Golden Gate Park Hotel with a View
Golden Gate Park is more than just green grass and playgrounds. Within Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres, you’ll discover luscious gardens, museums, lakes, groves, cultural events, stunning views and vistas, and even a buffalo paddock!
Because the park stretches roughly three miles and is nearly half the width of the city, there’s a good chance you might miss something. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favorite spots. Check out our guide to Golden Gate Park and start planning an unforgettable day out during your stay at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway!
Getting to Golden Gate Park
Just 3 Miles from the Hotel!
The park is only three miles from the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, so getting there is easy!
Get There by Car
Driving to Golden Gate Park should only take you about ten minutes, depending on traffic. To have the best chance of street parking, arrive at the park before the museums open. There are usually open spots near Stowe Lake or between the California Academy of Science and the Koret Children’s Playground. If your schedule doesn’t allow for an early arrival, no worries! There’s an underground parking garage, the Music Concourse Parking Facility, between the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences. You have to pay, but it’s worth it to have easy access to the park’s offerings!
You can also take advantage of the free weekend shuttle when you park at the Great Highway. The Golden Gate Park shuttle stop is located at the Ocean Beach parking lot and is free for park visitors.
Take the MUNI
MUNI is San Francisco’s metro system and operates buses, trains, cable cars, and the F-line heritage streetcar. When you stay at Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, you’ll have easy access to all of the area's attractions via this system, plus the California Line cable car is only steps from the hotel.
The trip to Golden Gate Park by bus takes about a half an hour and costs $2.75, but you can save $2.00 off admission at most museums in the park when you show them your MUNI FastPass or transfer.
We recommend downloading the MuniMobile app. You can purchase tickets right from the app; otherwise, you’ll need exact change.

Golden Gate Park Accommodations
Make the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway your home base when you plan your trip to Golden Gate Park! Not does our hotel offer stellar views from every single room, you'll also be a quick ten minute drive from the park! When you stay at the Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, you'll enjoy:
- Luxury Triple Sheeted Bedding
- Great Views from Each Room
- Free WiFi
- Mini Fridge
- Work Desk & Ergonomic Chair
- Blackout Shades
- Connecting Rooms (Upon Request)
- Rollaway Beds & Cribs (Upon Request)
Golden Gate Park Attractions Guide

de Young Museum
Collections from around the world include photographs, costumes, paintings, and sculptures from the seventeenth through twenty-first centuries — all showcased in an architecturally significant and stunning building. When you visit the de Young Museum, make sure to head up to the Observation Level for brilliant views of the city.
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Conservatory of Flowers
This place is stunning! When you visit the Conservatory of Flowers, you’ll be immersed in five different ecosystems housed in as many unique galleries. The galleries showcase tropical flowers and plants from the rainforests of Central and South America and the Pacific Islands. Two must-sees are the high-altitude orchid collection and a huge Victorian greenhouse.
100 John F Kennedy Drive
California Academy of Sciences
A research and educational institute, the California Academy of Sciences houses an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum. With so many interesting attractions under one roof, you won’t lack for things to see and do, so set aside plenty of time to take it all in. And make sure to bring the kids to enjoy the hands-on activity stations and African penguin exhibit.
55 Music Concourse Drive
Dutch and Murphy Windmills
The Dutch and Murphy Windmills used to pump as much as 1 ½ million gallons of water to the city of San Francisco each day. Now, in their preserved state, they function as a beautiful reminder of a time gone by. Stop by to take your picture with these stately buildings and definitely see the tulips when they’re in season. The blooms are at their best during the months of March and April.
Western Section, Golden Gate Park
Koret Children’s Quarter
Said to be the first playground in America, this park is way more than just merry-go-rounds and swing sets; it’s got something for every member of your family. Take a spin on one of three carousels, conquer the climbing wall, or visit the nearby Sharon Art Studio for a painting class. Koret Children’s Quarter is full of magic, making it the perfect place to let the kids play, run, and discover.
Southeast Section, Golden Gate Park
Buffalo Paddock
See six buffalo graze through Golden Gate Park at the truly unique Buffalo Paddock! Paying homage to the Wild West, the park's buffalo refuge offers a glimpse into the natural habits and behaviors of the American bison in a scenic yet urban environment. And keep your camera handy - grazing buffalo can be truly majestic!
Northwest Section, Golden Gate Park