Plants named in Shakespeare’s plays
The garden was established in 1928 and planted with species that appear in Shakespeare’s works, from rosemary and rue to roses, lilies and quince. A brick path leads from wrought-iron gates through flowerbeds and old trees to a sundial and a back wall.
The bust, the plaques and the gates
Near the back wall, a bronze bust of Shakespeare is cast from the memorial bust in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon. Metal plaques along the wall quote the passages where the garden’s plants appear. Wrought-iron gates mark the entrance.
Weddings and quiet visits
Its enclosed lawn and arching trees make the garden a popular spot for small weddings, which need a permit from San Francisco Recreation and Park. On a weekday you may have it to yourself, which makes it a good escape from the busy Music Concourse.
How to find it
Walk past the California Academy of Sciences; the garden sits directly southwest of the Academy, near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Pair it with the Rose Garden or the Botanical Garden.
Best time to visit
The garden is open whenever the park is and costs nothing. It is at its prettiest from spring into early summer, when the borders are in flower, and quietest on weekday mornings. Pair it with a museum visit; the de Young and the Academy are a few minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shakespeare Garden free?
Yes. It is free and open during park hours.
Can you get married in the Shakespeare Garden?
Yes, small weddings are popular there, but you need a permit from San Francisco Recreation and Park.
