San Francisco's incomparable natural setting and rich cultural heritage make it one of the best cities in the world in which to live, work, and play, as well as one of the most popular vacation spots. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department is privileged to be responsible for the care of many of this special city's special places, from beloved monuments like Coit Tower and the Palace of Fine Arts to magnificent Golden Gate Park and hidden gems like McLaren Park. Here are just a few of the parks and facilities we maintain.
This slender fluted column rising from the top of Telegraph Hill has been a welcoming beacon to San Francisco's visitors and residents alike since 1933. Enjoy the Depression-era murals painted inside its base, or ride the elevator to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the city and bay.
An oasis of green in the heart of San Francisco's bustling North Beach neighborhood, this park is a popular spot for picnicking, sunbathing, and taking in the sights. In summer the square hosts many art fairs and other cultural events.
The heart of San Francisco's shopping, hotel, and theater district, Union Square frequently hosts artists markets, free concerts, and other performances and events. Stop to enjoy a snack at one of the cafe's outdoor tables or bring along a picnic.
One of San Francisco's most romantic settings, the Beaux Arts-style Palace of Fine Arts is a popular backdrop for films, television shows, and wedding photographs. Visit the Exploratorium science museum in the Palace's old exhibition hall, and bring a picnic to enjoy as you watch the swans sail gracefully around the lagoon.
Vessels have berthed at the San Francisco Marina Yacht Harbor, on the City's northern waterfront, since before the 1906 earthquake. It has 671 berths spread over two harbors: East Harbor, also known as Gashouse Cove, which hosts City Yachts boat sales, and West Harbor, which includes the Saint Francis and Golden Gate yacht clubs, the Harbormaster's building, and Marina Green park.
Recognized around the world for its "Postcard Row" of Victorian houses, Alamo Square Park is also a popular neighborhood gathering spot, with its grassy, tree-shaded slopes, playground, and dog play area.
At the heart of San Francisco's Japantown is the Japan Center, and at the heart of the Japan Center is the Peace Plaza, with its five-tiered Peace Pagoda, a gift from the people of Osaka, Japan.
One of San Francisco's most popular gathering places, Mission Dolores Park hosts festivals, performances, and other cultural events, but many people come here just to picnic on the lush green lawns and enjoy the sights.
McLaren Park is one of San Francisco's best-kept secrets, an extensive natural oasis with miles of trails and multiple recreational amenities tucked away in the city's southeastern corner. The second-largest park in the city, its 312 acres encompass a natural area, lawns and gardens, a lake and reservoir, a golf course, playgrounds, sports facilities, dog play areas, and an amphitheater.
This 63-acre park in San Francisco's Sunset District is home to the city's longest-running free concert festival, the Stern Grove Festival, as well as picnic and dog play areas, hiking trails, a playground, and tennis, lawn bowling, and croquet courts. At its far western end is Pine Lake, one of the city's few remaining natural lakes.
Lake Merced, a large freshwater lake in San Francisco's southwestern corner, is the heart of a 614-acre park popular with boaters, hikers, bicyclists, skaters, and birdwatchers. A 4.5-mile paved trail circles the lake's perimeter, providing a good workout.
Visit northern California's oldest and largest zoological park, situated on the Pacific Ocean along the Great Highway. The zoo houses nearly 700 animals representing almost 200 species; exhibits include Penguin Island, Koala Crossing, Grizzly Gulch, a meerkat and prairie dog exhibit, a lemur forest, and an insect zoo.
Home of the San Francisco 49ers and former home of the San Francisco Giants, Candlestick Park is a part of San Francisco tradition, from its breathtaking views of the bay to the savory tastes of its concession fare and the sight of the fog rolling in over the city's hills.
Camp Mather is a rustic family camp operated by the City in the Sierra Nevada, next door to Yosemite National Park. Treat your family to a week in the mountains with a swimming pool, swimming lake, sports activities, supervised recreation programs for all ages, evening campfire entertainment, and more.
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