Walk the park end to end
The full length of the park, from Stanyan Street to Ocean Beach, is about three miles. Follow the JFK Promenade and JFK Drive for the easiest route, or wander the parallel footpaths through meadows and woods. Allow two to three hours with stops, and plan to ride the 5 Fulton or N Judah back. Our one-day itinerary builds stops into the walk.
Short loops worth the time
The Blue Heron Lake loop is about a mile and flat. Climbing Strawberry Hill adds 15 minutes and a waterfall. The AIDS Memorial Grove is a peaceful half-hour loop through redwoods. Inside the Botanical Garden, the paths wind through forests from four continents.
Quiet trails in the west
West of Crossover Drive, footpaths lead past the Chain of Lakes, through Elk Glen and around the golf course, often in fog under cypress and eucalyptus. These trails are less signposted and less crowded, and a phone map helps. The Panhandle, the park’s narrow eastern extension, adds a tree-lined half-mile from Baker Street to Stanyan.
Practical tips for walkers
Paths are mostly paved in the east and dirt in the west. Bring a layer for the wind, use restrooms at the Conservatory, the Music Concourse, Blue Heron Lake or the Beach Chalet, and stay on main paths after dusk. See our map to plan a route.
Three walks by length
Under an hour: the Blue Heron Lake loop with a climb up Strawberry Hill. Two hours: start at the Conservatory of Flowers, walk the JFK Promenade to the Music Concourse, and continue past the Rose Garden to Blue Heron Lake. Half a day: walk the whole park from Haight Street to Ocean Beach, with stops at Lloyd Lake, the bison and the Dutch Windmill.
Walking with a stroller or wheelchair
The JFK Promenade is the smoothest long route: it is paved, mostly level and free of cars in its eastern section. The Music Concourse, the Rose Garden and the main paths of the Botanical Garden are also paved. Strawberry Hill, the AIDS Memorial Grove and the Japanese Tea Garden have steep or uneven sections. Our getting here guide lists the free park shuttle and accessible parking near the main sights.
