Published Mar 4, 2020

You Can Watch Whales From This One Enchanting Spot In San Francisco Without Ever Leaving The City

Enjoy an unforgettable whale watching tour in the San Francisco Bay, featuring marine wildlife and iconic attractions.

Published Mar 4, 2020

Written by

Julian Garr

Experiences

Updated Mar 12, 2024

6 Beautiful Indoor Gardens You Never Knew Existed Around San Francisco

Discover the best indoor gardens in San Francisco, each offering unique experiences and beautiful greenery.

Updated Mar 12, 2024

Written by

Julian Garr

If you love the city by the Bay as much as I do, you know there's much to explore. Aside from walking along Land's End, I love wandering through Golden Gate Park, browsing the shops in Hayes Valley, and grabbing a bite to eat in Chinatown. Even on a rainy day, there's also a lot of nature to check out. To see what I mean, plan to visit the following indoor gardens in San Francisco.

1. Conservatory of Flowers

alt — Facebook/San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers

These indoor gardens in San Francisco opened to the public in 1879, so this place has a strong historical power. The Conservatory of Flowers oldest public conservatory in North America. Once you enter, we're sure you'll understand why the dreamy setting here has fascinated people for more than a century.

2. Foundry Square III

The Foundry building is one-of-a-kind because of its living space and walls. You won't find this in many places around the city. Enjoy the sculptures and the living walls in one of the best gardens in San Francisco the next time you're in the Downtown area.

3. Flora Grubb Gardens

When you're in San Francisco and question, "Where can I find indoor gardens near me?", head to Flora Grubb Gardens. This is a unique place that includes an indoor and outdoor garden and green area. This nursery houses some of the prettiest flowers in the city along with Ritual Coffee to give you another reason to visit. Get wired and hang out here.

4. 101 Second Street Public Space

An indoor green space mixed with art. 101 Second Street may appear like an office building, but you have a place to sit, eat, and enjoy these indoor gardens in San Francisco.

5. Citigroup Center Atrium

These botanical gardens in San Francisco are a secret spot unless you work in the Financial District. This indoor area has palms, a garden, and tables. Enjoy the indoor sunlight through the glass roof. We think it's the perfect spot to take a break from the work day.

6. California Academy of Sciences

alt — Facebook/California Academy of Sciences

The Academy of Sciences is one of the more sophisticated places to enjoy some greenery and even a rainforest. There's so much to see and you'll have to pay an admission price unless you're here on a free museum day. This is one of the most fascinating spots to enjoy so much more than just the best gardens in San Francisco.

Now that you know where to find indoor gardens near me when you're in San Francisco, what are you waiting for? After you've had a chance to see them, let us know which ones were your favorite in the following comment section. In addition to visiting these best gardens, I also suggest checking out these lesser-known SF parks.

Along with exploring these indoor gardens in San Francisco, how about spending some time in nature when you're in the Bay Area? To help you plan, take a look at AllTrails for ideas of where to hike.

Experiences

Updated Dec 11, 2023

10 Hidden Gems Waiting To Be Discovered Around San Francisco’s Union Square

Discover the top hiking trails that offer breathtaking scenic views and unique natural experiences.

Updated Dec 11, 2023

Written by

Julian Garr

Union Square San Francisco is the unofficial heart of this exquisite city. The lively square is full of shops, attractions, thrills, and more. Explore Union Square and visit some of the best hidden gems in California.

1. Heart Sculpture

You need to visit Tony Bennett's heart sculpture, America's Greatest City By The Bay at Union Square. This sculpture and heart theme was inspired by the Tony Bennett song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". Discover more about the hearts on the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation website.

2. Powell Street Cable Car

The cable car turnaround at Powell Street is a short walk from Union Square. The cable car goes through Union Square and passes all the main streets, including California Street and other hidden gems in San Francisco. Read the schedule on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website.

3. Holiday Ice Rink

From Nov. 1, 2023, through Jan. 15, 2024, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink allows daily ice skating for all ages.

Adult admission is $20 and for children ages 8 and under it is $15, which includes skate rental. To purchase tickets online, visit the Union Square Ice Rink website.

4. Sears Fine Food

Grab a bite to eat at a San Francisco institution. Sears has been a favorite among tourists and locals alike for over 75 years. Check out the menu on the Sears Fine Food website.

We enjoy the house-made breakfast offerings of wholesome pancakes and eggs benedict at one of the best San Francisco hidden gems.

The crunchy hashbrowns are always a hit.

5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

This impactful space is within walking distance of Union Square, offering seven exciting floors of extraordinary, world-class art, and fantastic city views from from outdoor gardens and terraces.

6. Nespresso Boutique Cafe

Grab a cup of coffee from Nespresso, the fine purveyors of quality and style. Read more on the Nespresso website.

This cutting-edge boutique bar is an urban and modern cafe with food, coffee, and Nespresso products.

7. Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room

alt — Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room is a historic building located in the heart of San Francisco near Union Square. This is a quiet refuge from the city. Uncover more history on the Mechanics' Institute Library website.

8. Free SF Tour

The free tour is also the best-guided tour of the city. This route starts at Union Square and goes through Chinatown, FiDi, and Embarcadero. It's fun and insightful if you want to know some curious facts about the city.

9. San Francisco Centre

Located just two blocks from Union Square, Westfield San Francisco Centre has become one of the most enticing downtown shopping spots. If you're in need of nourishment, then visit the food court or simply stroll around the mall. Find out more on the San Francisco Centre Facebook page.

10. The Cheesecake Factory

This Cheesecake Factory location is on the top floor of Macy's which overlooks Union Square. Grab a dessert or a drink and enjoy the spectacular view.

Have you been to Union Square San Francisco? Let us know in the comments below, and please share this post! If you're into outdoor adventures in the city then check out this unique stairway in San Francisco.

All Stories

State Pride

History

The Battle to Save a Historic Witch Trials Home Near Salem, Massachusetts Is Worth the Fight

The future of a historic Salem Witch Trials building may look bleak, but concerned citizens are rallying to save the Ingersoll's Ordinary tavern before nature takes its toll.

by Kim Falchek

on Nov 4

Front of Nathaniel Ingersoll's Ordinary house in Danvers, MA. Trees surround the deteriorating property.

Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Get away, disconnect, and recharge in the woods at this A-frame Airbnb with views of Lake Shasta.

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

From hidden forest trails to secluded lakes, these spots showcase Washington’s natural wonders with a peaceful touch.

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

Cheer on your team and let off steam at The Game, a new sports bar in downtown Decatur, Alabama.

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit

The Flying Fifty, a luxury boutique hotel in Cullman, Alabama, features seven suites that capture the soul of the community.

by Lisa Battles

on Nov 4

You Can Watch Whales From This One Enchanting Spot In San Francisco Without Ever Leaving The City

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6 Beautiful Indoor Gardens You Never Knew Existed Around San Francisco

1. Conservatory of Flowers

2. Foundry Square III

3. Flora Grubb Gardens

4. 101 Second Street Public Space

5. Citigroup Center Atrium

6. California Academy of Sciences

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

10 Hidden Gems Waiting To Be Discovered Around San Francisco’s Union Square

1. Heart Sculpture

2. Powell Street Cable Car

3. Holiday Ice Rink

4. Sears Fine Food

5. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

6. Nespresso Boutique Cafe

7. Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room

8. Free SF Tour

9. San Francisco Centre

10. The Cheesecake Factory

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The Battle to Save a Historic Witch Trials Home Near Salem, Massachusetts Is Worth the Fight

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Northern California Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

Skip the Crowds: Explore Washington’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar

I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit