Build your day in the right order
Decide first which part of the park you want, then how to get there. If you are visiting the museums and gardens, aim for the Music Concourse and use Muni or the Music Concourse Garage. For a ride to the ocean, start at Stanyan Street. Check hours and admission for your day, and use one of our itineraries as a template.
Know the three parts of the park
The east end, from Stanyan Street to about Tenth Avenue, holds the Conservatory, playground, AIDS grove and the Music Concourse museums and gardens. The middle has Blue Heron Lake, the Polo Field and the meadows. The west end, past Crossover Drive, has the bison, the Chain of Lakes, the golf course, the windmills and Ocean Beach. Our park map shows how they connect.
Safety and comfort
Golden Gate Park is busy and generally safe in the daytime. As in any big city park, keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, since car break-ins are common in San Francisco, lock bikes, and stick to main paths and lit areas after dark. Fog can drop the temperature quickly, especially in the west, so carry a warm layer.
Keep useful information close
Read about the best time to visit, getting here, and the park’s history. The National Weather Service forecast for the park and SFMTA service alerts are linked below.
Frequently asked questions
Is Golden Gate Park safe?
It is busy and generally safe in the daytime. Keep valuables out of sight in cars, lock bikes, and stay on main, well-lit paths after dark.
How big is Golden Gate Park?
1,017 acres, about three miles long and half a mile wide.
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