Sprinkled all throughout San Francisco are over 220 public parks and open spaces, but the spotlight is always on Golden Gate Park or Dolores Park. But what about the rose gardens at Fay Park in Russian Hill? Or the view atop Kite Hill in Eureka Valley? Did you even know that John McLaren Park is the second-largest park in the city? Or that the idea of Twitter was allegedly hatched at South Park? And really, you haven't lived until you've swung from the tree rope at Glen Park's Billy Goat Park. Because of this, we've decided to map what we believe are 66 of San Francisco's best parks, most of which you probably didn't know existed. Did we miss your favorite park? Let the tipline know or drop a comment after the jump.
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Snuggled between Baker Beach and Lands End in the Seacliff neighborhood, many people are unaware of the tiny yet publicly-accessible China Beach. As part of the National Parks Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it’s rated as one of the cleanest beaches in the state. Legend has it that Chinese fishermen used to anchor their boats in the cove and camped on the beach (there’s a monument to them at the trailhead near the parking area at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue).
Perched above the Castro and Corona Heights sits Buena Vista Park's southerly sister, Corona Heights Park. Originally known as Rock Hill, the spot was once a quarry and brick factory owned by the notorious Gray Brothers. Josephine Randall, the Recreation Superintendent of San Francisco, proposed that the City buy the 16 acres of Rock Hill for recreation, and it was purchased and named Corona Heights in 1941. In addition to killer panoramic views of the city, the park offers a little something for everyone.
Across from the Caltrain station at 4th and King, the Mission Creek Park lines both sides of Mission Creek. The spot is the first of many parks and open spaces being developed in the Mission Bay neighborhood, and offers some nice green space in a hood otherwise dominated by by parking lots, construction sites, and UCSF. We're not the only ones who think so - the spot topped California Home + Design's list of 10 best San Francisco Parks in 2009.
Holly Park is one of the oldest parks in the city, built in the late 1800s as the neighborhood around Bernal Heights developed. After a recent renovation, the park now has lots of space for sports, kids, and dogs alike.
Perhaps most well-known for Cupid's Span, the giant bow-and-arrow sculpture, Rincon Park has some of the most coveted views in San Francisco. It's waterfront location makes it a favorite for people walking/jogging/biking the Embarcadero and for SOMA residents looking for a tiny slice of green space.
If you've ever passed by Fay Park in Russian Hill and thought it was just someone's private backyard, that's exactly what it used to be. In 1998, the Berrigan family donated the yard designed in 1957 by landscape starchitect Thomas Church to the city as a public park.
Located in that steep hilly crook between the Inner Sunset and Inner Parkside, Golden Gate Heights Park is perched atop one of the highest peaks in the city. Part landscaped park, part forested natural area, this spot features a little something for everyone - provided you can make it up the hill to get there.
Wedged between Mt. Davidson and Forest Hill, Edgehill Mountain Open Space is a protected mountain side that offers some killer views. Originally part of Adolph Sutro's San Miguel Ranch, the Edgehill Mountain land was sold following his death in 1898. After the land became one of the city's first subdivisions, known as Claremont Court, houses were built on the mountain's western and southern slopes. Soon after, winter rains caused mudslides several times in the past (in the '50s a house was taken out, and in 1997 mud crashed into some unfinished homes). In 1985, Edgehill Mountain Park was established when the city purchased one acre of the mountain's undeveloped western slope and designated the area an Open Space Park.
Located on the west side of Hyde and tucked in between two residential buildings, this spot is one of many mini-parks around Russian Hill. But at less than 30ft wide, it is basically the definition of mini.
The Inner Richmond is full of amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, and the rent is still pretty reasonable, but it does suffer from a shortage of public green open space. That's what makes Muriel Leff Mini Park on 7th Ave so special - it's an unexpected mid-block oasis. Built in 1965, it's the first mini park in the City.
Located near the southern end of Glen Canyon Park in the Sunnyside neighborhood, Dorothy Erskine Park is a small hilltop outcrop. Named after Bay Area environmentalist Dorothy Erskine, founder of the Greenbelt Alliance and one of the founders of SPUR, the park’s name honors a woman who worked to support housing for the poor, promote urban and regional planning, preserve farmland, and create parks and open space. Today the park offers a quiet spot high above residential neighborhoods.
Nestled along Mission Bay, Agua Vista Park is a landscaped oasis along the waterfront. It offers some killer views of the ship repairs happening nearby, and a sunny spot to have a seat. Even though the construction in Mission Bay is new, the park has been around since the 1970s. Owned and managed by the Port, it's one of the few green spaces in the area.
