John McLaren, a Scot who arrived in 1887, created this 1,017 acre park over shifting sand dunes and the opposition of many nay-sayers. Entirely man-made, it has artificial lakes, riding trails, a golf course, tennis courts, sunny hills, a children's playground, and much more. Even a park section marked "California" with local vegetation is artificially added. The park runs from the Haight Ashbury to Ocean Beach. You can begin on Stanyan Street and head west on J.F.K. Drive to Ocean Beach and the historical Cliff House. Near Ocean Beach you will see the Dutch windmill surrounded by tulips and daffodils in the spring. There are many museums here, including the famous De Young Museum (415) 750-3600.
The park also includes:
Japanese Tea Garden
8th Ave. and Kennedy Dr.
Open daily 8:30-6, Oct.-Feb.; 9:30-6:30, rest of year
. Admission $4 phone (415)666-7024
Musee Mecanique (Near Ocean Beach at the end of Golden Gate Park)
1090 Point Lobos Ave 415-386-1170
Conservatory of Flowers Daily 9-5
California Academy of Sciences-in Golden Gate Park. Includes: Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Natural History Museum.
Exploratorium
In the Palace of Fine Arts. More than 600 interactive science exhibits. Daily 10-6 Admission $9; over 65 and students with ID $7, handicapped and ages 6-17 $5, ages 3-5, $2.50; free to all first Wed. of the month. 415-561-0360
Underwater World
At Pier 39. Look at sharks and other ocean creatures as you walk through clear tunnels that cross the aquarium tanks. Daily 10-8:30. Admission $13.50; over 64 and ages 3-11, $6.75. Public transit riders--$2 discount. 415-623-5300
San Francisco Public Library
Main Library Civic Center
. SF Public Library holds free walking tours that last from 1 1/2-2 hours. Topics include "Gold Rush City," "Brothels, Boardinghouses & Bawds," Historic Market Street," and twenty more. Meet at the designated day, time, and place.
The Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours Historical and culinary walking tours. Includes lunch. $25-$55 415-355-9657
All About Chinatown! Walking Tours
learn about culture, and history of the area. $25 ages 10-17 $10 415-982-8839
Haight-Ashbury Walking Tours
Hippie tours on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. 415-221-8442
