Spring has officially sprung in San Francisco, which means warmer weather and longer days perfect for exploring the thriving foliage the city has to offer in all of its abundant gardens. Whether you plan on visiting them for a picnic date, scenic photos, or even just for a serene and mindful stroll, here are the ones most noteworthy for their beauty and biodiversity.
See also: Do You Know This Hidden San Francisco Park With The Most Instagrammable Panoramic View?
View this post on Instagram
1199 9th Ave / Website
There are a myriad of wonderfully stunning gardens throughout the 3-mile long Golden Gate Park, but one that’s exceptionally essential to begin with is the expansive San Francisco Botanical Garden. Open since 1940 and spanning 55 acres, the garden features over 8,000 different plants from all over the world, making it very easy to spend a whole day learning and wandering around here.
With collections such as the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest, Ancient Plants Garden, and the Temperate Asia Garden, home to the most magnolias outside of China and currently in-bloom, this is a vibrant horticultural institution definitely worth the $10 admission if you are visiting outside of the city. It is free for current SF residents and is open daily from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
View this post on Instagram
100 John F Kennedy Dr / Website
As the oldest conservatory in the country dating back to 1879, walking around immersed in the Victorian-style architecture will not only transport you to a different time, but also to different parts of the world. Inside the enormous greenhouse are five different collections, from giant tropical plants, to tranquil lily gardens and fragrant vanilla orchids. The must-see exhibits here however, are their large outdoor dahlia garden, rare carnivorous plants and butterfly habitat! In the evenings, the conservatory’s Night Bloom light-shows are also a spectacular event to see.
Tickets are $10 for general admission adults, $7 for SF residents and youth, and free for children 4 and under. You can visit Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, and can also reserve certain galleries and pavilions for events or weddings.
View this post on Instagram
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive / Website
The third stop on the eastern end of Golden Gate Park is the incredible tranquil and reverent Japanese Tea Garden. The oldest in the nation, this garden is lush with both historic and traditional Japanese plants and architecture. Stunning Koi ponds, pagodas, and bonsai trees are just a few of the many cultural pieces you will come across to inspire not only great photography and date ideas, but also a calming and mindful walk. Also a major delight to witness here is the spring bloom of the fragrant cherry blossoms, which supplements as a serene backdrop to their teahouse, which serves comforting hot green tea and light snacks.
The Japanese Tea Garden is open beginning at 9 AM daily, with a general adult fee of $10.00 for non-San Francisco residents.
View this post on Instagram
335 Martin Luther King Jr Dr / Website
As a smaller and tucked-away addition to Golden Gate Park, the English-style Shakespeare Garden can be hard to find, but is immediately charming and bucolic once entered. Although low-profile, this hidden gem opens up to contain over 200 different flowers and plants that have all been featured somewhere within Shakespeare’s various plays and sonnets.
This free spot is perfect for those who want an excursion away from the more tourist-heavy gardens, and a quick peaceful trip to old England.
View this post on Instagram
1690 John F Kennedy Dr / Website
One more stop in Golden Gate Park on the western-most edge facing Ocean Beach is the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden at the base of the iconic Dutch Windmill. A quick walk from the Park Chalet Garden Restaurant, just look up to follow the grand windmill peeking out from the trees and discover a majestic garden brimming with colorful tulips. Spring is the best time to witness them in full technicolor bloom, making it a perfect photo/date spot while also learning some Dutch history and culture.
View this post on Instagram
16th Ave & Moraga St / Website
Located in the Sunset District, this hidden neighborhood gem is one outside of Golden Gate Park that offers not only a variety of native succulents, but also a breathtaking view of the ocean. What began as a grassroots neighborhood project in 2003 to beautify Golden Gate Heights by adorning the tall steps with ornate tile mosaics has flourished into a popular must-see off-the-beaten-path destination to impress. Get your all steps in this quiet find while appreciating the foliage, and if you’re feeling up to it, continue to the nearby Grand View Park for another view facing northeast to the downtown skyline.
View this post on Instagram
750 Howard St / Website
Last but certainly not least is the remarkable waterfall and greenery of Yerba Buena Gardens situated right in the middle of the MOMA, Metreon, and Westfield Mall in SOMA. With its Butterfly Garden, Reflection Garden, Upper Terrace, Sister City Garden and more, this esplanade is the perfect place to take a beat from the bustling Financial District surrounding it. There is also the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Children’s Creativity Museum, and Center for the Arts within it. Yerba Buena Gardens also hosts their seasonal cultural festivals and concerts on their lawn. This sunny park is great to recharge and connect with art and nature, while still appreciating the gorgeous downtown buildings surrounding it.
Bonus Mentions outside of San Francisco include the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, and the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden in Palo Alto! Both are also remarkably expansive, magical, and just a short drive out of the city! See their websites to plan and schedule a visit accordingly.
There is no shortage here in the San Francisco Bay Area for stunning views and vibrant flora!
See also: San Francisco's Best Hidden Community Gardens
Photography by: Courtesy of haydenbird/Getty Images