Conceived as part of the ten-acre Golden Gateway, Sydney G. Walton Square is like a little oasis in the Financial District. The park was designed by master landscape architect Peter Walker of Sasaki, Walker, and Associates in 1960.
The residential enclave near Midtown Terrace Playground boasts some of the nicest houses in the city, with lots of single-family homes and children. Not surprisingly, the Midtown Terrace Playground and Sutro Recreation Center is a well-used and welcome spot tucked between Mt. Sutro and Twin Peaks.
While most people — locals and visitors alike — choose Twin Peaks for a classic hilltop vista, less than a mile north is tiny Tank Hill with views that rival any in the City.
Designed in 1957 over an existing historic park, St. Mary’s Square is a downtown rooftop park atop a parking garage near Chinatown. Perched up high on a steep hill, the park isn’t visible from most of the sidewalk that surrounds it, making it our new favorite hidden spot.
Allyne Park, right next to the Octagon House, can turn into one of Cow Hollow’s busiest spots. With lots of sun and a pretty garden, it’s easy to see why. A favorite of dog owners and parents with strollers, it offers a sweet spot of green in an otherwise residential and busy shopping area.
Perched atop Russian Hill on a street too steep for cars, Ina Coolbrith Park feels like a secret hideaway with twisting staircases and killer views. Dedicated back in 1911 (!) by supporters of the first California Poet Laureate Ina Coolbrith, the park offers a sweet spot to take a rest after climbing those monster hills.
We love the city's mini parks, and the Clay Street Mini Park has the added bonus of the Presidio Branch Library on site. Rolling grassy lawns to lounge on while reading a book? We're sold.
John McLaren Park, the second largest park in the city after Golden Gate Park, is a nature-lover's paradise with miles of trails and recreation sites. In 1905, a subdivision was proposed for the area, but historic starchitect Daniel Burnham proposed setting the hilly areas aside for a public park, and it opened in 1934.
Nestled in the Parkside neighborhood near SF State and Lake Merced, Sigmund Stern Grove (and its adjacent Pine Lake Park) is most known as the home to the oldest free summer performing arts festival in the country. But the 63-acre park, accessed by an epic descent below street level, has a lot more to offer.
Tucked away in the South Beach neighborhood near the Yerba Buena District is the easy to miss South Park. This hidden gem of a park and its surrounding houses were developed in 1852 as an exclusive residential community and modeled after a square in London.
Located on a hilltop across from the Potrero Center in San Francisco's Mission district is Franklin Square, a 5.6-acre public park near the Portero Hill border.
Created in 1909 the park has seen many changes in its 100+ years. Temporary housing for veterans was built in 1948, a soccer field that had been planned since 1907 was finally completed in 1951, and irrigation systems were installed in 1952. The park also survived an attempted acquisition in 1994 by City College of San Francisco. In 2008, the park started to see a number of upgrades including rebuilding and later expanding the Balboa Playground.
Established in 1894 as Bernal Park, the small, 2-acre green space at the base of Bernal Hill has been known as Precita Park since 1973. The park was renovated in 1969 and then again in 1993.
Hayes Valley's Koshland Community Park and Learning Garden is a great place to grab some fresh air, stretch your legs, and get hands-on with some of your favorite foods. Since 1996, local residents have maintained a 54-plot garden and teach interested children and adults about gardening and food sources.
The very small and little known Broadway Tunnel East Mini Park and Broadway Tunnel West Mini Park, built on land above the entry portals to the Broadway Tunnel.
Located high atop Nob Hill is the beautifully manicured and maintained Huntington Park. A mansion owned by tycoon and railroad baron Collis P. Huntington originally occupied the location, but was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. Mr. Huntington's widow later donated the land to the city, where a park was established in her husband's honor in 1915.
With a pool and playground remodeled in 2010, Lower Pac Height's Hamilton Recreation Center is a park lovers delight. Featuring an abundance of amenities and a central location with parking, this is the type of park normally suited for a sprawling suburb rather than a dense urban environment.
The Joe DiMaggio Playground, named for the San Francisco Seals (and the Yankees) legend that spent his childhood playing there, is located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in the northeastern corner of the city.
Not quite a park but classified as one, Rocky Outcrop Park is a hidden gem for adventure lovers and hiking buffs alike. Because of its rugged cliffs, native plants and breathtaking vistas, this little known slice of wilderness in the heart of the city is well worth a visit (If you can find it, that is)
Fully protected by large trees (many of which are Redwoods) on all sides, the park provides a peaceful refuge from the nearby freeway and industrial hustle and bustle.
Just the size of a San Francisco housing lot in the area, the quiet park invites those walking by to stop and take a moment from the cacophony of Bush Street and its heavy traffic.
