Start early at the Japanese Tea Garden
Arrive at the Japanese Tea Garden at 9 a.m., when it opens. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, entry is free until 10. The early light and empty paths make it the best time for photos. Allow 45 minutes, and have tea at the Tea House if it is open.
Choose one museum
Walk across the concourse to the de Young (opens 9:30, closed Mondays) for art and the free observation tower, or to the California Academy of Sciences for the aquarium, rainforest and planetarium. Allow about two hours; do not try to do both.
Walk the gardens between
Leave the museum by noon and stroll to the Shakespeare Garden behind the Academy, then north along JFK Promenade past the Rose Garden or into the Botanical Garden if you are a plant lover.
Finish at the Conservatory
End at the Conservatory of Flowers (closed Wednesdays, last entry 4 p.m.) for the orchids and giant lilies. The free shuttle runs along JFK Promenade between these stops, and Haight Street is a 10-minute walk east for lunch or shopping.
Afternoon version
Starting after lunch? Reverse the plan: the Conservatory of Flowers first, then one museum until about 4 p.m., and the Japanese Tea Garden last, since it stays open later than the museums. On Sundays from April to September, time your walk across the Music Concourse for the free 1 p.m. band concert.
Getting to the start
Take the N Judah to Ninth Avenue and Irving Street, or the 44 bus, which stops on the Music Concourse. Drivers can use the Music Concourse Garage under the concourse; see parking for rates. From the Haight, the free park shuttle runs west along JFK Promenade.
