Great Parks in San Francisco

North Beach - Columbus & Union

Washington Square Park is at the heart of North Beach, surrounded on all sides by the neighborhood's famous Italian eateries, gelato shops, and the general buzz of human interaction. It has survived at this location for more than 150 years -- in spite of various development threats. It's the site of the North Beach Festival and other events throughout the year, as well as a popular place to grab some sun or eat outdoors during lunch hour.

See Washington Square Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

West Portal Area - 19th & Sloat

Stern Grove is the site of the free, summer-long music series -- the Stern Grove Festival. But the park is much bigger than its outdoor amphitheater (pictured here). Stern Grove and the adjacent Pine Lake area cover more than 60 acres with some wooded terrain and shaded trails. The park also has amenities like tennis courts and picnic tables.

See Stern Grove and Pine Lake Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

Visitacion Valley - Mansell & Visitaction

McLaren Park is more than 300 acres of walking and running trails, athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, waterways (lake/reservoir), trees, meadows and abundant wildlife habitat. The park is also home to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre where the annual Jerry Day celebration takes place.

McLaren park is one of the Bay Area's many park successes -- where volunteers helped revive a neglected park through habitat restoration projects and community diligence.

See John McLaren Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

Bay View/Hunters Point - End of Cargo Way (former Pier 98)

Heron's Head Park takes its name from the park's shape as seen from the air. It's part of a project which aims to create a 13-mile corridor in this area, connecting points along the waterfront in a green belt.

Heron's Head Park is 24 acres of wetlands with a path leading out into the Bay. There are views to [protected] wetlands where you can see a variety of birds, especially in the winter months.

See Heron's Head Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

Off Highway 35, just south of San Francisco

Fort Funston, just south of the city, is a dog-walkers' paradise with a hilltop dog park and views of the Pacific. You can hike along the bluffs and sand dunes, on groomed trails, and take paths that veer toward beaches below. There’s a large and diverse population of flowers and plants. You may see a variety of birds, rabbits, hawks and other wildlife. Kites and hang gliders lift off from the cliffs at Fort Funston and the old military batteries make for interesting exploration.

From southbound 35, pass John Muir Drive. Take the first right (signed Fort Funston). See Fort Funston on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

Excelsior District - Cayuga & Naglee

Cayuga Park is an unlikely destination, tucked under a well-traveled section of BART track. But what draws people into the 11-acre sanctuary is the striking wood carvings, created by the park's caretaker, Demetrio Braceros.

If you link to the photo gallery, you won't be as taken aback as if you walked in cold. Still, it's difficult to describe the mood created by this park's sculpture garden, juxtaposed against the industrial feel of the area.

See Cayuga Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}

Inner Sunset / Hills - Entrance at 14th and Moraga

Be prepared to climb if you want the reward of Grand View's vista. You can drive to a spot near the base of the park, but part of the joy is the journey up stairs and trails to the peak view. Link to the photo tour for directions on how to get there.

Grand View Park is a gem tucked into the hills above the Inner Sunset District. There's a panoramic view from the top, and if you leave by way of the western stairs, and into Golden Gate Heights, you'll travel down a camera-worthy mosaic stairway descending through a garden area.

See Grand View Park on the San Francisco Parks Map

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}