By the time the weekend comes around I’m more than ready to get out and explore, this is probably a product of working from home. Other than school drop off, pick up, gymnastics and the occasional farmers market, I don’t get out much during the week… Yep. Mom life! Recently we took a quick day trip to San Francisco, and of course, it’s one of my favorite spots since it’s my college town. (Art School Kid)

This time we took the girls to Golden Gate Park. If you are visiting San Francisco you shouldn’t miss Golden Gate Park. It is huge, 1,017 acres huge! Similar to Central Park in New York but at the same time so different. Since it is sooooo big I put a list together of things to do!

What To Do in Golden Gate Park

The Conservatory of Flowers

The beautiful white building holds thousands of species of flowers. I don’t know about you but I have a thing for flowers. They remind me of my mom and keeping her in my heart is so important to me. Anyway, it is a really cool building with 5 separate rooms all filled with tropical flowers. It is HOT inside so wear layers to stay comfortable. Here’s a little peek of what’s inside.

Cost: $9 per adult, $6 per kid 11-17, senior, or college student, $3 per kid ages 5-11, kids 4 and under get in free. If you have a San Francisco ID admission is a little bit cheaper.

Here’s a little peek of what’s inside…

Take a Walk

There are trails upon trails leading to amazing views like the Golden Gate Bridge and waterfalls. If you’re up for walking wear some comfortable shoes and explore! The grass is so green and there is something surprising around every corner.

Cost: Free

Rent a Boat/Watch the Model Boats

Stow Lake is in the middle of the park. You can grab a snack and rent a rowboat, padel boat or power boat at Stow Lake Boathouse and enjoy the views from the water.

Cost: Prices vary but range from $22.50 to $38.50 per hour.

Spreckels Lake is full of remote control boats that are super fun to watch.

Cost: Free

Botanical Gardens  

The Botanical Gardens are beautiful, I haven’t been since I was a kid but remember being amazed by all the colorful varieties of flowering plants.

Cost: $9 per adult, $6 per kid 12-17, seniors 65+, $2 per kid ages 5-11, kids 4 and under get in free.

 

Get a Hot Dog

Getting a hot dog and sitting on a bench listening to street performers play is kinda priceless. Most kids love hot dogs (mine definitely do) so you can’t go wrong there.

Cost: I don’t know my husband paid and I didn’t pay attention. But I want to say $5 each… I’ll come back and put in a more accurate number soon!

The DeYoung Museum

As a kid, I grew up going to different museums all the time. I loved it and try to keep the tradition going with my own children. Although we don’t go as often as I’d like. The DeYoung Museum always has great exhibits. My favorite to date was the Life of Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit a few years ago.

Cost: $15 Adults, $12 Seniors, $6 students, youth 17 and under free

The California Academy of Sciences

I haven’t been yet but I hear its amazing! There is a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. Next time we go to San Francisco this will happen! More HERE.

Cost: $35.65 per adult, $25.95 children 5-11, $30.95 youth (12-17), student and senior.

Everything Else

Of course, there are a ton of other things to do in Golden Gate Park. Picnic, ride bikes, rent Segways, playgrounds, disc golf, tennis, music, Japanese Tea Garden, Strawberry Hill, Hippie Hill, you name it it is probably there!

 

Golden Gate Park is just a sliver of San Francisco but it is a gorgeous one! If you need a break from all the super touristy stuff and all the shopping it’s the perfect place to relax and get a little bit of the SF culture.

Have fun adventuring and if you have questions ask below and I’ll get back to you!

 

 

Here are some more photos just because!

 

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