Special Gardens
You can't go to Golden Gate Park without visiting some of the terrific gardens. Although you could say the entire park is one fantastic garden experience!
Rose Garden
John F. Kennedy Drive near 14th Avenue
Golden Gate Park's Rose Garden is a breathtaking oasis that has delighted visitors with its fragrant blooms since 1961. This enchanting two-acre garden showcases more than 60 different beds containing hundreds of rose varieties, from rare heritage roses to award-winning modern hybrids. At its center lies an elegant fountain surrounded by symmetrically arranged pathways that invite visitors to wander among the meticulously maintained displays.
The garden reaches its peak of color and fragrance during the main blooming season from late spring through early fall, though dedicated gardeners ensure there's always something in bloom. Local residents often visit for peaceful contemplation on the garden's benches, while wedding photographers frequently capture couples among the romantic setting. The garden also serves an educational purpose, demonstrating sustainable rose cultivation techniques and offering rose pruning demonstrations during the winter months.
Weddings at the Rose Garden
The Rose Garden can be reserved for weddings up to one year in advance. The maximum capacity is 150 persons. For details and reservations, visit the SF Recreation & Parks Department page.
Hourly rental fees are waived for veterans, although additional fees may apply—see the reservation page for complete details.
Permits are not required for personal visits or photography not related to a wedding.
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
The Japanese Tea Garden, the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, has provided a tranquil haven within Golden Gate Park since its creation for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. Originally designed by landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara, who tended the garden for decades and introduced the now-familiar fortune cookie to America, this five-acre masterpiece exemplifies the sophisticated art of Japanese landscape design. Visitors traverse stepping stones over koi-filled ponds, cross the iconic drum bridge, and discover quiet nooks among meticulously pruned bonsai trees and towering Japanese maples. The garden's authentic features include an ornate pagoda, a Zen garden, a dwarf tree collection, and a traditional tea house where visitors can participate in tea ceremonies while overlooking the peaceful grounds. Native Japanese plants and trees blend seamlessly with local species, creating a harmonious landscape that changes dramatically with each season, from spring cherry blossoms to the rich reds and golds of autumn maples.
San Francisco Botanical Garden
1199 Ninth Avenue
The San Francisco Botanical Garden, located at 1199 Ninth Avenue, is a stunning oasis that showcases a diverse array of plant life from around the world. Spanning over 55 acres, it features beautifully curated gardens, including areas dedicated to Mediterranean, subtropical, and temperate climates. Visitors can stroll through the serene pathways, admire the vibrant flora, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance that the garden offers. With over 8,000 different kinds of plants, it serves as a living museum for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The garden also hosts educational programs and events, enhancing its role as a community resource. Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting San Francisco, the botanical garden is a must-see destination for its breathtaking beauty and ecological significance.
Dahlia Dell
Conservatory Drive East off of JFK Drive
The Dahlia Dell is a free public garden created by the Dahlia Society of California (also known as the San Francisco Dahlia Society).
The Dell contains over 700 named dahlia varieties in eye-popping colors and forms, from the tiniest pom (<2”) to the biggest AA (12+”).
Kathleen's Garden
Corner of Fulton Street and Stanyan Street
Kathleen's Corner stands as a touching testament to one woman's devotion to Golden Gate Park and the community of friends who continue her legacy. For over four decades, Kathleen Russell tended a small triangular garden island at the park's busy eastern entrance, transforming an overlooked, trash-strewn corner into a welcoming oasis filled with Icelandic poppies, native plants, and her beloved Princess tree with its big purple flowers. Despite repeated vandalism and the constant challenges of an urban location, Russell greeted everyone—tourists, neighbors, and those in need—with kindness and love, making her corner garden a symbol of generosity and community spirit.
After Russell's death in 2018 at age 86, four of her friends decided to carry on her work, forming a volunteer group that has since expanded the garden along Stanyan Street with native California plants including salvia, buckwheat, evening primrose, and red flowering currant. The group meets the first Saturday of each month from 10am to noon, and all are welcome to join. A dedicated park bench with a plaque reading "She shared beauty and kindness with all who entered here" honors Russell's memory and has become a stop on geocaching scavenger hunts. Kathleen's Corner serves as a beautiful reminder that small acts of stewardship can transform not just a patch of earth, but the entire spirit of a place.
AIDS Memorial Grove
Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive
The AIDS Memorial Grove is a serene and contemplative space dedicated to honoring the lives lost to the AIDS epidemic. Located at the intersection of Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive, this grove serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by those affected by the disease. Visitors can stroll through beautifully landscaped areas, reading the messages of love and remembrance inscribed on plaques. It not only provides a tranquil environment for reflection but also highlights the importance of awareness and ongoing efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The grove stands as a testament to resilience, community, and hope, encouraging all who visit to remember, reflect, and educate themselves about the ongoing challenges related to the disease while celebrating the lives that have touched so many.
