We all love Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, but did you know San Francisco has over 220 parks and open spaces? Curbed SF wants to bring fame and glory to some of the smaller, lesser-known parks, and we're doing so with our new series Park Life. Each week we'll spotlight a different San Francisco park or open space, and bring you all the details you need to plan a visit.
[Golden Gate Heights Park at Rockridge Drive & 12th Ave. Photo: Alex Bevk]
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.
Where it's located: Entrances off of Rockridge Drive & 12th Ave
What it features: Golden Gate Heights Park is relatively small, but features lots of options for visitors. The north side of the park (facing Rockridge Drive) is more landscaped, with an open space for dogs, a fenced playground, picnic tables, and tennis courts. If you're more in the mood for some rustic nature, the remainder of the park is a forested natural area with loose dirt paths criss-crossing the hill.
How to get there: No Muni system will get you directly to the park, but a few will get you pretty close. The 6, 28, 48, and 71 buses and the L train drop off within a 15 minute walk - but be prepared for that walk up to be pretty steep.
Dogs allowed?: Absolutely. Despite the leash law sign, most locals let their dogs romp around freely in the north open space along Rockridge Drive. There have been some pretty intense grassroots dog poop clean-up efforts, with boxes filled with plastic bags for you to use scattered throughout the park. Do your part and clean up after your dog (and please, respect leash laws).
Don't Miss: Trek along the paths to the west side of the park, and catch some killer views of the Pacific Ocean and the western neighborhoods.
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