Carousel of Dreams

Historic Carousel in SF's Golden Gate Park

01.11.2018

When was the last time you got on a merry-go-round? That long ago, eh! Take a trip back in time on a truly historic carousel located in Golden Gate Park. Built in 1914, this colorful gem is iconic in the park, yet surprisingly not well known.

A beauty of over 60 animal figures and elaborate benches, plus an organ (!), the carousel was once powered by steam, then got an electric motor, then made an appearance at the 1939 World’s Fair (on Treasure Island) and traveled to amusement parks in LA and Portland.

Then it went slightly kaput for a bit, in need of mechanical upgrades and a general spiffy-up. The restoration saw vibrant colors return to the animals, which today include roosters, peacocks, horses, and dragons. Even an organ was installed! Ready to give it a whirl? At just $2 for a go-round (actually, several go-rounds), prices are historic too!

The Golden Gate Park Carousel is at 320 Bowling Green Dr., between John F. Kennedy Dr. and Kezar Dr. It is next to the Koret Children’s Playground by the Sharon Building. Parking is located east of Bowling Green Dr., which is by the lawn bowling building. Adults $2, children ages 6 to 12 years $1, children 5 and under no cost, when accompanied by a paying adult. Children under 40″ in height must ride with a paying adult.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  2. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Autumn Magic in Yosemite Mariposa County

    Yosemite Mariposa County is where golden moments unfold all season long. Watch the sun's warm glow settle over El Capitan and Half Dome, then wander quietly in Mariposa Grove. Beyo

    View

  4. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  2. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View

  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View

  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View