Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres and stretches 20% larger than New York’s Central Park. The sprawling urban oasis draws 13 million visitors annually, with the de Young Museum standing as one of its most celebrated landmarks.
Sand dunes transformed into San Francisco’s premier green space back in the 1870s. The park now features remarkable attractions that captivate visitors daily. America’s oldest public Japanese garden graces the grounds alongside the California Academy of Sciences, which boasts a living roof of 1.7 million plants. The Botanical Garden showcases nearly 9,000 plant species throughout its grounds.
Your adventure through Golden Gate Park awaits, from its rich 125-year cultural heritage to perfect spots for family activities. This piece covers everything you need to know about this big park, whether you’re planning your first visit on foot or ready to explore its hidden corners with a private shuttle.
History of Golden Gate Park
San Francisco’s dream of a grand public park took shape in the 1860s. The city’s population exploded from 1,000 in 1848 to more than 149,400 by 1870. The space we now call Golden Gate Park was nothing but a hostile stretch of windswept sand dunes. Maps from 1853 simply labeled it as the “Great Sand Bank”.
From sand dunes to green space
The story of turning barren dunes into lush parkland showcases remarkable landscape engineering. William Hammond Hall won the bid as the park’s first superintendent and chief architect. The city approved this bold project in 1870.
Hall tackled the huge challenge of securing vast areas of moving sand. His clever solution combined quick-growing barley and native lupine. These plants held the ground firm enough for bigger plants to grow. The team planted 60,000 trees by 1875, choosing Eucalyptus globulus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress. This number grew to 155,000 trees spread across 1,000 acres by 1879.
The dry environment needed a steady water supply. Two Dutch-style windmills appeared at the western end in 1903 to pump water throughout the grounds. You can still see the north windmill, restored in 1981, next to the Queen Wilhelmina tulip garden.
Key milestones in park development
The Conservatory of Flowers, the park’s first proper building, welcomed visitors in 1879. This stunning 12,000-square-foot glass structure houses tropical plants, including Phil, a 100-year-old philodendron that reaches into the center dome.
The California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894 marked a turning point as the first world’s fair west of the Mississippi. Two million people came to see 180 structures across 160 acres, creating what would become today’s Music Concourse.
The park became a lifeline during the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. It sheltered 200,000 homeless residents who first lived in makeshift shelters before moving to temporary wooden barracks.
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) stepped in when public money ran low during the Great Depression.
Their lasting contributions include:
- The Arboretum
- The archery field
- The model yacht club
- 13 miles of reconstructed roads
- The San Francisco Police Department’s horse stables
John McLaren became superintendent in 1890 and shaped the park’s growth for 50 years. His green thumb helped turn the park into a peaceful urban escape. McLaren’s legacy includes planting more than two million trees across northern California.
The park grew with the city’s changing needs. It hosted the Human Be-In at the Polo Fields in 1967, drawing nearly 30,000 people and launching the Summer of Love. Queen Elizabeth II’s 1983 visit showed the park’s worldwide appeal.
Cultural landmarks enriched the space. The De Young Museum opened in 1895, and the California Academy of Sciences followed in 1923. These places, along with many statues and monuments, show how immigrant communities honored both their old and new homes.
Golden Gate Park now covers 1,017 acres and welcomes more than 24 million visitors each year. The park’s success comes from its early dreamers and dedicated caretakers who turned endless sand into San Francisco’s beloved green heart.
Best Times to Visit the Park
San Francisco’s beloved green oasis shines brightest during fall. The warmest temperatures and clearest skies grace September and October, making these months perfect to learn about Golden Gate Park.
Season by season guide
Each season brings its own unique colors and experiences to the park:
Winter (December-February) Winter months blend cool weather with occasional rain, though brilliant sunshine often pierces through overcast skies. Verdant green grass carpets the ground while California gray whales swim along the nearby coast. Average temperatures hover in the high 40s Fahrenheit.
Spring (March-May) Trees and flowers paint the landscape with vibrant colors from March through early April. April through early June welcomes peak wildflower displays. The Dutch Windmill garden dazzles visitors with hundreds of tulips in early spring. Spring brings temperatures averaging in the high 50s Fahrenheit.