Designed, built and maintained by Mr. Jack Early himself, a former classmate of Herb Caen and an urban conservationist, the park is located on a very steep slope, once thought unusable by the city.
Located within the Cottage Row Historic District, of the National Register of Historic Places, the park runs adjacent to a line of Victorian houses that have stood since the 1800's, many of which were built by William Hollis during the late 1860s and 1870s.
The park is built on the remnant of a massive dune that was replenished with sand blown across what is now the Sunset. After the development of the district, sand was no longer able to drift across the flats, and the park now ever so slowly erodes away.
Developed accidentally by an unfinished shipping terminal in the 1970's, the park that we now visit was officially opened in 1999. In 2012, the park completed further upgrades and today is visited by thousands for both recreation and education.
A classic San Francisco hilltop park that often induces a rest by the time you arrive, don't shy away from the hike. Privacy, views, and even a little excitement await at the top.
This hilltop park is located on land occupied for much of the 20th century by the Brooks family, and the trendsetting Mrs. Brooks, who composted, raised beehives and taught visitors about native plant gardening. In 1978 the Brooks family moved and the property was made into a park by the City. Quickly afterward the park fell into neglect and became a blight on the neighborhood. In 1987, locals formed the Friends of Brooks Park organization and began to clean up the haven for graffiti and vandalism.
The park offers views of both the Bay and and the adjacent valleys. The well-maintained park also features some rare offerings that will appeal to people of many ages and interests.
At 4.61 acres, the recently renovated Aptos Park "is the pride of Ocean Avenue." Its many amenities and location near a middle school make this open space geared toward the more active park experience.
The well-maintained park is a great place for all types of domesticated San Franciscans: dogs will love the play area, kids will love the playground, and adults will love the scenic views of downtown and the Bay (not to mention the break from the dog and kids).
Known officially as The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park since 1981, this park is often referred to as simply Aquatic Park, which is technically a district within the park itself.
Dog walkers, view seekers, and urban hikers appreciate the steep climb up to the top of this minimalist park. Be warned, it can become very windy, and is why residents of the past found it an excellent place to fly their kites.
Located near the geographic center of the city, Duboce Park covers less than two square blocks yet is one of the City's most popular and well received recreation areas.
Located in the southeastern section of San Francisco sits a beautiful multi-sport facility, The Sliver Terrace Playground. This recently renovated facility is jam-packed with athletic options that will appeal to those of all ages and at most times of day, as well as a clubhouse and lawn for those who see the park as a more relaxing experience.
Located along the mouth of Mission Creek is a small strip of land known as China Basin Park. Essentially a viewing point for the bay and the home of the San Francisco Giants this park has two personalities: one for most days, and one for game days. Expect a tranquil atmosphere with a handful of people lounging around most of the time, but the vibe changes to a park with an increased heartbeat when the Giants are playing.
Located near Candlestick point, this large park was nearly lost -- twice. First, developers attempted to make the area into an elite enclave for the wealthy around 1900, but plans were abandoned when the land was deemed to be too far from downtown. A new plan was subsequently drawn up for an isolation hospital in 1902. However, wealthy land-owner Charles Crocker (as in Crocker-Amazon) didn't like the idea of a "pest house" located near his real estate, so he donated his portion of the hilltop to the city on the condition that the hospital not be built. Together, the two plots became what is now Bayview Park. Over 90 years later, in 1997, the park was expanded by 16 acres.
Located in the Outer Sunset, McCoppin Square is a medium-sized neighborhood park that runs directly next to a San Francisco light rail line, making it easily accessible for all. The park draws its name from one of San Francisco's first post-gold rush mayors, Frank McCoppin, an Irish immigrant who also lends his name to a Mission district street and a neighborhood elementary school.
Located just north of the 280 and Alemany Boulevard lies St. Mary's Park and Recreation Center in Bernal Heights. The park was built on 13 acres donated by the city's Roman Catholic archdiocese in the 1930s and constructed through the nation's Works Progress Administration adjacent to the St. Mary's Park microhood.
The aptly-named Grandview Park, also known as Turtle Hill to some locals due to its shape, is the product of 140 million years of evolution. The rocky hilltop made of wind-blown sand and a rock called Franciscan chert, that originally formed in an ancient sea floor, is home to sensitive species of plants and butterflies. And some of the best views you will find in San Francisco. Panoramic, 360-degree views that stretch in all directions.
Located on a section of 15th Avenue too hilly for vehicle traffic lies the 15th Avenue Steps Park. This park is, as the name implies, a length of steps. The park is also flanked by hilly, overgrown open space on both sides that is too rustic to be usable by most.
