
Golden
Gate Park

At over 1,000 acres Golden Gate Park is larger than Central Park
in Manhattan. And, no less impressive too!
In one of the busiest cities anywhere, visitors can enjoy
archery, basketball, biking, skating and a host of other
activities. There are tennis courts, a golf course, even flycasting
pools.
Or you can take a break from all the hustle and bustle and
simply relax and enjoy viewing the many sculptures, bridges and
flowers and let the dogs do all the running around.
Since the end of the 19th century, where once there was only
barren sand dunes, the site has been cultivated by a succession of
creative entrepreneurs. Beginning even before John McLaren, who
shaped the first gardens, the park has offered both natural and
man-made art of dizzying variety.
Since 1879 the Victorian Conservatory of Flowers has provided
visitors with a refreshing walk through what are now over 10,000
plants from around the world. Enjoying a recent $25 million
restoration after damage from a 1995 storm, the greenhouse is one
of the oldest extant in the Western Hemisphere.
The Strybing Arboretum continues the theme with 70 acres housing
more than 600 species. The enclosed Shakespeare Garden - a popular
theme with botanical garden designers - has on display over 200
flowers and plants mentioned in the works of the Bard.
For a more minimalist style, visit the Japanese Tea Garden. The
curving paths and low arching bridges pass around and over small
pools and precisely kept flower beds in traditional Japanese style.
Enjoy a cup of tea and rest a while.
|