Golden Gate
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The green heart of San Francisco know as Golden Gate Park was designed by William Hammond Hall in 1870 which began this dedicated project that turned sand dunes into a green space larger than central park in New York City and gives living space to a million trees. Getting the land to build the park and coming up with a plausible design was the easy part. Getting plants to grow on these small |
hills of sand buffeted by unrelenting Pacific winds. That man with such a green thumb was John McLaren, who began his endeavor in 1870 and within ten years, had turned drifting sand into verdant hills of grass, trees and various other forms of vegetation. There are twelve small lakes here and flora species from all over the world. This San Francisco park is crisscrossed with hiking paths that offer residents miles of pleasurable walks.
Some of the attractions here include a North American Buffalo enclosure, Dutch windmill, numerous playgrounds, tennis courts, polo arena and horse riding center, golf course and music courtyard. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is a fabulous spot to gaze at a Pacific sunset or watch that celebrated San Francisco fog roll and as dark sets in the amazing lights of San Francisco’s two bridges.
Conservatory of Flowers
This is considered an outstanding example of Victorian architectural style in San Francisco. At this time this hothouse is closed for repairs. This structure was designed to emulate the conservatory in London known as Kew Gardens. Plants you will find in this San Francisco greenhouse include enormous palm trees delicate orchids, water lilies and several microclimates to provide the proper living conditions for flora from different parts of the world.
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Arts & Crafts
Both young and old can take part in lessons in pottery, painting, metallic art and illustration here at the Sharon Art Studio.
Beach Chalet
This double level structure was constructed in 1921 overlooking Ocean Beach. Here you will some of the finest examples mural art in the San Francisco. On the first floor are the murals that were painted by Lucien Labaudt. These wall paintings depict San Franciscans in various phases of enjoying themselves. On the second floor there is a pub that brews its own beers offering visitors great micro brewed beverages, California cookery and dramatic vistas.
McLaren Lodge
This is an elegant structure that was erected in 1896 as the home for the Golden Gate Park gardener and nature lover John McLaren. This is among the oldest Mission-style buildings in the San Francisco. This is now the information center for Golden Gate Park and offers a very traditional conference room.
Music Concourse & Pavilion
Here gracefully designed and landscaped grounds open up to the formally designed Music Pavilion. This beautiful building was constructed in 1899.
Garden of Shakespeare's Flowers
This is another wonderful horticultural display that was designed to provide a garden in which to grow the flowers referenced in Shakespeare’s poetry and plays. There are more than one hundred and fifty floral species here. |