Located on the coastal shore of San Francisco lies one of its most beautiful treasures: Fort Funston, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Founded by the federal government in 1900 as the Lake Merced Military Reservation, it was renamed in 1917 after General Frederick Funston. Deemed obsolete after World War II, the installation was decommissioned and transferred to the National Park Service in 1963 where it has become a beloved locale ever since.
Located in the bluffs of Glen Park, not far from the Noe Valley border, lies the easy-to-miss Fairmont Plaza. This rustic open area provides a quiet oasis and valley views to those who live nearby, while bird watchers may seek out the park for its abundance of species and natural habitats.
Founded in 1999 along a former Central Freeway right-of-way, the small, well-maintained Patricia's Green park is one of Hayes Valley's most popular. The park is the direct result of Patricia Walkup and her supporters who fought for years, including three separate ballot initiatives, to turn the damaged Central Freeway into a surface level boulevard with adjacent park. The result has been a renaissance of one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, where people literally lineup for the opportunity to live.
Located along the eastern waterfront, just before SoMa meets Mission Bay, is South Beach Park. Built privately by the South Beach Marina Association, the park's proximity to the water, abundance of sunlight and plethora of surrounding amenities may give naysayers a new appreciation for the small, urban park.
Located adjacent to AT&T Park is the Giants Promenade. This privately owned public park runs along two sides of the ballpark, with waterfront access to McCovey Cove. Open since 2000, the ballpark and promenade have been instrumental in the revitalization of the South Beach waterfront area and the neighborhood as a whole.
In the rapidly changing Mission Bay area where dilapidated warehouses are giving way to luxury condos and corporate headquarters, a new park has been formed on a pier known for housing boatbuilders, fisherman and artists. Formerly known as Pier 64, the new park covers 7.4 acres and integrates fluidly into the existing Aqua Vista Park just to the south, contributing to the Bay Trail.
Located in the heart of SoMa sits one of the city's newest recreation areas, Victoria Manalo Draves Park. Opened in 2006, the park is named after Vicki Manalo Draves, the first Filipino-American to compete in the Olympics. The Olympian took home two gold medals in the 1948 games, for springboard and platform diving. Draves passed away in 2010, but not before she witnessed San Francisco open the two-acre park in her honor.
Developed in the 1970's, the Fallen Bridge Park quickly fell into a state of neglect and decay for over a generation. Fast forward to 2004 when the Utah Street Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) group (now known as MUNA to include nearby Mariposa Street) began to take control of the situation in the form of neighborhood committees. Through the vigilance and steadfastness of their work the park is now a safe and enjoyable park to enjoy in the Potrero Hill neighborhood.
Located just east of the 101 freeway lies one of the Potrero Hill areas most beloved parks, McKinley Square. The park gets steady sunshine all day and the combination of amenities, flatland, hilly trails, and beautiful views will satisfy even the pickiest park lover.
Located near the top of Potrero Hill lies a three-and-a-half-acre public area known as Starr King Open Space. Originally a refuge for the working class that lived in the area pre-WWII, during the war inexpensive housing was built on the site for the shipyard workers flooding the city. After the war the housing was torn down and the neighborhood entered a decades-long state of decay. In the 1980's the Potrero Hill neighborhood entered a renaissance period and the Starr King Open Space was dedicated in 1984. While not technically a park, the area is protected from development and meant to be enjoyed by the entire community.
In 1974, Jack Wickert and Bonnie Sherk moved into an abandoned and desolate patch of land that used to be factory with the hopes of creating a model farm and environmental school for children. They, along with many artists, transformed the space into a large farm that had 70 farm animals, as well as an event space where rehearsals, art shows, festival, and youth group gatherings were held. After a long legal battle that ended in 1987, those in charge of the farm lost to the landlords, and ultimately had to give up the land, though some of the Potrero del Sol garden is still intact. Shoot forward to present day, and the 4.5 acre park is home to San Francisco's largest skate park. Other highlights include a performance space and a lovely community garden that has 80 plots.
The main attraction of the James Rolph Playground in Potrero Hill is—you guess it—the the playground, but there's also baseball fields and tennis courts. The park, which is adjacent to San Francisco's largest skatepark, is named after James 'Sunny Jim' Rolph, who served as Mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to 1931, and as Governor of California from 1931 to 1934.
Located at the top of Telegraph Hill and most notably known as the place where Coit Tower is, Pioneer Park was established in 1876 in celebration of the United States Centennial. The site was purchased by a group of businessman, including George Heart, in 1876 for $12,000 in an effort to preserve the site since hilltops during that time were being converted into commercial use. The group then donated the land to the city on the condition that it'd remain green space and be named Pioneer Park, after the hill's first residents. Coit Tower would come later in 1933 using a $100,000 bequest left to San Francisco by Lillie Hitchcock Coit. In 1957, a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus was donated to the park by the city's Italian-American community. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike folk to the park for the breathtaking views and Coit Tower's historic murals.
