Golden Gate Park (East)


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For a summary of park features with point-by-point locations, see the Golden Gate Park guide map. See also Historic Images and Postcards.

Now: Three miles long and half a mile wide, Golden Gate Park is a sprawling patchwork of lawns, gardens, meadows, lakes, and paths that go in every direction but straight. It would be virtually impossible to see all of the park in a single day - and why would you try, because this place was designed for leisure.

Then: Ingeniously cultivated from barren dunes during the late 1800s, Golden Gate Park was already referred to as "famous" and "old" by the turn of the 20th century, and several of its major features date back to that time. The Conservatory of Flowers first opened in 1879, and the Music Stand area and Japanese Tea Garden were originally built for the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. See related postcards.

How To Get There:The east section of Golden Gate Park has many possible entry points. Visitors to the Upper Haight often cross Stanyan Street and find the paths that lead in. A nice starting point for the east section is close to where Hayes Street ends at Stanyan, and walking paths lead toward the Conservatory of Flowers. Fulton Street is popular for parking, since it is unmetered, and directly borders the park on the north. From the south side, a good route is 9th Street in the Inner Sunset (though car traffic can be heavy near the entrance). Better to take the Muni N-Judah if possible, to 9th and walk into the park.

For much more information on Golden Gate Park, see Christopher Pollock's impeccably researched and beautifully written book, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.


From the end of the Panhandle, the eastern edge of Golden Gate Park stretches a half mile up and down Stanyan Street. McLaren Lodge, Alvord Lake, and Kezar Pavillion are the features most often seen by visitors entering the park on this side. The far northeast corner, with its twisting paths rising up to a small hilltop, and brushy terrain, is often missed.


  • The east edge of Golden Gate Park, where JFK Drive begins at Stanyan Street

  • Dog Run - paths through trees and brush at the far northeast corner of the park near Stanyan and Fulton Streets

  • Bench in the Dog Run area


Formerly part of a rock quarry, the courts were established in this canyon in 1922. The sculptures carved in the rock wall depict a horse (badly falling apart) and a shoe thrower. Rarely used, it's only once in a while that you hear the clang of horseshoes hitting the poles at this semi-hidden pit high in the park's northeast corner.

  • Entrance to the Horseshoe Courts, from Conservatory Drive

  • Horseshoe Courts (aka Horseshoe Pits) near Stanyan Street at the end of Grove Street

  • The Horseshoe Courts, facing east

  • Horse carving on the east wall of the Horseshoe Courts

  • Horseshoe thrower carved on the south wall of the Horseshoe Courts


Built in 1896, this sandstone building served as the Lodge of John McLaren, manager and caretaker of the park from 1887 to 1943. Now it serves as the headquarters for the city's Recreation and Park Department. The Monterey cypress tree in front of the lodge is known as Uncle John's Tree. Its age is unknown. Open 8am to 5pm, weekdays. 415-831-2700.

  • Recreation and Park Department General Office at McLaren Lodge

  • McLaren Lodge and Park Headquarters at JFK Drive and Stanyan

  • Uncle John's Tree at McLaren Lodge


Past the columns at the end of Haight Street, which formally mark the entrance to Golden Gate Park, this small lake is shaded by a cluster of trees. Dating back to the 1880s and the initial development of the east section of the park, the lake lies right on the path that leads under Alvord Bridge and Kezar Drive toward Sharon Meadow. The ceiling of the cavernous tunnel under the bridge is covered with artificial stalactities.

  • The Haight Street gate entrance to Golden Gate Park

  • Lawn adjacent to Alvord Lake, at Haight Street

  • The eastern edge of Golden Gate Park, near the intersection of Stanyan and Haight Streets

  • Alvord Lake, near Stanyan and Haight

  • The Alvord Bridge

  • Gate, from inside the Alvord Tunnel


Dedicated in 1940, the gorgeous network of paths and plantings surrounding this dell lies to the east of the Conservatory of Flowers. The sundial in the center of the dell was installed in 1983. The bushy, light-colored flowers are at their height during the summer.