Summer (June-August) Coastal fog becomes a frequent companion by July. California’s typical summer palette changes the scene to golden brown and muted grays. Locals call August ‘Fogust’ due to extra foggy conditions.
Summer events light up the park:
- The Surrealistic Summer Solstice Jam in June
- Outside Lands Music Festival in August
- Flower Piano fills the Botanical Garden with music for twelve days in July
Fall (September-October) Brilliant clear skies dominate mid-September through October. Stunning yellows, pinks, and oranges adorn the park’s dahlias near the Conservatory of Flowers. Tourist crowds thin out compared to summer months.
Peak hours and quiet times
Park gates stay open 24 hours daily, with parking lots operating from sunrise to sunset. These timing strategies help create a peaceful visit:
Weekday visits: Golden Gate Park Shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Areas east of Crossover Drive remain well-lit and populated after dark.
Weekend activities:
- Car-free roads on Sundays create perfect conditions for biking and rollerblading
- Shuttle hours extend on weekends and holidays (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
- Golden Gate Park Band performs Sunday afternoons at the bandshell
- Swing dancing lessons happen free every Sunday at noon
Quiet spots: Peaceful spaces await beyond Transverse Drive at the park’s west end.
JFK Drive offers peaceful retreats at the Rose Garden and AIDS Memorial Redwood Grove. Late afternoon visits to the California Academy of Sciences usually mean shorter lines.
Museum attendance patterns show interesting changes post-pandemic. Special exhibits and Free Saturdays helped double the de Young Museum’s attendance between FY22 and FY23. Gardens of Golden Gate Park saw visitor numbers climb 7% above pre-pandemic levels across its three locations – the Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and Japanese Tea Garden.
Must-See Park Attractions
Three amazing attractions serve as the life-blood of Golden Gate Park’s cultural world. Each gives visitors a unique glimpse into art, science, and tradition.
California Academy of Sciences
This incredible institution ranks among the largest natural history museums worldwide with over 46 million specimens. The Academy brings together four major venues under one living roof:
The Steinhart Aquarium houses nearly 40,000 live animals from more than 900 species. Visitors watch endangered African penguins, Philippine coral reefs, and fascinating creatures like coconut octopuses.
The Osher Rainforest creates a spectacular tropical environment inside a 90-foot glass dome. More than 1,600 live plants and animals thrive here. Free-flying birds glide overhead while Amazonian tree boas rest in the branches.
The Morrison Planetarium features a 75-foot tilted dome that mirrors Earth’s natural orientation. Visitors journey through space with stunning visualizations and the latest astronomical findings.
The building showcases state-of-the-art environmental design with:
- 60,000 photovoltaic cells
- Rainwater recycling systems
- 2.5 acres of living roof
De Young Museum highlights
San Francisco’s oldest museum, the de Young celebrates over 125 years of artistic excellence. The current copper-sheathed building opened in 2005 and features 163,118 square feet of copper plates that naturally patina to match nearby eucalyptus trees.
The museum’s collections span time and space:
- American art from the 17th century onward
- International textiles spanning 3,000 years from 125 countries
- African art showcasing 300 rare works, some dating to the 11th century
- Oceanic art representing 25 island groups
The nine-story Hamon Observation Tower provides sweeping views of the park and downtown San Francisco through floor-to-ceiling windows. The tower remains free to access, even without museum admission.
Japanese Tea Garden features
This peaceful space stands as America’s oldest public Japanese garden, dating back to the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition. The 3-acre garden blends traditional elements with seasonal beauty.
Everything in Japanese garden design appears here:
- A five-tiered Buddhist pagoda
- The historic drum bridge, known for Shinshichi Nakatani’s craftsmanship
- A karesansui (dry landscape garden) where stones and raked gravel create water features
The Tea House has existed since the garden’s creation and serves six tea varieties: Jasmine, Sencha, Hōjicha, Genmaicha, Iced Green, and ceremonial Matcha. Visitors enjoy traditional Japanese refreshments like Kuzumochi and Green Tea Cheesecake beside a peaceful pond.
Cherry blossoms create spectacular displays in March and April. Japanese maples, azaleas, magnolias, camellias, pines, cedars, and cypresses paint an ever-changing seasonal picture throughout the year.
Hidden Spots in the Park
Golden Gate Park has countless hidden treasures beyond its famous attractions. Peaceful pathways and quiet gardens give visitors a perfect escape from the busy crowds.
Secret gardens
A beautiful hidden garden sits near the Chain of Lakes with winding paths and woven cane fences. Gardener Jason Martinez since 2019 tends this unnamed sanctuary that local wildlife calls home.
The space has:
- Native flowering plants for nectar
- Snowberry and coffeeberry bushes
- Toyan berries that feed birds in winter
The Fuchsia Dell, which came to life in 1940, sits quietly on a hillside and shows off its delicate flowers. The Shakespeare Garden, July 1928 old, grows plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays and sonnets. This cozy formal garden makes a perfect spot to read or enjoy a quiet lunch.
A prehistoric world comes alive at the Tree Fern Dell near the Conservatory of Flowers. Tasmanian tree ferns line this shady stretch along JFK Drive, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time.
Beautiful colors burst from the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden by the Dutch Windmill during February and March. The garden stays beautiful all year, adding more charm to the park’s plant collection.
Lesser-known trails
Strawberry Hill Trail takes you through thick forests to a beautiful waterfall. The hill stands 430 feet high with amazing views of Mt. Tamalpais and the Golden Gate Bridge. A Chinese temple-like structure, the Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion, sits at the top – a gift from Taipei that you can reach from the southern bridge.
Behind Rainbow Falls, the Prayer Book Cross Trail leads to a 60-foot cross hidden among trees. This cross stands as one of the park’s tallest landmarks, remembering a 16th-century event.
Milagra Ridge Trail might be smaller than other paths, but hikers love its wide Pacific Ocean views. You can walk the whole trail in about an hour.
Bird watchers should check out Point Cavallo. Just walk south from Battery Yates Trail to this piece of land that juts into the Bay. It’s a great spot to watch local wildlife.
Oak woodlands in the park keep pieces of San Francisco’s natural history alive. Native plants grow along winding trails, showing what the region looked like long ago.
The AIDS Memorial Grove, which Congress named a national memorial in 1996, spreads across seven peaceful acres. Trees, flowers, rocks, and meadows come together to create a quiet place for reflection.
Local gardeners work their magic in a 0.67-acre community garden with 67 raised beds. This space has:
- A gardening-tool lending library
- Demonstration gardens
- Educational programs
- Common landscape materials in holding bins
The Garfield Greenway’s network of paths leads to quiet meadows that many first-time visitors miss. These trails stay peaceful even when the park gets busy.
Martinez and his volunteers keep their secret garden peaceful by leaving it unmarked. As he explains, “It’s a good little secret space… I want people to stroll in on it, kind of unassuming, so they can discover it like by themselves”.
Getting Around the Park
Golden Gate Park’s 1,017 acres are easy to explore with several transportation choices. Visitors can pick from free shuttles to bike rentals to discover this vast green space.
Free shuttle routes
The park runs free shuttle service daily to help you reach major attractions. Weekday shuttles operate from noon to 6 PM, picking up visitors every 20 minutes. Weekend service starts earlier at 9 AM and runs until 6 PM with pickups every 15 minutes.
Key shuttle stops include:
- California Academy of Sciences
- de Young Museum
- Japanese Tea Garden
- Conservatory of Flowers
- Tennis Center/Dahlia Dell
- Rose Garden
- Stow Lake Boathouse
The shuttle connects with several Muni lines to help visitors reach the park from anywhere in San Francisco. You’ll find connections to bus lines 7 and 33 at Haight/Stanyan, and lines 5 and 5R near the 10th Avenue entrance.
Bike rental options
Two main bike rental services operate in the park:
Parkwide Bike Rentals Parkwide, San Francisco’s official concessionaire, operates from three locations in the park.
Their fleet has:
- City bikes
- Electric bikes
- Tandem bikes
- Kids’ bikes in two sizes
- Trailers and baby seats
You can rent bikes for two hours or full days. The service also lets you drop off bikes between neighborhoods, and sometimes in Sausalito based on availability.