Snuggled between Baker Beach and Lands End in the Seacliff neighborhood, many people are unaware of the tiny yet publicly-accessible China Beach. As part of the National Parks Service’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it’s rated as one of the cleanest beaches in the state. Legend has it that Chinese fishermen used to anchor their boats in the cove and camped on the beach (there’s a monument to them at the trailhead near the parking area at the end of Sea Cliff Avenue).
Perched above the Castro and Corona Heights sits Buena Vista Park's southerly sister, Corona Heights Park. Originally known as Rock Hill, the spot was once a quarry and brick factory owned by the notorious Gray Brothers. Josephine Randall, the Recreation Superintendent of San Francisco, proposed that the City buy the 16 acres of Rock Hill for recreation, and it was purchased and named Corona Heights in 1941. In addition to killer panoramic views of the city, the park offers a little something for everyone.
Across from the Caltrain station at 4th and King, the Mission Creek Park lines both sides of Mission Creek. The spot is the first of many parks and open spaces being developed in the Mission Bay neighborhood, and offers some nice green space in a hood otherwise dominated by by parking lots, construction sites, and UCSF. We're not the only ones who think so - the spot topped California Home + Design's list of 10 best San Francisco Parks in 2009.
Holly Park is one of the oldest parks in the city, built in the late 1800s as the neighborhood around Bernal Heights developed. After a recent renovation, the park now has lots of space for sports, kids, and dogs alike.
Perhaps most well-known for Cupid's Span, the giant bow-and-arrow sculpture, Rincon Park has some of the most coveted views in San Francisco. It's waterfront location makes it a favorite for people walking/jogging/biking the Embarcadero and for SOMA residents looking for a tiny slice of green space.
If you've ever passed by Fay Park in Russian Hill and thought it was just someone's private backyard, that's exactly what it used to be. In 1998, the Berrigan family donated the yard designed in 1957 by landscape starchitect Thomas Church to the city as a public park.
Located in that steep hilly crook between the Inner Sunset and Inner Parkside, Golden Gate Heights Park is perched atop one of the highest peaks in the city. Part landscaped park, part forested natural area, this spot features a little something for everyone - provided you can make it up the hill to get there.
Wedged between Mt. Davidson and Forest Hill, Edgehill Mountain Open Space is a protected mountain side that offers some killer views. Originally part of Adolph Sutro's San Miguel Ranch, the Edgehill Mountain land was sold following his death in 1898. After the land became one of the city's first subdivisions, known as Claremont Court, houses were built on the mountain's western and southern slopes. Soon after, winter rains caused mudslides several times in the past (in the '50s a house was taken out, and in 1997 mud crashed into some unfinished homes). In 1985, Edgehill Mountain Park was established when the city purchased one acre of the mountain's undeveloped western slope and designated the area an Open Space Park.
Located on the west side of Hyde and tucked in between two residential buildings, this spot is one of many mini-parks around Russian Hill. But at less than 30ft wide, it is basically the definition of mini.
The Inner Richmond is full of amazing restaurants, bars, and shops, and the rent is still pretty reasonable, but it does suffer from a shortage of public green open space. That's what makes Muriel Leff Mini Park on 7th Ave so special - it's an unexpected mid-block oasis. Built in 1965, it's the first mini park in the City.
Located near the southern end of Glen Canyon Park in the Sunnyside neighborhood, Dorothy Erskine Park is a small hilltop outcrop. Named after Bay Area environmentalist Dorothy Erskine, founder of the Greenbelt Alliance and one of the founders of SPUR, the park’s name honors a woman who worked to support housing for the poor, promote urban and regional planning, preserve farmland, and create parks and open space. Today the park offers a quiet spot high above residential neighborhoods.
Nestled along Mission Bay, Agua Vista Park is a landscaped oasis along the waterfront. It offers some killer views of the ship repairs happening nearby, and a sunny spot to have a seat. Even though the construction in Mission Bay is new, the park has been around since the 1970s. Owned and managed by the Port, it's one of the few green spaces in the area.
Conceived as part of the ten-acre Golden Gateway, Sydney G. Walton Square is like a little oasis in the Financial District. The park was designed by master landscape architect Peter Walker of Sasaki, Walker, and Associates in 1960.