  • Walking path near the Fuchsia Dell

  • Entrance to the Fuchsia Dell

  • Trees in the Fuchsia Dell area

  • Benches in the clearing near the Fuchsia Dell

  • Sundial in the clearing at the Fuchsia Dell

  • Peacock Meadow, off JFK Drive, east of the Conservatory of Flowers


This patchwork of meadows dominates the opening expanse of the park's east side, between the tennis courts to the north and the playground to the south. This meadow, and the sloping hill on its north side (known as Hippie Hill) was a notorious gathering point in the 1960s. Hand drummers are often found at the hill now.

  • Sharon Meadow, near JFK Drive and the east edge of the park at Stanyan Street

  • Walking paths at Sharon Meadow

  • Looking down over Sharon Meadow and the Children's Playground from the hill known as Hippie Hill

  • Sharon Meadow and the path over Hippie Hill around the Tennis Courts

  • Path from Sharon Meadow leading through the Tennis Courts toward JFK Drive


This playground has undergone several changes of face since it opened in 1888. The boat-like swing sets seen in early photos are gone, and a major renovation completed in 2007 brought slides, climbing areas, and a re-naming of the area to Koret Children's Quarter. The carousel operating here was built in 1912 and installed at the playground in 1941. Murals in the center of the carousel depict scenes from the park. The Sharon Building opened in 1888, and was meant to be an indoor play area and extension of the playground. It now hosts an art studio.

  • Koret Children's Quarter, also known as Children's Playground

  • Lawn at the Children's Playground

  • Inside the Children's Playground area

  • Farmer Brown's Barn, where farm animals used to be kept inside the playground

  • The wave, in the Children's Playground

  • Sharon Building, at the Children's Playground

  • Front entrance of the Sharon Building

  • Inside the Sharon Building at the Children's Playground

  • Railing at the top of the Sharon Building

  • Children's Playground from the Sharon Building

  • West entrance to the Koret Children's Quarter, or Children's Playground

  • Carousel in the Children's Playground

  • Inside the Carousel in the Children's Playground

  • Picnic area just west of the Children's Playground

  • Paths between Bowling Green Drive and Children's Playground


The original, much larger stadium at this location was designed in Roman style by architect Willis Polk and opened in 1925. Eventually proving an unwieldy traffic and parking burden for the neighborhood, it was torn down in 1989 and replaced with the current stadium, known as "Little Kezar". Available to rent for athletic events. 415-831-6305.

  • Kezar Stadium, at the southeast edge of Golden Gate Park

  • Columns at the entrance to Kezar Stadium

  • Inside Kezar Stadium, looking east

  • Kezar Stadium bleachers, from the west side

  • West entrance to Kezar Stadium

  • Lawn just west of Kezar Stadium


Dahlias (the official flower of San Francisco) are planted in diverse colors in a thick, fenced-in patch on the east side of the Conservatory of Flowers. These are at full bloom in late August and September.

  • Park entrance at Arguello Boulevard

  • The Clarke Gate park entrance at Arguello Boulevard

  • The Dahlia Garden, from the walkway above

  • The Dahlia Garden

  • The Dahlia Garden, on the east side of the Conservatory of Flowers

  • Flowers in the Dahlia Garden


Originally assembled from crated pieces between 1877 and 1878 (at a cost of $2,050), this glass and wood greenhouse has weathered storm damage, fire, and the 1906 earthquake. The entire structure was virtually taken apart and put back together in a four-year, $25 million dollar restoration which was completed in 2003. Exotic plants and themed exhibitions are on display in the steamy chambers of its interior. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. $7 regular adult admission. 415-831-2090. Website.

  • Flower beds east of the Conservatory

  • Path connecting JFK Drive and the west side of the Conservatory of Flowers

  • Conservatory of Flowers from the front

  • The Conservatory of Flowers building

  • Conservatory and flowers

  • Flower beds in front of the Conservatory

  • Lawn and flower beds in front of the Conservatory of Flowers, just off JFK Drive

  • Lawn behind the George Washington Elm

  • Ghiradelli Rustic Shelter, near Fulton Street at 4th Avenue


Impressively primordial in appearance, these groups of New Zealand ferns tower over other flora and lean out over the paths just south of the Conservatory of Flowers and toward the Lily Pond. This area was referred to during the 1960s as Mescaline Grove.

