Recently my cousin and I set out to spend the better part of the day at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Since it turned out we were done much more quickly than we thought, we set out to find something else to do in the park. We had thought of visiting the Conservatory of Flowers, but decided to pass since it’s indoors and we were lucky enough to be there on a beautifully sunny day. After paying the $25 admission to the Academy of Sciences we were feeling pretty poor. That’s when we made a fabulous discovery!
In the heart of Golden Gate Park lies the wonderful San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back to nature. As you enter the garden, a small pond with ducks greets you. You can take time to smell the flowers in the Garden of Fragrance or wander through the Redwood Trail.An educational Primitive Plants section educates while it entertains. At the entrance you walk over a geological timeline imprinted with plants from each era. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you pass plaques which detail each time period. They explain the botanical developments which occurred while you view the living reminders of ancient times.
Another section of the Garden is dedicated to plants from different areas of the world. Stroll from “Australia” to “Chile” along the paved paths and while you enjoy the natural setting, let the labels teach you about plant life around the world.
There’s a area devoted to succulents, another to native California plants and one filled with rhododendrons. In short, there’s something for every plant lover.There are clean bathroom provided near the entrance and there’s a diaper changing table, too. And the best part? Admission is free! Making this a great destination no matter how much time you may have to spend or your interest level. Come for an hour or a day – you’re sure to enjoy your visit!
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For the many who do not visit San Francisco with a car, this fine garden is very easy to reach via streetcar from downtown.
You can get on at various stops *under* Market Street, including at its intersection with Powell near Union Square, take a fast non traffic blocked route under Market and the Twin Peaks, and then pop above ground near the garden and other sights in the park.
The “N” line continues to San Francisco’s beachfront, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Nice dunes to walk along plus often rough surf. If this beach had a decent climate, it would rival Rio.
BTW, when in the park, note that a lot of older trees are dying. That’s because they were all planted at the same time onto the existing sand dunes that covered much of the western area of what is now San Francisco.
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Wendy replied on January 26th, 2010 4:43 pm:
Thanks for the helpful tips!
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