Unlimited Biking
This service provides:
- Free helmets
- Complimentary maps
- Bike bags/baskets
- Bike locks
A paved trail runs 4 miles from one end of the park to the other. Cyclists can ride to attractions like the Dutch Windmill on designated bike paths.
Walking paths
A multi-use trail stretches 2.3 miles from Park Presidio to Murphy Windmill since December 2018.
This path welcomes:
- Hikers
- Cyclists
- Equestrians
The trail follows a historic route near the beach and connects to Bernice Rodgers Way. Visitors can return on the same path or take the paved multi-use path across the park to complete a loop.
Stow Lake Loop serves as a perfect spot for joggers and bird watchers. JFK Promenade’s paths stay mostly flat with gentle slopes on both sides.
The Golden Gate Park Loop stretches 6.9 miles with a 370-foot elevation gain. This trail’s 4.6-star rating from 1,540 reviews makes it the park’s most popular walking route.
Park paths meander through dense forests and open meadows. Clear signs and maps at intersections help visitors navigate easily. New visitors appreciate the quick route to Fulton Avenue where they can catch the 5 or 5R bus downtown.
Most San Franciscans live within a 15-minute walk of a direct Muni ride to the park. Nine Muni lines connect neighborhoods like the Mission, Bayview, and Excelsior through routes including the 44 O’Shaughnessy, 33 Ashbury/18th Street, and 29 Sunset.
Food and Drinks in the Park
Golden Gate Park welcomes food lovers with options ranging from casual picnics to upscale dining. You can pack your own meals or try the local cuisine at eateries scattered throughout the grounds.
Picnic spots
Stow Lake’s dedicated areas like the Pioneer Log Picnic Area make it perfect for classic picnicking. The lake’s southside meadows offer quiet spots away from crowds.
Hellman Hollow boasts nine bookable picnic areas, and each comes with at least two tables. You can enjoy beer and wine in marked areas, though kegs and liquor aren’t allowed.
San Francisco residents can visit the SF Botanical Garden free with valid ID and enjoy several excellent picnic spots. Many visitors love the Confer Lawn best.
Elk Glen’s grassy expanse lets you enjoy:
- Kickball games
- Volleyball matches
- Other lawn activities
Designated areas can host:
- Birthday celebrations
- Social events
- Jump house setups
You can book spots 90 days ahead, and fees depend on group size. Groups larger than 100 people need special permits.
Cafes and restaurants
The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant sits at the park’s western edge and serves modern American dishes with craft ales. Guests enjoy plenty of parking and ocean views.
The Park Chalet Coastal Beer Garden takes the Beach Chalet experience outdoors where the park meets the Pacific.
Blue Heron Boathouse café serves fresh, healthy food.
The Japanese Tea Garden’s Tea House looks out over a beautiful South-facing pond. The space got a makeover recently and now features a custom-designed irori (farmhouse-style family table).
Food trucks add exciting flavors to the park’s dining scene. Annakoot dishes out Indian meals by the Music Concourse bandshell with curries, samosas, and pakoras daily. Sam’s Chowder Mobile brings New England-style seafood on weekends, famous for their award-winning lobster roll.
Sweet tooth? Twirl and Dip Soft Serve parks near the museums. They serve vanilla bean and dark chocolate soft serve, homemade sauces, fresh fruit popsicles, and special sundaes.
The Harry Banana truck shows up at Beach Chalet Soccer Fields on Sundays and specializes in raw, banana-based ice cream with house-made toppings.
Flywheel Coffee runs a kiosk at Stanyan Street’s park entrance, serving quality coffee from this family-owned Haight-Ashbury business.
Need picnic supplies? Nearby Banh Mi Crunch makes Vietnamese sandwiches perfect for park visits. They offer eight bánh mì varieties plus rice and noodle plates. Hokkaido Sashimi Marketplace sells affordable sushi with otoro and kampachi sashimi between $10 and $15,
Family Activities
Golden Gate Park draws families to its playgrounds and educational spaces. Kids can find endless opportunities to learn and have fun. The park’s playground legacy started in 1888 when America’s first public playground opened its gates.
