The fascinating history of Golden Gate Park is long and varied. Throughout the years the park has changed dramatically since being established in 1871. Golden Gate Park consists of 1,017 acres of public grounds and has a variety of features. Discover the dynamic history of this city attraction and park in photos.
A truly vintage shot of players at the Lawn Bowling Green in 1901. This is a photo that shows how much Golden Gate Park has changed for sure throughout the years.
You can see the original plan of the park above configured as a rectangle. The plan was developed and began in 1871 and today is still a shining example of park design and innovation.
With so much to see and do in The Golden City, you'd be forgiven for missing some of the hidden gems in San Francisco. Tons of treasures on less-beaten paths, with quirkier features, and many secret green spaces are tucked behind big hills and billionaires' houses. Leave the big stuff for the tourists (you've already crossed it all off your bucket list, right?!), and explore these 12 hidden gems in San Francisco.
This is actually a combination of 68 (!) spots throughout downtown San Francisco, affectionately called POPOS. It's a mix of small urban parks, gardens, sun terraces, greenhouses, plazas, and patches of green perfect for a quick midday sunbathing session, an outdoor lunch, or an impromptu meeting. This one is located at 555 Mission. Here is an excellent guide to them all.
Reaching the top of this mini park (beware: you pretty much have to go up a hill, no matter the direction you're coming from) will give you some of the best views of Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz. Named after the first American poet laureate who lived just a block from here (pre-1906 earthquake), this is the place to bring your date for a lovely sunset moment.
The location itself is not so hidden (you can spot Sutro Tower looming over the city nearly everywhere), but few know that this is a great place for a leisurely uphill hike that takes you through a dense eucalyptus forest. Come on a foggy day and you may feel like you're walking on the clouds.
Completed in 1986, this Marina District structure is certainly not the prettiest sight, but that's not the point: This is meant to stimulate your ears, not your eyes. Sound is created as the Bay waves move in and out of organ pipes made of PVC and concrete. Plan to come at high tide and prepare to be hypnotized by one of the best San Francisco hidden gems.
Just outside of "Billionaire's Row" is this windy art installment disguised as a natural wonder. Bring your lover (of course) and follow the snaking logs (or take the parallel concrete path) for a short little hike and amazing Instagram opportunities.
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6. Golden Gate Heights (16th Avenue) Mosaic Stairway and Grandview Park
There are lots of cool stairways sprinkled throughout the city, but this one designed by local artists may be the most stunning. Keep going up and do the loop up to the top of Grandview Park, another hidden gem that offers some incredible 360-degree views.
Grab a piece of cardboard and be transported back to childhood at this hidden Castro spot. A slide can truly be one of the greatest simple pleasures in life, after all. Oh, and bring a friend so you can race!
There's so much beauty at Lands End, that most people miss this cool little camera house. Inside, you'll catch a 360-degree image of the Seal Rock area right outside. The whole device depends on the sunlight, which means you want to try to make it here on a fogless day.
This small hilltop park is often overshadowed by its Twin Peaks neighbor, but it guarantees just as spectacular views of the whole city, the Golden Gate, and the Bay. Grab a spot on the perfectly located bench and take it all in.
While most people will go straight to Clarion Alley, this other colorful Mission passageway, just off 24th Street, offers the most concentrated collection of murals in the city. It's an incredibly vibrant sight to take in — every bit of the wall is covered by gorgeous artwork that speaks to local issues, human rights, and gentrification.
Can't get enough of the hills (or the views)? Us either. This gem inside Golden Gate Park sits in the middle of Stow Lake and can be accessed by one of two adorable bridges. You can take a few different trails (there are also steps) that wind around the hill. The summit offers some views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown.
Standing 28 feet tall in the heart of the Ingleside Terraces neighborhood is this huge sundial sculpture (and, yes, it works!). It was built back in 1913, and it proves that this side of the city does indeed see the sun! Discover more about one of the best hidden gems in Northern California on the North American Sundial Society website.
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Have you been to any of these hidden gems in San Francisco? All of them? What else did we miss? Let us know in the comments below. And while you're traveling through this stunning city, find a cool place to stay on Expedia.com.
Did you know there were castles near San Francisco? Yep, just another reason to get out there and explore. We found seven captivating castles (five near San Francisco, one in San Francisco, and one further down the Central Coast that are absolutely worth the drive. Check them out below!
Bowles Hall has the appearance of a medieval castle with a stone exterior and a wood entryway. Built in 1928, Bowles Hall is a coed residential dorm at the University of California in Berkeley. Pretty cool digs, huh? It's hard to believe that students can live in one of the most beautiful castles near San Francisco. You can learn more on the Bowles Hall website.
Built in 1908 as a post-San Francisco earthquake home, the 24-room concrete castle in Pacifica is a surprise. If you're curious, the castle is open on select dates each month for tours by the historical society. You can learn more on the Sam Mazza Foundation website.
3. Castello di Amorosa: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga
Venture to Calistoga in Napa Valley and check out this 121,000-square-foot medieval castle with 107 rooms that doubles as a winery. Castello di Amorosa is as authentic as anything you’d find in Europe and is one of the most awe-inspiring castles near San Francisco.
When you're in Lake Tahoe, visit Emerald Bay and check out Vikingsholm Castle. Built in 1929 as a summer home, this castle has 38 rooms and is one of the most beautiful hidden gems near San Francisco.
Another castle in Calistoga! Chateau Montelena is a wine and architectural experience. The castle is carved into a hillside overlooking a Chinese garden and lake. You can find out more about this castle near San Francisco on the Chateau Montelena website.
6. Hearst Castle: 750 Hearst Castle Road, San Simeon
Yes, this castle is far from San Francisco, but it is worthwhile. This magnificent castle contains 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools (some with hand-laid tiles), tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and even a zoo. Note that Hearst Castle sits at the midpoint between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Established in 1870, the Norman-style Albion Castle was originally a brewery. Today, the castle offers panoramic bay and bridge views.
Let us know what you think about these extraordinary castles near San Francisco. Also, if you're curious about Albion Castle in San Francisco then learn more about this unique place.
