If you’re looking to experience all that San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has to offer in just one day, I’ve got you covered with my jam-packed, but completely doable itinerary. California‘s Golden Gate Park is massive—bigger than New York’s Central Park, actually (yes, you heard that right!). With over 1,000 acres of gardens, museums, lakes, and trails, this is the ultimate playground for anyone looking to soak in San Francisco’s charm. Let’s get this day started!
Want more SF ideas? See my San Francisco Bucket List filled with fun things to do in the city and my amazing 24-Hour Itinerary for the Presidio.
8:30 AM
Coffee + Pastries at Tartine Inner Sunset
We’re kicking off with the essentials: coffee and a pastry (or two!) at Tartine’s Inner Sunset location. This local gem is famous for its pastries—seriously, their babka is a must-try. You could probably make a meal just on their croissants, but if you’re feeling a bit fancy, try the soft scramble tartine topped with smoked trout roe (it’s as delicious as it sounds).
Tip: If you’ve got room to carry a loaf of their famous sourdough bread, grab it. (Consider it a souvenir… that you’ll devour later.)
Parking: We parked at the 7th Ave/Irving Parking Lot which was easy and under $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Tartine. You can also park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and walk, it’s about a half mile each way.
9:30 AM
California Academy of Science
After your breakfast pick-me-up, head to the California Academy of Sciences. It’s a full-on wonderland of knowledge, with an aquarium, rainforest, and planetarium all in one spot. The Osher Rainforest is one of the highlights (and my favorite!)—a four-story lush oasis filled with butterflies, birds, and even some (non-scary) reptiles. And the aquarium isn’t too shabby either, showcasing the mysterious “twilight zone” where bioluminescent creatures make their magic.
Tip: If you’re a night owl, check out their adults-only NightLife event every Thursday. (It’s a mix of cocktails, science, and a little grown-up adventure!)
Parking: You can park in Golden Gate Park at the Music Concourse Garage which is right next to the California Academy of Sciences.
11:00 AM
Conservatory of Flowers
Now, we’re off to the Conservatory of Flowers, just a short walk from the science academy. This place is a botanical dream with rare plants that will make you feel like you’ve entered a different world. From giant water lilies to carnivorous pitcher plants, you’ll see a vibrant display of exotic flora. Each gallery has its own theme, like the Highland Tropics, where you’ll find lush moss and misty cloud forests.
The plants are pretty incredible, but the Conservatory building itself is over 100 years old and holds the title of the oldest wood-and-glass conservatory in North America! And it’s a beauty.
PS: 1st Tuesday of every month is FREE DAY for Bay Area locals!
12:00 PM
de Young Museum
I’ll admit it—I’m not usually the type to get giddy over museums. But the de Young Museum is an exception. This place has been wowing visitors since 1895 (talk about having some serious street cred) and, along with the Legion of Honor, it’s part of the powerhouse duo of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. Which is actually the biggest public arts institution in town and one of the largest in the county.
Inside, it’s packed with American art from the 17th century to now, plus some incredible textiles, costumes, and art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. They’ve hosted some epic exhibitions like Monet: The Late Years and the bloom-filled wonderland of Bouquets to Art.
1:15 PM
Lunch: Hook Fish Co.
If you’re craving a casual lunch with serious seafood flavor, Hook Fish Co. is the spot. We’re talking poke, fish tacos, and the freshest guacamole. It’s a simple, order-at-the-counter kind of place near Ocean Beach, and the vibe is very chill. If you want to add a little kick to your food, don’t miss adding a dash of their homemade habañero-carrot hot sauce. PS: It’s outdoor seating only so bundle up if it’s cold outside!
ParkIng: Ocean Beach Parking is free and plentiful. You can walk from there, and then to the next stop.
2:15 PM
Queen Wilhelmina Garden at the Dutch Windmill
This is THE spot if you love a good tulip display. Queen Wilhelmina Garden, located under a beautiful Dutch windmill, explodes with colorful tulips every spring. But don’t skip it just because it’s not Spring—I visited during the cooler months, and it was still worth a quick stop. That windmill alone? Total fairytale vibes and picture-perfect, no matter the season!
2:45 PM
Pedal Boat on Blue Heron Lake
Now for a bit of exercise—but the fun kind! Head over to the Blue Heron Boathouse and rent a pedal boat (or rowboat if you prefer). They rent them by the hour, so you can cruise around Blue Heron Lake. It’s peaceful, scenic, and you might even spot a wedding shoot or two (we did!). I won’t lie, this can be a bit of a leg workout, but it’s also a unique way to see the park’s natural side. Plus, nothing says Golden Gate Park bucket list adventure like cruising around a lake in the middle of the city, right?
Parking: Free parking is available right next to the boathouse.
4:00 PM
Walk the JFK Promenade (to the Japanese Tea Garden)
From the boathouse, it’s a quick and easy walk to JFK Promenade. This walkable area is dotted with sculptures, murals, and (if you’re lucky) some street performers. You’ll pass by gardens, open fields, and the occasional flower display (like the Rose Garden) that’s just begging to be photographed.
4:45 PM
Japanese Tea Garden
The next stop is for a dose of Zen at the Japanese Tea Garden. Originally created for an 1894 exposition by landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara (who truly poured his heart into it), this place has grown into 5 acres of pure serenity.
Picture arched drum bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns, koi-filled ponds, and perfectly laid stepping stones. And if you time your visit for March or April, you’ll catch those stunning cherry blossoms in full, fairy-tale-worthy bloom. But don’t worry if it’s not spring—any time of year, this garden will make you feel like you’ve wandered into another world right in the middle of San Francisco.
Note: Allowed time of entry varies depending on the time of year, so check the hours before you go.
6:30 PM
Dinner at Kothai Republic
After a full day of exploring Golden Gate Park, head over to Kothai Republic in the Inner Sunset for a well-earned feast. This cozy, laid-back spot has been wowing foodies since it opened with its bold, Asian-inspired fare that’s anything but ordinary. Don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you—these dishes mean business! We dug into the Slow Shrooms with miso confit and parsnip (um, yes, please!), the Monterey Squid with butter beans and charred tomatoes, and the House Pear Salad complete with wilted radicchio, hazelnuts, and feta.
Parking: 7th Ave/Irving Parking Lot $ – easy and under $3 hour, it’s about .2 miles from Kothai Republic (the same lot as for Tartine). It’s also possible to find metered parking closer to the restaurant (we did!).
Golden Gate Park 1-Day Itinerary Video
Note: we mostly drove in between locations, so I’ve added the most convenient parking spots. You could also take the bus (check SFMTA website for routes/stops) or just park in Golden Gate Park at Music Concourse Garage and walk from there, ride the free Golden Gate Shuttle or take an uber to the farther locations.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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“Love this itinerary! Golden Gate Park has so much to offer, and this packed one-day plan is perfect for making the most of it. The tips on must-see spots are super helpful—definitely bookmarking this for my next trip to San Francisco. Thanks for the great recommendations!”
Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you found the itinerary helpful and are bookmarking it for your next trip to San Francisco! Golden Gate Park truly is a gem, and there’s always something new to discover.
Great job on the itinerary! It’s well-organized and gives such helpful tips for exploring Golden Gate Park in a day. I love the mix of activities and food suggestions—you’ve made it easy to plan a fun and memorable day!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the mix of activities and food suggestions. Golden Gate Park is such an amazing place to explore, and it makes me happy to know the itinerary can help make your day there fun and memorable.