Coming across the bay from Sausalito can leave you in San Francisco with an enormous array of possibilities of things to explore and do. For something different, and a break from all of the shopping and fine dining options that the city has to offer, take a trip over to the southwestern side of San Francisco and visit parts of Golden Gate Park.

Home to a staggering array of events, entertainment options, museums, and other attractions, Golden Gate Park is one of the most visited in the country and remains an integral and prominent part of daily San Francisco life for many visitors and residents. If you make a day trip from Sausalito to San Francisco, take the time to visit the park and see for yourself why it is so beloved by so many.

Things to Do and See in Golden Gate Park

Conservatory of Flowers – One of the world’s largest conservatories of its kind, and open since 1879, the building itself will intrigue you.

DeYoung Museum – With one of the city’s finest permanent collections and a rotating series of special exhibits, the DeYoung makes its best efforts to bring world class art to the park.

Botanical Gardens – The botanical gardens will take you through a dizzying array of landscapes and ecosystems in a very short period of time. From the desert to the redwood forest, you’ll find something different around every bend.

Japanese Tea Garden – Complete with wooden bridges and koi ponds, this tranquil garden will relax and inspire you.

Kezar Stadium – Once home to the San Francisco 49ers, this small stadium still stands and is home to a variety of sporting events.

AIDS Memorial Grove – This National Memorial stands in silent tribute to the fight against AIDS and is inspiration to us all.

Bison Paddock – Since the late 1800’s, the city of San Francisco has maintained a herd of bison in Golden Gate Park.

Windmills – Located at the park’s western edge, there are 2 classic Dutch windmills that were successfully used for power generation for years.

Stow and Spreckels Lakes – Thee man-made lakes are favorites for light water recreation and for picnics in beautiful and quiet surroundings.

The California Academy of Sciences – This recently renovated museum is an interactive scientific and educational venue for the curious of all ages. Exhibits ranging from natural history to astronomy will enchant and entertain you.

Beach Chalet – Part restaurant/brewery and part museum of the history of San Francisco, the Beach Chalet is a great place for a break and a great meal during your visit to the park.

Events in Golden Gate Park

In addition to the regular attractions and features of the park, Golden Gate Park is home to many seasonal and special events that draw thousands of visitors and keep everyone coming back year after year. Take a look at the park website and events calendars and you will find that many of the city’s largest events are held here.

Since the Human Be-Ins and peace protests of the 1960’s, Golden Gate Park has been home to large gatherings for music and theater and continues to be a meeting place for events. The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and other large concert series are annual events that are enormously popular and make excellent use of the park’s ability to contain thousands in a comfortable and picturesque setting.

Taking a trip to Golden Gate Park while you are in the city from Sausalito is a great way to find varied family entertainment and relaxation and a nice change of pace from the remainder of the hectic pace of city life.

Golden Gate Park Information:

Golden Gate Park Information
http://sfrecpark.org/ggp.aspx

Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415)379-8000
http://www.calacademy.org

de Young Fine Arts Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415)750-3600
http://deyoung.famsf.org/

San Francisco Botanical Garden
Corner of 9th Ave and Lincoln Way
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415)661-1316
http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/

Japanese Tea Garden
Corner of Higawara Tea Garden Way and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415)752-4227
http://japaneseteagardensf.com