  • Tree Fern Dell, south of the Conservatory of Flowers

  • Trees in the Fern Dell

  • Walking path in the Tree Fern Dell


Not many years ago, this was one of the most idyllic spots in the park. The beautifully landscaped pond featured floating waterlilies and families of ducks.

  • Lily Pond, south of the Fern Tree Dell, not looking very good

  • Lily Pond, from a hill above

  • Broken stones at a tree near Middle Drive East


This area of the park was opened in 1925 as DeLaveaga Dell, after the donor who financed the landscaping and planting of the grove, and creation of the adjacent dry creek bed. In the 1990s it was restored and cleaned up by volunteer groups, and the limestone memorial circle was installed. The official AIDS Memorial Grove designation was made in 1996. Website.

  • Stone marker at the entrance to the National AIDS Memorial Grove, near Bowling Green Drive

  • Sign at the entrance to the Delaveaga Dell and AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Stone marker at the beginning of the south path to the AIDS Memorial Grove, from Bowling Green Drive

  • Center of the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Path leading to the center of the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Steps leading down to the AIDS Memorial Grove near Bowling Green Drive and Middle Drive East

  • Exiting the Dry Creek Path to the lawn in the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Path in the dry creek section of the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Bench in the dry creek trail

  • Circle at the beginning of the Dry Creek Trail in the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Steps leading from the dry creek section of the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Path at the top of the steps leading to the Dry Creek area of the AIDS Memorial Grove


Home to the Tennis Club established in 1901, there are 21 public courts available with reservation. The bowl-shaped area originally featured a music stage, or band shell (dedicated in 1888), and subsequently a croquet court. 415-831-6302.

  • Tennis Courts, just south of JFK Drive

  • Tennis Courts, from the walking path on the southwest side

  • Tennis Courts on the east side


Two enclosed courts of very flat grass are situated across from each other on Bowling Green Drive, just west of Sharon Meadow. Lessons are available if you're not sure how to lawn bowl. 415-753-9298.

  • Bowling Green Drive, near Middle Drive East

  • Lawn Bowling Court east of Bowling Green Drive

  • Lawn Bowling Court on the west side of Bowling Green Drive


A shady wooded hill with an appropriate name and secluded paths bordering Lincoln Way. A trail begins just south of the Big Rec Ball Field at 7th Avenue and continues through a dog run area, up the hill, and down toward the Children's Playground.

  • Whiskey Hill, wooded area near 3rd Avenue and Lincoln Way

  • View of Lincoln Way from Whiskey Hill

  • Path leading up to Whiskey Hill from the west side


The 6th Avenue skating area is just inside the park at Fulton Street. Skaters are most active on Sundays, when JFK Drive is closed to vehicular traffic. The Powell Street Railroad Station structure at 7th Avenue was actually used as a terminal point for steam trains, and later cable cars, bringing visitors to the park. Bronze sculptures of a bear and cougar, installed in 1908, adorn either side of the Brown Gate entrance at Eighth Avenue. The little Fulton Playground, built in 1981, is just inside the park at 9th Avenue. South of the playground, the JFK Drive pedestrian tunnel was designed in 1896. Even something as utilitarian as a traffic bridge was undertaken with fantastic style by the park's builders.

  • Roller skaters at 6th Avenue and JFK Drive

  • Picnic Area near JFK Drive and 6th Avenue

  • Powell Street Railroad Station at Fulton and 7th Avenue park entrance

  • Bear at the Brown Gate entrance, at 8th Avenue

  • Cougar at the Brown Gate entrance

  • Fulton Playground, near Fulton Street and 9th Avenue

  • Pedestrian Tunnel under JFK Drive, at the Fulton Playground

  • Statue of Robert Burns, south of JFK Drive at 8th Avenue

  • Park entrance at Fulton and 10th Avenue


Developed for the 1894 Mid-Winter Fair, this concourse is now the heart of Golden Gate Park's "museum district". The Music Stand (aka Spreckels Temple of Music) at the west end of the concourse was completed in 1900, and still hosts music performances on Sundays. Many of the park's historically controversial statues are scattered in and around the concourse area. The Pool of Enchantment, originally installed in 1917 at the front of the DeYoung Museum, is now located (post-restoration) on its east side.