Playground locations
The Koret Children’s Quarter is the park’s biggest playground. It combines historic elements with modern design.
The 2007 renovation added several exciting features:
- A wave-shaped climbing wall
- Rope climbing structures
- The historic concrete slide from earlier days
The 19th Avenue Playground gives families a shaded area with modern equipment.
This popular spot has:
- Two reservable picnic tables
- On-site restrooms
- Space for inflatable play structures (with permit)
- A grassy area perfect for family gatherings
Local families love the Blue Playground at Fulton and 8th Avenue. Another play space sits at 45th Avenue and Lincoln Way, completing the park’s playground collection.
Kid-friendly attractions
Herschell-Spillman Company’s historic carousel from 1914 amazes visitors with its 62 painted animals.
Kids can hop on:
- Dragons and camels
- Horses and frogs
- Dogs and roosters
- Pigs and other creatures
Beautiful panels inside show Bay Area landscapes that help young riders connect with local scenery. Families can easily switch between the carousel and playground activities.
The Skystar Observation Wheel gives riders 12-minute adventures in enclosed gondolas with views from the Pacific Ocean to downtown San Francisco. This largest traveling observation wheel in America will stay in the Music Concourse until March 2025.
The de Young Museum runs Saturday drop-in programs where kids learn art techniques from teaching artists. Young explorers love the observation tower’s 360-degree city views.
California Academy of Sciences captivates young visitors with:
- The Curiosity Grove’s colorful wall puzzle
- Wander Woods for outdoor nature exploration
- Claude, the famous albino alligator
- Sea turtle exhibits
Educational programs
Parks as Classrooms brings learning to life through:
- Indigenous habitat exploration
- Historic landmark visits
- Ancient redwood grove studies
- Coastal preserve investigations
Park staff work together with teachers and community leaders to create programs that connect to school curricula. Students get hands-on experiences through free educational activities.
Project WISE (Watersheds Inspiring Student Education) connects high school students with real-life science. Students from Galileo Academy of Science and Technology and Mission High School conduct scientific studies throughout the year.
Near the carousel, Sharon Art Studio provides creative programs such as:
- Cartooning classes
- Ceramics workshops
- Recycled materials projects
These programs use a “ladder of learning” approach to guide young people from kindergarten through career paths. Students apply classroom concepts to park locations through environmental science activities.
Project WISE students conclude their spring semester by presenting their findings to:
- Park officials
- School district administrators
- Community members
The park’s steadfast dedication to youth education goes beyond traditional subjects to encourage environmental stewardship and social consciousness. Students learn to take care of national parks and their communities.
Local Tips and Tricks
Smart strategies make learning about Golden Gate Park easier and more affordable. We’ll share some insider tips about parking, passes, and photography spots that will help you get the most from your park visit.
Parking secrets
Golden Gate Park has free parking spots, but you need good timing and strategy to find them. You’ll find available spaces in the western section near the bison paddock and Spreckels Lake, with convenient shuttle stops close by.
The Music Concourse Garage gives you 800 spaces with easy access to major attractions if you’re visiting museums. This garage stays open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.
New visitors should think about these parking options:
- Ocean Beach lots give you free parking with plenty of spaces
- The 7th Ave/Irving lot costs less than $3 per hour
- Stow Lake area has reliable parking spots, especially by the boathouse
A vital tip: thieves now use bluetooth sensors to detect hidden electronic devices, so keep valuables out of sight. The park’s eastern section reaches 90% capacity by 1 PM. Early arrival is your best bet for prime spots.
Money-saving passes
You can cut down admission costs with several pass options:
San Francisco CityPASS
- Cuts 45% of the price off four must-see attractions
- Stays valid for nine consecutive days
- Works best if you plan to visit multiple attractions
All-Inclusive Pass
- Saves up to 57% on museums and tours
- Starts at $55 with online promotions
- Lets you pick attractions as you go
Golden Gate Park Garden Pass gets you into three locations:
- San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Conservatory of Flowers
- Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden welcomes visitors free of charge on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 to 10 AM. This is great news for budget-conscious travelers.
