In San Francisco, the Golden Gate bridge is the most visited by millions of visitors. Within this fast paced multi cultural city, there needs to be a place to recuperate, relax and enjoy..The Golden Gate Park which is more than 3 miles in length is a great place for bicycling, jogging, picnicking, boating, and gardens along with meadows. If you want to spend a day in the park, there are many things that can be done. What better way to spend a birthday than to go to a favorite location or just explore and be in the midst of nature. So I selected the Golden Gate Park for mine.
View Golden Gate Park in a larger map
3.) JAPANESE TEA GARDEN:
If you have an hour and nothing much planned in the Golden Gate park, this is a good option to think about. This maybe the oldest Japanese Garden in the US. Perfectly manicured tress from Japan adorned with lots of cherry blossom trees surrounding the mini lake colored with Koi and the pagodas act as a perfect backdrop for relaxation, fun and photography. Take a stroll thought the garden and don't forget to climb the U Bridge. Kids love it. Take a picture of the Bronze Buddha, the Pagodas and the landscape.
In Spring, there is a Tea Demonstration. Enjoy the blossom trees that bloom between March and April. For more information click here. Entrance is free if you enter the garden before 10 a.m.
4.) CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS:
Take me to a botanical garden or even a flower patch and I'm a happy camper. Here is one place within close proximity to the Japanese Tea garden. Learn and see exotic, rare and unseen flowers here. Strollers are not allowed within the conservatory and can be parked near the entrance. Allot about 1-2 hours to see all the exhibits for viewing and photography. There are tropical, potted, highland, lowland, aquatic and special exhibits here. Click for further details, timing, and address here. If you love flowers, you will love this place. Here are some of my favorite clicks.
You can visit my other post which has some more San Francisco attractions by clicking here. The above attractions have been featured as some of the most visited and maybe good to visit at least once.
View Golden Gate Park in a larger map
We headed towards the Great Highway that lead us to the end of the Golden Gate Park just before Ocean Beach. Located here are 2 windmills. These windmills were operated for a couple of years till new technology to irrigate the entire park was introduced.
1.) THE NORTH DUTCH WINDMILL:
This Dutch styled windmill is adjacent to the Queen Wilhermina Tulip garden which was a gift by Queen Wilhermina of the Netherlands who donated the structure to the city in 1902. Each year the garden boasts of a mighty towering nonfunctional windmill against the backdrop of a bed of beautiful Tulips that symbolize peace and reconciliation. The garden currently has on display Dutch master Daffodils, Pink tulips, Geraniums Dragon heart, and Geum Coccineum ( Cooky).
The garden is a quiet place to enjoy a snack, read a book or just marvel at the beauty of the displays.
2.) THE SOUTH MURPHY WINDMILL:
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| North Dutch Windmill |
Location: Southwest corner of Golden Gate Park or 48th Ave and Lincoln
This windmill is also non functional. It is a nice photo opportunity too. Nothing much here except for the windmill house next door.
Parking: You can park anywhere near 47th Avenue and John F Kennedy Drive or on Lincoln Way and 48th Ave. If you are parking near the South windmill, it is a 0.4 mile walk to the North Windmill through the park or alongside the beach. To go to the North windmill, the route through the shaded stroller friendly park will take you towards the Chalet restaurant. Walk past this and turn left taking the stairs up to the location.
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| South Murphy Windmill |
3.) JAPANESE TEA GARDEN:
If you have an hour and nothing much planned in the Golden Gate park, this is a good option to think about. This maybe the oldest Japanese Garden in the US. Perfectly manicured tress from Japan adorned with lots of cherry blossom trees surrounding the mini lake colored with Koi and the pagodas act as a perfect backdrop for relaxation, fun and photography. Take a stroll thought the garden and don't forget to climb the U Bridge. Kids love it. Take a picture of the Bronze Buddha, the Pagodas and the landscape.
In Spring, there is a Tea Demonstration. Enjoy the blossom trees that bloom between March and April. For more information click here. Entrance is free if you enter the garden before 10 a.m.
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| Pagoda |
Take me to a botanical garden or even a flower patch and I'm a happy camper. Here is one place within close proximity to the Japanese Tea garden. Learn and see exotic, rare and unseen flowers here. Strollers are not allowed within the conservatory and can be parked near the entrance. Allot about 1-2 hours to see all the exhibits for viewing and photography. There are tropical, potted, highland, lowland, aquatic and special exhibits here. Click for further details, timing, and address here. If you love flowers, you will love this place. Here are some of my favorite clicks.
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| Orchids |
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| Aquatic plants |
You can visit my other post which has some more San Francisco attractions by clicking here. The above attractions have been featured as some of the most visited and maybe good to visit at least once.