The residential enclave near Midtown Terrace Playground boasts some of the nicest houses in the city, with lots of single-family homes and children. Not surprisingly, the Midtown Terrace Playground and Sutro Recreation Center is a well-used and welcome spot tucked between Mt. Sutro and Twin Peaks.
While most people — locals and visitors alike — choose Twin Peaks for a classic hilltop vista, less than a mile north is tiny Tank Hill with views that rival any in the City.
Designed in 1957 over an existing historic park, St. Mary’s Square is a downtown rooftop park atop a parking garage near Chinatown. Perched up high on a steep hill, the park isn’t visible from most of the sidewalk that surrounds it, making it our new favorite hidden spot.
Allyne Park, right next to the Octagon House, can turn into one of Cow Hollow’s busiest spots. With lots of sun and a pretty garden, it’s easy to see why. A favorite of dog owners and parents with strollers, it offers a sweet spot of green in an otherwise residential and busy shopping area.
Perched atop Russian Hill on a street too steep for cars, Ina Coolbrith Park feels like a secret hideaway with twisting staircases and killer views. Dedicated back in 1911 (!) by supporters of the first California Poet Laureate Ina Coolbrith, the park offers a sweet spot to take a rest after climbing those monster hills.
We love the city's mini parks, and the Clay Street Mini Park has the added bonus of the Presidio Branch Library on site. Rolling grassy lawns to lounge on while reading a book? We're sold.
John McLaren Park, the second largest park in the city after Golden Gate Park, is a nature-lover's paradise with miles of trails and recreation sites. In 1905, a subdivision was proposed for the area, but historic starchitect Daniel Burnham proposed setting the hilly areas aside for a public park, and it opened in 1934.
Nestled in the Parkside neighborhood near SF State and Lake Merced, Sigmund Stern Grove (and its adjacent Pine Lake Park) is most known as the home to the oldest free summer performing arts festival in the country. But the 63-acre park, accessed by an epic descent below street level, has a lot more to offer.
Tucked away in the South Beach neighborhood near the Yerba Buena District is the easy to miss South Park. This hidden gem of a park and its surrounding houses were developed in 1852 as an exclusive residential community and modeled after a square in London.
Located on a hilltop across from the Potrero Center in San Francisco's Mission district is Franklin Square, a 5.6-acre public park near the Portero Hill border.
Created in 1909 the park has seen many changes in its 100+ years. Temporary housing for veterans was built in 1948, a soccer field that had been planned since 1907 was finally completed in 1951, and irrigation systems were installed in 1952. The park also survived an attempted acquisition in 1994 by City College of San Francisco. In 2008, the park started to see a number of upgrades including rebuilding and later expanding the Balboa Playground.
Established in 1894 as Bernal Park, the small, 2-acre green space at the base of Bernal Hill has been known as Precita Park since 1973. The park was renovated in 1969 and then again in 1993.
Hayes Valley's Koshland Community Park and Learning Garden is a great place to grab some fresh air, stretch your legs, and get hands-on with some of your favorite foods. Since 1996, local residents have maintained a 54-plot garden and teach interested children and adults about gardening and food sources.
The very small and little known Broadway Tunnel East Mini Park and Broadway Tunnel West Mini Park, built on land above the entry portals to the Broadway Tunnel.
Located high atop Nob Hill is the beautifully manicured and maintained Huntington Park. A mansion owned by tycoon and railroad baron Collis P. Huntington originally occupied the location, but was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake. Mr. Huntington's widow later donated the land to the city, where a park was established in her husband's honor in 1915.
With a pool and playground remodeled in 2010, Lower Pac Height's Hamilton Recreation Center is a park lovers delight. Featuring an abundance of amenities and a central location with parking, this is the type of park normally suited for a sprawling suburb rather than a dense urban environment.
The Joe DiMaggio Playground, named for the San Francisco Seals (and the Yankees) legend that spent his childhood playing there, is located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in the northeastern corner of the city.
Not quite a park but classified as one, Rocky Outcrop Park is a hidden gem for adventure lovers and hiking buffs alike. Because of its rugged cliffs, native plants and breathtaking vistas, this little known slice of wilderness in the heart of the city is well worth a visit (If you can find it, that is)
Fully protected by large trees (many of which are Redwoods) on all sides, the park provides a peaceful refuge from the nearby freeway and industrial hustle and bustle.
Just the size of a San Francisco housing lot in the area, the quiet park invites those walking by to stop and take a moment from the cacophony of Bush Street and its heavy traffic.
Designed, built and maintained by Mr. Jack Early himself, a former classmate of Herb Caen and an urban conservationist, the park is located on a very steep slope, once thought unusable by the city.
Located within the Cottage Row Historic District, of the National Register of Historic Places, the park runs adjacent to a line of Victorian houses that have stood since the 1800's, many of which were built by William Hollis during the late 1860s and 1870s.
