Bridge. It offers spectacular vistas, nature, dining, a museum, picnic areas, and 24 miles of hiking trails to experience it all.
THE WIGGLE TO GOLDEN GATE PARK
In a city known for steep hills near impossible on bike or foot, take the Wiggle. Leave no carbon footprint by using your own power on this one-mile, zig-zagging bicycle route from Market Street to Golden Gate Park that minimizes hilly inclines for bicycle riders. Rising 120 feet (37 m), The Wiggle inclines average 3% and never exceed 6%. You can rent a bike from any one of several resources throughout the city.
CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS
Waltz with the flowers at this living museum in Golden Gate Park housing rare and tropical plants. This historic San Francisco landmark bloomed in Golden Gate Park in 1879 is and one of the city’s great architectural gems. From Borneo to Bolivia, the 1,750 species of plants at the Conservatory represent tropical flora from more than 50 countries.
CABLE CARS
Hop onto a bit of San Francisco history, it also happens to be a great way to get around the City. Pick up at Hyde and Chestnut streets and enjoy views of Alcatraz and the Exhibition Ships at Hyde Street Pier. From Victorian Park at Hyde and Beach streets the cable car turntable offers stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate. Jump on at the Nob Hill cable car intersection for amazing cityscapes down California and Powell Streets.
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The new California Academy of Sciences combines inventive architecture and eye-opening exhibits to inspire visitors to explore and protect the natural world. A museum for the 21st century, the Academy includes an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and scientific research facilities under one roof — a living one at that. Explore a different kind of Enchanted Forest by visiting a living, breathing indoor rainforest. From chirping birds to colorful chameleons, this is an experience filled with fascinating discoveries.
SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDENS
One of the most beautiful public gardens in the U.S., San Francisco Botanical Gardens covers 55 acres and features more than 7,000 kinds of plants including outstanding geographical collections and unique specialty gardens as well as the most extensive botanical reference library in the U.S. Docent-led walks of the 17 extraordinary gardens are offered daily.
