We love the hustle and bustle of San Francisco as much as the next city dweller, but it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. We like to retreat to the park to log some quality time with Mother Nature, but in this outdoors-loving town, the parks can be as busy as the streets. So while the Golden Gate Park running trails on a Sunday can make your jog feel more like a game of Frogger than an actual jog, there are a few still-sacred and relatively unsung sanctuaries throughout San Francisco. We thought we'd spill the beans on a few. Here's where to get some peace and quiet at the city's best, most under-the-radar parks and gardens.
Allyne Park
Between Green & Union on Gough // Cow Hollow
This tiny corner park is just adjacent to the historic Octagon House and its spectacular gardens. Neighborhood kids and cute dogs frequent the welcoming, tranquil space just blocks from Van Ness. We're breathing easier already.
Shakespeare Garden
Just west of Academy of Sciences // Golden Gate Park
Most of Golden Gate Park is well-inhabited by walkers, runners, bikers, company picnics, and birthday parties, but tucked away in the shadow of the Academy of Sciences is the Shakespeare Garden. A literary oasis (and popular wedding spot) walled in by tall foliage, it's almost too romantic to be real.
Pug Sunday at Alta Plaza Park
B/w Jackson and Clay on Steiner // Pacific Heights
Alta Plaza Park is by no means underrated, but you may not have known about what just might be the cutest get-together in the Bay (besides Corgi Con, that is). Come to Alta Plaza Park every first Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and enter doggy heaven with pugs from all around the city. Talk about starting off your month the right way.
Anglers Lodge
John F. Kennedy Dr. across from the Bison Paddock // Golden Gate Park
Hidden deep within Golden Gate Park's western end and just steps from the Bison Paddock are three serene fly fishing pools. Stop by every second Saturday to try out a free public casting clinic - because why not?
Billy Goat Hill
30th and Castro // Glen Park
This quick - if slightly risky - 0.2 mile trail to San Francisco's famous rope swing will give you gorgeous views from 300 feet above our fabulous-looking city no matter the time of day. Luckily, Walter Haas Park and Playground is right across the way so you can run off any extra energy.
Tank Hill
Clarendon & Twin Peaks
Tank Hill gives you the same views as Twin Peaks, without the busloads of tourists. In 1894, the Spring Valley Water Company built the Clarendon Heights Water Tank to store drinking water pumped from Laguna Honda. These days it's home to 60 species of gorgeous native plants, which include California Poppies and Douglas Irises.
Strawberry Hill
50 Stow Lake Dr. // Golden Gate Park
Actual strawberries used to grow on Golden Gate Park's man-made Strawberry Hill - which, yes, is a real place and not a mashup of Chuck Berry and The Beatles. The hill's 430-foot summit is the highest point in the park and home to beautiful butterflies, a waterfall, and a pavilion modeled after a Chinese temple, making it quite the meditation spot.
Presidio Pond at Letterman Digital Arts Center
Gorgas Ave. // The Presidio
Not to be mistaken for Presidio Park, the Presidio Pond at the Letterman Digital Arts Center Recycled Water Pond at Lucas - say that five times fast - is on the Lucasfilm campus. There's tons of Star Wars paraphernalia to take in while you enjoy the vibes (er, the force?) of the duck pond.
Grandview Park
Moraga & 14th Ave
This accurately-named Sunset District park has views galore and a dune plant community with extremely rare flora and fauna. There are few better places to watch Karl do his thing every evening.
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Goldsworthy in the Presidio
Trail in the Presidio
Andy Goldsworthy's
Spire,
Wood Line,
Tree Fall, and
Earth Wall are all permanently installed in the Presidio, and the Presidio Trust's beautiful hiking trail will take you through nature from one striking work to another. It's a rejuvenating and artful experience. Get the trail map
here.
Check out our guide to day trips, hikes and more outdoor adventures to unlock more of the Bay's hidden gems.
