Beautiful nature and floral scenery can be found all around San Francisco, and just like the city’s many delightful surprises, you can count on running into them where you least expect.
The sweeping architectural feats and high rises of the Financial District may not be the first area you think of that hosts enough room for lush greenery, however with San Francisco’s Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (or POPOS), these hidden parks and sculptural plazas are all over waiting to be explored.
These vibrantly decorated urban spaces are the best for a lunch-break getaway or a fun spot to bring your kids to, and we have ranked our top ten favorite ones for you to visit next time you are around our concrete jungle.
View this post on Instagram
405 Howard St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The “Untitled” sculpture by Joel Shapiro which you can view while sitting and dining on nearby Asian street food from Spice Kit.
View this post on Instagram
555 Mission St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The immensely tall and colorful statue! Also, the creative aluminum heads and the gorgeous Gingko tree grove.
View this post on Instagram
25 Jessie St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The small, yet soothing waterfall which you can sit right around it in this urban escape.
View this post on Instagram
560 Mission St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The placid lake and thought-provoking moving installation which is a delightful reprieve in the otherwise metropolitan thicket.
View this post on Instagram
1 Sansome St. / Website
Open: during business hours.
Highlight: The elegant and palatial white marbled greenhouse complete with thriving palm trees, Art Deco sculptures, a glass roof, and two-story arches, all within a 1912-built French-style hall.
View this post on Instagram
555 California St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The large black sculpture as the centerpiece for the serene garden hosting sleek teak benches and surrounding olive trees.
View this post on Instagram
555–575 Market St. / Website
Open: at all times.
Highlight: The graceful stream and concrete steps facing Market Street that invite you for an introspective stop during your walk along this bustling main street.
View this post on Instagram
400-492 Commercial St. / Website
Open: During business hours.
Highlight: This is an urban labyrinth that entices you to explore all the tiled corridors that are sprawling with jungle-like ferns and ravishing flowers, all within this expansive shopping plaza near the Ferry Building.
2. Transamerica Redwood Park
View this post on Instagram
600 Montgomery St. / Website
Open: Mon - Fri 7am - 5:30pm
Highlight: The tall and majestic Redwood trees and the water fountain that creates a lovely natural oasis right beside the equally sublime TransAmerica Pyramid.
View this post on Instagram
825 Market St. / Website
Open: during business hours.
Highlight: The 9th floor rooftop deck that offers the sweeping panoramic view of the city from right on top of the Westfield Mall! There is plenty of seating for you to bring up your lunch via special elevators from the diverse food court below.
See also: These Family-Friendly Hikes Are Perfect For Kids Of Any Age
Photography by: Rafael AS Martins/Unsplash
