San Francisco Guide to Sightseeing
Name: Golden Gate Park San Francisco
Address: Between Sunset and Richmond (map it)

In the relatively tiny, 7-square-mile San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is a bit of an anomoly. The park stretches for 45 blocks - clearly, not a normal, take-your-dog-for-a-short-walk kind of a park. Golden Gate Park is really dozens of parks, gardens, rolling hills, ponds, and the like contained within miles of city-free landscape. It's right in the middle of the city and complete with sports fields, picnic areas, gardens and buffalo's. Yes, Buffalo's...

They say that public transportation is the best way to get there - and it is, especially considering that on Sundays the main thoroughfare is closed off to vehicles. But taking the bus to meet up with friends - or finding that coveted picnic spot - can be a nightmare if you don't know the park like the back of your hand. Unless you have lived in the Sunset or the Richmond for quite some time, you probably aren't privy to all that the park has to offer. Here are some highlights:

The DeYoung museum
If you've been in San Francisco for all of five minutes, you know about the newly renovated behemoth that is the De Young Museum. It sits near a large courtyard/amphitheater (and one of the MANY entrances to the park) that will sometimes have various events, bands, etc. Hit up the DeYoung for a variety of changing exhibitions - all are sure to be worth seeing.
From downtown, take the N Judah and get off at 9th and Irving and walk north on 9th Ave. towards the park.

Japanese Tea Garden
This is close to the De Young, so if you're in that area of the park, you might want to stop over and check it out. You do have to pay to get in ($3), but once inside, you can experience true relaxation. And grab a bite to eat, along with some authentic Japanese tea. The N Judah is the best way to access the Garden as well.

Conservatory of Flowers
Step inside a rain forest. No seriously. As if it's not enough that you're practically on a nature reserve in the middle of the city, the Conservatory gives you the opportunity to transport yourself again. There are four rooms, each with different climates, flowers, plants and "genres." Outside the Conservatory is a huge, rolling meadow with trails that run by it. Great for walking, sitting, picnicking, lounging.
The N will also get you there - as will the 5, 7, 21 or 71 - which sometimes offer more direct - but complicated - routes.

Stowe Lake
The perfect way to spend a rare, warm San Francisco day. You're on the water, but not freezing cold at the beach. It's a little cheesy, but you can paddle boat around the lake, through some of the park's lush scenery, and take it as slow or as fast as you want.
Your best bet will be to take the 28, 29 or 44.

That ought to get you started, but there is so much more than that. For more information on all the spots to see and experience, visit the Golden Gate Park Website.

Click here for a calendar of events in Golden Gate Park

Click here for a great map of Golden Gate Park