Best photo spots
Sutro Baths creates dramatic scenes with waves crashing against historic ruins. Fort Point from the Civil War era shows unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The park offers these excellent photography locations:
Japanese Tea Garden
- Traditional elements create authentic scenes
- Soft morning light adds peaceful atmosphere
- March and April bring peak cherry blossom views
Conservatory of Flowers
- Victorian architecture creates striking images
- Both interior and exterior shots shine
- Overcast weather brings the best results
Strybing Arboretum
- The core team points visitors to seasonal blooms
- Each section shows different botanical backgrounds
- Morning fog adds mysterious elements
The 1914 Herschell-Spillman Golden Gate Carousel gives you special photo opportunities. Nature photographers love Rhododendron Island near Spreckels Lake during bloom season.
Photography experts suggest:
- Weekday visits mean fewer crowds
- Early morning or late afternoon light works best
- Overcast days provide even lighting
Lloyd Lake’s Portals to the Past creates mysterious frames. Huntington Falls on Strawberry Hill shows waterfalls with city backdrops. The Rose Garden gives you year-round flower photography settings.
Label potential spots as “sunny weather,” “overcast weather,” or “rain” locations for best results. This helps you adapt to changing conditions while capturing Golden Gate Park’s varied landscapes.
San Francisco Golden Gate Park Coach Bus Rental
A coach bus rental from Metropolitan Shuttle is the perfect way for large groups to explore the vast beauty of Golden Gate Park, one of San Francisco’s most iconic destinations. Spanning over 1,000 acres, the park is home to stunning gardens, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal spot for school trips, corporate outings, and family gatherings. A private bus ensures easy transportation between top attractions such as the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences, while also allowing time to relax by Stow Lake or explore the hidden trails. With Metropolitan Shuttle, groups can enjoy the park’s diverse offerings without the stress of parking or coordinating multiple vehicles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit to this urban oasis.
Conclusion
Golden Gate Park stands as proof of human ingenuity and vision. The park evolved from barren sand dunes into San Francisco’s premier green space. Its careful development over 150 years has created an oasis spanning 1,017 acres that delights every visitor.
The park’s countless attractions range from world-class museums to secret gardens. The California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum create an amazing cultural experience. Adventurous explorers can enjoy hidden spots like the Fuchsia Dell and Tree Fern Dell.
Multiple playgrounds, educational programs, and the historic carousel bring joy to families. The park remains available to everyone with free shuttles, bike rentals, and well-laid-out walking paths. Visitors can save money with passes and capture perfect photos throughout the grounds.
Each season brings its own unique charm to the park. Clear skies and comfortable temperatures dominate fall, vibrant blooms paint the spring landscape, and summer comes alive with major events like Outside Lands. The fog adds mystery to this urban sanctuary.
Visitors should plan multiple trips to fully appreciate Golden Gate Park’s offerings. They can start with major attractions and gradually find quieter corners and hidden treasures. This lets them experience the park’s grandeur and subtle charms at their own pace.
FAQs
Q1. What are the must-see attractions in Golden Gate Park? The park’s top attractions include the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, and San Francisco Botanical Garden. Each offers unique experiences, from world-class exhibits to serene natural beauty.
Q2. How can I best explore Golden Gate Park? You can explore the park via free shuttle services, bike rentals, or walking paths. The park offers a 4-mile paved trail for cyclists and a 6.9-mile loop for walkers. Free shuttles run daily, connecting major attractions and Muni lines.
Q3. When is the best time to visit Golden Gate Park? Fall, particularly September and October, offers the warmest temperatures and clearest skies. However, each season has its charm: spring for blooms, summer for events like Outside Lands, and winter for lush greenery and migrating whales along the coast.
Q4. Are there family-friendly activities in Golden Gate Park? Yes, the park offers numerous family activities. These include playgrounds like the Koret Children’s Quarter, kid-friendly attractions such as the historic carousel and Skystar Observation Wheel, and educational programs through initiatives like Parks as Classrooms.
Q5. What dining options are available in Golden Gate Park? The park offers various dining experiences, from picnic areas to cafes and restaurants. Notable options include the Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant, Blue Heron Boathouse café, and food trucks like Annakoot for Indian cuisine. There are also numerous picnic spots throughout the park for those who prefer to bring their own food.
