Golden Gate Park San Francisco: Bison, Japanese Tea Garden, and the California Academy

Golden Gate Park is 412 hectares of urban parkland running west from Haight-Ashbury to Ocean Beach — 20% larger than Central Park in New York. It was created from sand dunes in the 1870s and now contains museums, gardens, a bison paddock, a windmill, and the Panhandle that connects it to the Haight. It is large enough to spend a full day in and have missed significant parts.

California Academy of Sciences

One of the largest natural history institutions in the world, and the only one combining an aquarium, a planetarium, and a natural history museum under a single living roof. The roof itself is a feature — 2.5 acres of living vegetation covering an undulating structure designed by Renzo Piano.

Highlights: the four-storey living rainforest dome (butterflies, tropical birds, tree frogs); the albino alligator in the natural history section (Claude, the resident celebrity); the coral reef aquarium; the Morrison Planetarium with its all-digital full-dome shows.

Entry: $40 adults. Free the third Wednesday of each month (limited capacity, arrive early). Worth booking in advance on busy weekends.

de Young Museum

The fine arts museum in the park, focused on American art from the 17th century to the present, plus international collections from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The building by Herzog and de Meuron has a copper facade that oxidises gradually, intentionally blending into the park surroundings.

The observation tower is free and provides the best view over the park and across the city to the bay. Entry to the main collection: $30. Free the first Tuesday of each month.

Japanese Tea Garden

The oldest Japanese garden in the United States, established for the 1894 Midwinter International Exposition. The garden contains traditional Japanese plants, a drum bridge, a Zen garden, pagodas, and a koi pond. Green tea and fortune cookies are served at the teahouse inside — this is where fortune cookies were first sold in America, predating the commercialised Chinatown version.

Entry: $13 adults. Free Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before 10 AM.

The Bison Paddock

A herd of American bison has lived in the park since 1891. The paddock is in the western section of the park near Fulton Street and 38th Avenue. The bison are real, large, and visible year-round. This surprises most people who don't know about them.

Stow Lake

The largest lake in the park, with a rowing boat and pedal boat rental operation. Circumnavigating the lake on foot takes about 20 minutes. A waterfall and a small island (Strawberry Hill) in the centre add to the scene. Pleasant, usually quiet, a good antidote to museum overload.

Getting There

The N-Judah Muni Metro runs along the southern edge of the park. The 5-Fulton and 21-Hayes buses serve the northern edge. Cycling is the best way to explore within the park — bike rental is available near the park entrance on Stanyan Street.

Our Take

California Academy of Sciences if you have children or a serious interest in natural history. de Young for the tower view and a good art collection. Japanese Tea Garden in the morning before the crowds. And find the bison — they are always worth the detour.