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.
