Golden Gate Park Hotel with a View

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.

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