Exploring Golden Gate Park

Imagine a place with lakes, lawns, museums, public art, trails, waterfalls and cultural attractions and you could be thinking of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Covering more than 1,000 acres, three miles long and half a mile wide, this park is a wonderful place to spend a day. At any time the walkways are filled with hikers, joggers, cyclists, strollers and skaters, and there are many of attractions that draw them in. If you get the chance you might want to check out the following:

Japanese Tea Garden — With its koi ponds, Japanese Buddha and winding footpaths, this is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. There’s even a pavilion for tea and cookies.

Golden Gate Park Golf Course — This little nine-hole course is a fun test for a casual golfer.

Beach Chalet — This historic beach chalet shows off WPA-era frescoes and mosaics and is home to a visitors center and brew pub/restaurant.

Tennis Courts — There are 22 tennis courts where you can work on your backhand. Reservations are accepted.

Archery Field — Test your aim at this archery field. Bales are provided for those with their own equipment.

Children’s Playground — The wee ones will love playing on the swings, slides and climbing equipment. There’s even an old fashioned carousel. Rowboats, motorboats and peddle boats can also be rented at this area.

The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum — Check out a dazzling display of art and culture at this museum. You can see Native American art, African works, works from American artists and more.

California Academy of Sciences — This serves as one the largest natural history museums in the world.

Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens — Comprised of a number of gardens, this area features more than 6,000 species of rare and unusual plants.