Gardens, Groves and Lakes
Whether you’re looking for a nice quiet spot to read a book or in search of some awe-inspiring nature, Golden Gate Park features a wide array of gardens, groves, lakes and meadows for you to enjoy, each with its own distinct character and charm.
Gardens
BAYS Memorial Garden
205 Conservatory Drive West | Map It
The Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) Breast Cancer Memorial Garden is the first permanent memorial of its kind in the United States dedicated to lives lost to breast cancer. The memorial honors the strength and spirit of those who have died and the community of survivors that continue to carry their legacy forward. Located at the junction of Arguello Boulevard and Conservatory Drive, this meaningful new space is the result of an 11-year collaboration between Rec and Park and BAYS, a volunteer-led nonprofit that supports individuals diagnosed with breast cancer aged 45 and under.
Camellia Garden
Conservatory Drive East off of JFK Drive | Map It
Golden Gate Park never stops blooming, and its gardeners never stop working. The entire park is a garden created out of sand dunes by gardeners’ hands in the 1870s, and generations of gardeners since then have planted many rare and exotic plants throughout the park. And because San Francisco has very little frost and ample winter rain, there is always something growing, flowering, going to seed, or changing color here. Although Golden Gate Park has beautiful destination gardens, it was designed for folks to “get lost.” Wander any trail and you will find interesting features, surprising plants, magnificent tree groves, and sunny glades, including this delightful little garden of camellias.
Groves
AIDS Memorial Grove
Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive | Map It
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a living tribute to all whose lives have been touched by AIDS, and a dedicated space where people can gather to heal, hope, and remember. Its purpose is to ensure that those who have suffered from the AIDS epidemic — both those who have died and those who have shared their struggle — are not forgotten.
Lakes
Alvord Lake
Stanyan Street at Haight | Map It
This small, picturesque, artificial lake was named for William Alvord, a park commission president, mayor of San Francisco, Bank of California president, and city police commissioner, among many other distinguished positions. The lakelet, created in 1882, was improved with a donation by Alvord in 1894. Alvord asked that it be called “The Lakelet,” but others insisted that Alvord’s name be used. A bronze frog, the gift of a park supervisor, spouts water in the lake.
Meadows
Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadow)
880 John F. Kennedy Drive | Map It
The long, lush meadow leading toward the stadium is all that remains of the old Speed Road that ran diagonally from where John F. Kennedy Drive meets Lloyd Lake to a point just before 41st Avenue, where it turned north. It was inaugurated on May 3, 1890. Its straightaway allowed drivers to reach exciting speeds on horses and, later, with the newfangled horseless carriage. Today, Hellman Hollow, formerly Speedway Meadow, is the perfect spot for a picnic or large event. The annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival is held here.
Blooming Calendar
Golden Gate Park never stops blooming, and its gardeners never stop working. The entire park is a garden created out of sand dunes by gardeners’ hands in the 1870s, and generations of gardeners since then have planted many rare and exotic plants throughout the park. And because San Francisco has very little frost and ample winter rain, there is always something growing, flowering, going to seed, or changing color here.
Although Golden Gate Park has beautiful destination gardens, it was designed for folks to “get lost.” Wander any trail and you will find interesting features, surprising plants, magnificent tree groves, and sunny glades. And did you know that there are ten lakes in the park?
Below are just a few hints on the park’s blooming seasons.
January
Conservatory Valley’s legendary floral displays, installed in October, begin to bloom with annual flowers planted in intricately patterned carpet beds. Across John F. Kennedy Drive from the Conservatory, don’t miss the Tree Fern Dell and hidden Lily Pond. Look for pink-hued magnolias blooming here and there throughout the park, and some rhododendron surprises. The park is a feast of green as plants thrive in winter’s growing season.
February
In the tree groves, the grass is emerald green. Long walks are fun in Golden Gate Park, with its gentle topography. You can still “feel” the rhythm of the graceful sand dunes underneath the planted park. The carpet beds in Conservatory Valley will be brilliant all spring until late April, possibly early May.
March
The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, under the windmill at the park’s west end, is a popular destination now. Tulips are expected to be in fine glory from March 15 through April 15. Spring flowering shrubs are blooming in the park throughout the spring season. One favorite is the fragrant blue or white ceanothus (California lilac), a California native.
April
If you didn’t make it to the Tulip Garden in March, be sure not to miss it now. While you’re there, check the lovely perennial gardens near the Beach Chalet/Park Chalet restaurants at Ocean Beach for birds and butterflies. The Shakespeare Garden’s crabapple trees are in flower. Wander around the Rhododendron Dell to see what’s blooming and listen to the birds singing. Golden pollen from cypress trees can be seen shimmering in the dappled light and on the surface of lakes.
May
The Rose Garden will be dazzling from mid-May through July. Bring the whole family and a picnic; a picnic area is just west of the garden. A mysterious redwood grove lies to the east. Conservatory Valley’s display flowerbeds are being changed this month, so there will be no carpet beds in bloom until late June. The nearby Fuchsia Garden will be in flower until November. Lots of trees and shrubs continue to bloom.
June
The Dahlia Garden, a favorite of photographers and families, will be in radiant color until October. Enjoy the long days of summer with a picnic after work in one of the meadows.
July
Conservatory Valley delights the eye with its full summer splendor. Climb the de Young Museum’s tower to look down on the park spread out below you, and the city beyond. The tower is always free.
August
Conservatory Valley’s intricately patterned flowerbeds are at their most spectacular.
September
This is the last month of the year to enjoy the flowerbeds in Conservatory Valley, although the floral clock and plaque on the slope may last a bit longer. Look for crinum lilies in the Tree Fern Dell across JFK Drive. The Rose Garden shows a flush of fresh blooms this month.
October
Fall transforms the Japanese Tea Garden’s maples to shades of orange, while sycamores throughout the park turn a translucent gold. In Conservatory Valley, the gardening crew will be removing the annual plants from the flowerbeds and preparing to plant the young starts in new designs.
November
The Japanese Tea Garden’s magnificent gingko turn butter-yellow mid-month and cover the ground with their startling color.
December
Winter rains replenish the earth, and the golden grass of summer is renewed in vibrant green.