San Francisco summer is coming! Get outdoors in Golden Gate Park
Posted by admin on Aug 24, 2010
Visitors to San Francisco during summer are often surprised to find cool and foggy weather. Where’s that famous California sunshine?
Locals know that the warmest, most sunny months are September and October — the REAL San Francisco summer. What better way to enjoy the heat and sunshine than to play in Golden Gate Park?
Best by Bike
Hostelling International’s San Francisco guests get great deals on bike rentals, and cruising through Golden Gate Park is a fantastic way to experience all it has to offer. Many roads within the park are car-free on Sundays and major holidays year round, and on Saturdays, April - September.
Starting from the Panhandle on the eastern end of the park, cruise by the gorgeous Conservatory of Flowers ($7), an elaborate Victorian greenhouse housing a wild collection of exotic plants. Through October, see hundreds of multi-colored, meat-eating plants arranged in swampy, living bogs during the Chomp 2! Return of the Carnivorous Plants exhibit. Afterward, hang out with a book, sunbathe and people-watch amid the flower beds adorning the front, most are at their peak in late summer and fall.
From there, wander into the AIDS Memorial Grove, a National Memorial and poignant spot for contemplation. A bit further on, you’ll reach the San Francisco Botanical Garden ($7), where you can explore an urban oasis of 8,000 plant varieties. Just around the corner, sip tea while overlooking the peaceful waters at the Japanese Tea Garden ($7; free before 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays).
Pass by the Temple of Music, where the Golden Gate Park Band has been playing free Sunday concerts (May - September) since the 1800s, and make a stop at the 144-foot tower of the de Young Museum (free), which offers panoramic views of San Francisco. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss Skatin’ Place at 6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive — an outdoor roller rink where skating enthusiasts come to strut their stuff.
Next up, head to Stow Lake, stopping to rent a pedal boat ($19/hour) or row boat ($14/hour) if you’re in the mood — both can hold up to 4 people. Climb up Strawberry Hill for awesome views of downtown San Francisco. Pass the reflection pool of Spreckels Lake and say hello to the all-American bison as you head towards the ocean. Originally from Wyoming, these bison are the second generation of an 1894 herd!
The Dutch Windmill and tulip gardens indicate the Pacific is near. Reward the long journey with a tasty microbrew at the Beach Chalet overlooking Ocean Beach, and you just might catch some live music too.
Grooving in Speedway Meadow
This long expanse of green grass bounded by swaying eucalyptus trees hosts two annual music events in the fall. On September 11, Power to the Peaceful stars the modern soul music of Michael Franti and Spearhead, with other acts bringing roots reggae, hip-hop, and Brazilian samba to the stage. It’s a fun event that draws an eclectic San Francisco crowd — it even starts off with a two-hour morning yoga session. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is just that, featuring a wide variety of artists October 1-3, including Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Nick Lowe, The Felice Brothers, and many more. If you’re seeking something more classical, check out Opera in the Park on September 12 at nearby Sharon Meadow. All three of these events are free!
Four!
Golden Gate Park Golf Course is a small nine-hole gem in a beautiful setting. Located at the far west end of the park, nothing beats hearing the crash of ocean waves while you’re teeing off. This course is very relaxed; beginner and consummate players alike will feel welcome. Green fees range from $15 to $19, but if you come at twilight (one or two hours before sunset) it costs only $8. Clubs and pull carts can also be rented cheaply, and BBQ and beers are served up at the clubhouse.
Prefer throwing Frisbees? The Disc Golf Course is also a worthy excursion. Play alone or join a group at this course nestled in the midst of towering eucalyptus; the pace here is unhurried and friendly.
Bonfire at Ocean Beach
Grab a sweatshirt and watch the sunset during a bonfire at Ocean Beach. The city has recently installed "creative" fire pits with the help of a few San Francisco artists. Come early (late afternoon) to grab one of the spots. Bring wood if you can, as the nearby Safeway grocery store overcharges for a bundle. If all the pits are taken, just join up with an existing group — it’s a great way to meet sociable locals. It may be a bit chilly for a swim, but the surfers and some brave souls don’t think so! Beware of strong riptides if you do decide to jump into the frigid Pacific.
There are dozens of other nooks and crannies in Golden Gate Park. Despite being in the middle of San Francisco, it’s easy to find peace and solitude. Take your time and relish your walk, run, or ride through the forests and trails filled with whimsical trees and budding flowers. Who knows what you might stumble upon… a rose garden, a waterfall, a Shakespeare Garden, a carousel?