by erin :: the olive notes

July 18, 2006

From journal Long (Full) Weekend in San Francisco

In this park that occupies over 45 city blocks of area, one can get lost in the various-themed gardens, museums, and overall beauty. The things to see and activities to participate in are so extensive, it would be hard to take it all in with one day-trip...but on an overcast Sunday in April we tried! Our first stop was the Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. This section of the park boosts over 6,000 types of plants, many of which have name and fact plaques for the visitors' knowledge. We observed many types of birds and turtles as we picnicked near a pond with a quaint bridge crossing to an open field where the sounds of the Golden Gate Park Band played beautiful tunes. This band has been giving free concerts every Sunday since 1882.

Our next stop was across the street at the Japanese Tea Garden, with acres of ponds, delicate flora, bridges, and statues; and on to the new M.H. de Young Museum with it's breathtaking design of outdoor art and environmentally conscious architecture. Visit the many exhibitions (outdoor courtyard and grounds are free) and climb the Hamon Tower for a glorious view over the city.

Don't leave without visiting the western-most border of the park, where two windmills tower above the Pacific Ocean. One is surrounded by the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, which in peak season (late winter/early spring) is a sight to behold, with black tulips among colorful poppies. Overall, this park is breathtaking and full of life with bicyclers, joggers, grazing bison, Frisbee tournaments and more! Much to see and do...a "must-see" in San Fran!

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