The park is built on the remnant of a massive dune that was replenished with sand blown across what is now the Sunset. After the development of the district, sand was no longer able to drift across the flats, and the park now ever so slowly erodes away.
Developed accidentally by an unfinished shipping terminal in the 1970's, the park that we now visit was officially opened in 1999. In 2012, the park completed further upgrades and today is visited by thousands for both recreation and education.
A classic San Francisco hilltop park that often induces a rest by the time you arrive, don't shy away from the hike. Privacy, views, and even a little excitement await at the top.
This hilltop park is located on land occupied for much of the 20th century by the Brooks family, and the trendsetting Mrs. Brooks, who composted, raised beehives and taught visitors about native plant gardening. In 1978 the Brooks family moved and the property was made into a park by the City. Quickly afterward the park fell into neglect and became a blight on the neighborhood. In 1987, locals formed the Friends of Brooks Park organization and began to clean up the haven for graffiti and vandalism.
The park offers views of both the Bay and and the adjacent valleys. The well-maintained park also features some rare offerings that will appeal to people of many ages and interests.
At 4.61 acres, the recently renovated Aptos Park "is the pride of Ocean Avenue." Its many amenities and location near a middle school make this open space geared toward the more active park experience.
The well-maintained park is a great place for all types of domesticated San Franciscans: dogs will love the play area, kids will love the playground, and adults will love the scenic views of downtown and the Bay (not to mention the break from the dog and kids).
Known officially as The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park since 1981, this park is often referred to as simply Aquatic Park, which is technically a district within the park itself.
Dog walkers, view seekers, and urban hikers appreciate the steep climb up to the top of this minimalist park. Be warned, it can become very windy, and is why residents of the past found it an excellent place to fly their kites.
Located near the geographic center of the city, Duboce Park covers less than two square blocks yet is one of the City's most popular and well received recreation areas.
Located in the southeastern section of San Francisco sits a beautiful multi-sport facility, The Sliver Terrace Playground. This recently renovated facility is jam-packed with athletic options that will appeal to those of all ages and at most times of day, as well as a clubhouse and lawn for those who see the park as a more relaxing experience.
Located along the mouth of Mission Creek is a small strip of land known as China Basin Park. Essentially a viewing point for the bay and the home of the San Francisco Giants this park has two personalities: one for most days, and one for game days. Expect a tranquil atmosphere with a handful of people lounging around most of the time, but the vibe changes to a park with an increased heartbeat when the Giants are playing.
Located near Candlestick point, this large park was nearly lost -- twice. First, developers attempted to make the area into an elite enclave for the wealthy around 1900, but plans were abandoned when the land was deemed to be too far from downtown. A new plan was subsequently drawn up for an isolation hospital in 1902. However, wealthy land-owner Charles Crocker (as in Crocker-Amazon) didn't like the idea of a "pest house" located near his real estate, so he donated his portion of the hilltop to the city on the condition that the hospital not be built. Together, the two plots became what is now Bayview Park. Over 90 years later, in 1997, the park was expanded by 16 acres.
Located in the Outer Sunset, McCoppin Square is a medium-sized neighborhood park that runs directly next to a San Francisco light rail line, making it easily accessible for all. The park draws its name from one of San Francisco's first post-gold rush mayors, Frank McCoppin, an Irish immigrant who also lends his name to a Mission district street and a neighborhood elementary school.
Located just north of the 280 and Alemany Boulevard lies St. Mary's Park and Recreation Center in Bernal Heights. The park was built on 13 acres donated by the city's Roman Catholic archdiocese in the 1930s and constructed through the nation's Works Progress Administration adjacent to the St. Mary's Park microhood.
The aptly-named Grandview Park, also known as Turtle Hill to some locals due to its shape, is the product of 140 million years of evolution. The rocky hilltop made of wind-blown sand and a rock called Franciscan chert, that originally formed in an ancient sea floor, is home to sensitive species of plants and butterflies. And some of the best views you will find in San Francisco. Panoramic, 360-degree views that stretch in all directions.
Located on a section of 15th Avenue too hilly for vehicle traffic lies the 15th Avenue Steps Park. This park is, as the name implies, a length of steps. The park is also flanked by hilly, overgrown open space on both sides that is too rustic to be usable by most.
Located on the coastal shore of San Francisco lies one of its most beautiful treasures: Fort Funston, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Founded by the federal government in 1900 as the Lake Merced Military Reservation, it was renamed in 1917 after General Frederick Funston. Deemed obsolete after World War II, the installation was decommissioned and transferred to the National Park Service in 1963 where it has become a beloved locale ever since.
