Rock and Roll Golden Gate

Golden Gate Park—the heartbeat of the city and San Francisco's largest park—features slow streets, creating more open space for outdoor exercise along part of JFK Drive. Walkers, bike riders, and roller skaters, have at it! Bonus Spring 2023: Join We Players for a whimsical adventure through Golden Gate Park as part of their "Adventures With Alice" live performance.

Travel alongside looking-glass creatures and queens as you follow the heroine through a wonderland (Golden Gate Park!) and meet favorite Carrollean characters like the Mad Hatter, the Tweedles, and others.

The wide-open grassland and outdoor areas are mostly open, as is the Japanese tea garden (though you’ll need to reserve a space to visit). Grab your bike, roller skates, or walking shoes and enjoy a couple of hours in this beautiful park without contending with cars. You can rent a bike along JFK Drive. A few must-visit highlights:

Skatin’ Place: This might be the happiest place in the park. Just try not to crack a smile while disco skating in the park—fresh air, good tunes, and fun people. And it’s free. Whether you want to join in the rolling party and just chill out and watch, it’s a good time. The Skatin’ Place is at JFK Drive just west of the Conservatory of Flowers. It’s open every day. Organized skates happen Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m., Wednesday from 3 – 5 p.m., and Saturday from 1 – 5 p.m.

Stow Lake: Golden Gate Park’s boathouse is open. Rent a rowboat or pedal boat to explore the little human-made lake that dates back to 1893. Or just have a picnic on the shore of the lake watching birds and boats pass by. There’s a nice loop hike around the lake, and up to Strawberry Hill if you’re so inclined, and includes passing by a waterfall highlight.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Post-apocalyptic Pandemic Edition" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Golden Gate Park.

JFK Dr. in Golden Gate Park (from Kezar to Transverse) is currently closed to cars seven days a week. Dog-friendly!