  • Garden of Enchantment, near the Music Concourse and DeYoung Museum

  • Pool of Enchantment, near the DeYoung Museum

  • The Music Concourse, looking east

  • The Music Concourse area, from in front of the Academy of Sciences

  • Dry fountain at the center of the Music Concourse

  • Francis Scott Key Memorial, at the east end of the Music Concourse

  • Music Stand, in the Music Concourse

  • The Music Stand

  • Audience listening to a performance at the Music Stand


Founded in 1895 as the new Memorial Museum, and renamed as the DeYoung in 1924 after the San Francisco Chronicle publisher who had guided its development. The museum was completely rebuilt and re-opened in 2005. Exhibitions of art and historic artifacts are featured. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 5:15pm. $10 regular adult admission. Entry to the observation tower is free. 415-750-3600. Website.

  • DeYoung Museum, on the north side of Museum Plaza

  • Inside the DeYoung Museum Observation Tower, looking north

  • Inside the DeYoung Observation Tower, looking south

  • Northeast view from the Observation Tower at the DeYoung Museum

  • North view from the DeYoung Observation Tower, including the Academy of Sciences Building

  • Northwest view from the DeYoung Observation Tower, including the Music Stand


Originally opening in Golden Gate Park in 1916, the facility later came to include the Steinhart Aquarium, the African Hall (with dioramas), Science Hall, and Morrison Planetarium. Entire generations of children visited on field trips. Completely demolished and rebuilt, the new Academy of Sciences opened in 2008. It now includes the downstairs aquarium, penguins and displays from the African Hall on the ground floor, the rainforest dome, and the living roof. Open Monday through Saturday 9:30am to 5:00pm, and Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm. $24.95 regular adult admission. Thursday nights 6:00pm to 10:00pm, adults 21+ only ($12). 415-379-8000. Website.

  • Front of the Academy of Sciences Building

  • Dining tables outside the back of the Academy of Sciences

  • The Rainforest Dome, inside the Academy of Sciences

  • Inside the Rainforest Dome

  • Inside the Rainforest dome, looking down at part of an aquarium from above

  • Walkway below the same section of aquarium

  • The east section of the Academy of Sciences

  • Living Roof at the top of the Academy of Sciences building

  • The living roof on top of the Academy of Sciences building, from a hilltop to the west


Established in 1928, this formal garden features plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare's writings. The garden's marble bench was added in 1929. The iron entrance gate was added during a renovation in 1991. It's located just south of the Academy of Sciences.

  • Entrance to the Shakespeare Garden, from MLK Drive

  • Entrance gate to the Shakespeare Garden

  • Path insde the Shakespeare Garden

  • Shakespeare Garden, from above

  • The Shakespeare Garden

  • East wall inside the Shakespeare Garden

  • Bench inside the Shakespare Garden

  • Opening at the back of the Shakespeare Garden leading out toward Middle Drive East

  • Middle Drive East, toward the Big Rec Field entrance


Two back-to-back baseball diamonds on an incredibly large stretch of lawn. This patch of green stands out clearly when looking down at the park from the vantage point of Grand View Park in Golden Gate Heights. Two indoor handball courts are situated just north of the Big Rec Fields, off of Middle Drive East. On the east side of the handball courts, a path leads up toward the DeLaveaga Dell/AIDS Memorial Grove. Two rings of stones, possibly headstone pieces, lie embedded in a clearing around a tree on the path south of Middle Drive East. The ball fields are available for reservation. 415-831-5510.

  • Entrance to the Big Recreation Fields and Handball Courts, from Middle Drive East

  • Handball Courts, just north of the Big Rec Fields

  • Big Rec Ball Field, at the edge of Lincoln Avenue at 7th Avenue

  • Looking south toward Lincoln Avenue from the playing field at 7th Avenue

  • South view from the Big Rec Field

  • The two baseball fields in the Big Rec area, from the south side

  • Path around the Handball Courts at the Big Rec Field

  • Path from the Handball Courts and Big Rec Field toward the AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Scattered stones at the bend in the path toward the AIDS Memorial Grove