Located in the bluffs of Glen Park, not far from the Noe Valley border, lies the easy-to-miss Fairmont Plaza. This rustic open area provides a quiet oasis and valley views to those who live nearby, while bird watchers may seek out the park for its abundance of species and natural habitats.
Founded in 1999 along a former Central Freeway right-of-way, the small, well-maintained Patricia's Green park is one of Hayes Valley's most popular. The park is the direct result of Patricia Walkup and her supporters who fought for years, including three separate ballot initiatives, to turn the damaged Central Freeway into a surface level boulevard with adjacent park. The result has been a renaissance of one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, where people literally lineup for the opportunity to live.
Located along the eastern waterfront, just before SoMa meets Mission Bay, is South Beach Park. Built privately by the South Beach Marina Association, the park's proximity to the water, abundance of sunlight and plethora of surrounding amenities may give naysayers a new appreciation for the small, urban park.
Located adjacent to AT&T Park is the Giants Promenade. This privately owned public park runs along two sides of the ballpark, with waterfront access to McCovey Cove. Open since 2000, the ballpark and promenade have been instrumental in the revitalization of the South Beach waterfront area and the neighborhood as a whole.
In the rapidly changing Mission Bay area where dilapidated warehouses are giving way to luxury condos and corporate headquarters, a new park has been formed on a pier known for housing boatbuilders, fisherman and artists. Formerly known as Pier 64, the new park covers 7.4 acres and integrates fluidly into the existing Aqua Vista Park just to the south, contributing to the Bay Trail.
Located in the heart of SoMa sits one of the city's newest recreation areas, Victoria Manalo Draves Park. Opened in 2006, the park is named after Vicki Manalo Draves, the first Filipino-American to compete in the Olympics. The Olympian took home two gold medals in the 1948 games, for springboard and platform diving. Draves passed away in 2010, but not before she witnessed San Francisco open the two-acre park in her honor.
Developed in the 1970's, the Fallen Bridge Park quickly fell into a state of neglect and decay for over a generation. Fast forward to 2004 when the Utah Street Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) group (now known as MUNA to include nearby Mariposa Street) began to take control of the situation in the form of neighborhood committees. Through the vigilance and steadfastness of their work the park is now a safe and enjoyable park to enjoy in the Potrero Hill neighborhood.
Located just east of the 101 freeway lies one of the Potrero Hill areas most beloved parks, McKinley Square. The park gets steady sunshine all day and the combination of amenities, flatland, hilly trails, and beautiful views will satisfy even the pickiest park lover.
Located near the top of Potrero Hill lies a three-and-a-half-acre public area known as Starr King Open Space. Originally a refuge for the working class that lived in the area pre-WWII, during the war inexpensive housing was built on the site for the shipyard workers flooding the city. After the war the housing was torn down and the neighborhood entered a decades-long state of decay. In the 1980's the Potrero Hill neighborhood entered a renaissance period and the Starr King Open Space was dedicated in 1984. While not technically a park, the area is protected from development and meant to be enjoyed by the entire community.
In 1974, Jack Wickert and Bonnie Sherk moved into an abandoned and desolate patch of land that used to be factory with the hopes of creating a model farm and environmental school for children. They, along with many artists, transformed the space into a large farm that had 70 farm animals, as well as an event space where rehearsals, art shows, festival, and youth group gatherings were held. After a long legal battle that ended in 1987, those in charge of the farm lost to the landlords, and ultimately had to give up the land, though some of the Potrero del Sol garden is still intact. Shoot forward to present day, and the 4.5 acre park is home to San Francisco's largest skate park. Other highlights include a performance space and a lovely community garden that has 80 plots.
The main attraction of the James Rolph Playground in Potrero Hill is—you guess it—the the playground, but there's also baseball fields and tennis courts. The park, which is adjacent to San Francisco's largest skatepark, is named after James 'Sunny Jim' Rolph, who served as Mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to 1931, and as Governor of California from 1931 to 1934.
Located at the top of Telegraph Hill and most notably known as the place where Coit Tower is, Pioneer Park was established in 1876 in celebration of the United States Centennial. The site was purchased by a group of businessman, including George Heart, in 1876 for $12,000 in an effort to preserve the site since hilltops during that time were being converted into commercial use. The group then donated the land to the city on the condition that it'd remain green space and be named Pioneer Park, after the hill's first residents. Coit Tower would come later in 1933 using a $100,000 bequest left to San Francisco by Lillie Hitchcock Coit. In 1957, a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus was donated to the park by the city's Italian-American community. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike folk to the park for the breathtaking views and Coit Tower's historic murals.