Parks and gardens in San Francisco

This collection highlights diverse green spaces across San Francisco, from the central historic plaza of Union Square to the city's highest natural peak at Mount Davidson. It features specialized university sites like the Garden of Remembrance at SF State and expansive recreational areas such as the 33-acre Sigmund Stern Grove. Visitors can explore native plant life in neighborhood community gardens like Brooks Park, enjoy the perimeter trails of Lake Merced, or find quiet retreats in hidden spots like Billy Goat Hill.

San Francisco Parks and Gardens — Map

BrokenSphere / GFDL

A

Union Square

Historic public plaza and park featuring notable monuments, luxury retail stores, dining options, and cultural events.

Tim Adams / CC BY 3.0

B

Mount Davidson

Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in San Francisco, California, with an elevation of 928 feet.

C

Conservatory Valley

Landscaped area in Golden Gate Park located directly in front of the Conservatory of Flowers, often featuring elaborate floral bedding displays.

D

Landscape Learning Library

An outdoor educational garden on the San Francisco State University campus used for studying sustainable landscaping and plant identification.

E

Garden of Remembrance

A memorial garden at San Francisco State University designed by artist Ruth Asawa to honor Japanese American students forced into internment camps during World War II.

F

HSS Courtyard

A landscaped outdoor seating area and walkway located within the Humanities and Social Sciences building complex on the San Francisco State University campus.

Daniel Ramirez / CC BY 2.0

G

Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove

Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, locally called Stern Grove, is a 33-acre recreational site in the Parkside District.

Gregory Varnum / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Lake Merced Park

A large recreational area centered around a freshwater lake, featuring a 4.5-mile paved perimeter trail for walking, running, and cycling.

I

Billy Goat Hill

A hilltop park in the Noe Valley neighborhood known for its steep terrain, panoramic views of the city skyline, and native plant restoration areas.

J

Pine Lake Park

A tranquil natural area adjacent to Stern Grove featuring one of San Francisco's few remaining natural spring-fed lakes and a surrounding dog-friendly trail.

K

Crags Court Community Garden

A neighborhood-managed garden space located in the Diamond Heights area, providing plots for local residents to grow vegetables and flowers.

L

Geneva Community Garden

A local urban agriculture site in the Outer Mission district where community members cultivate various crops and maintain shared green space.

M

Brooks Park Community Garden

A wheelchair-accessible community garden in the Oceanview neighborhood featuring bird-watching opportunities, native plants, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

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