How to Enjoy the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park

The Japanese Tea Gardens in San Francisco's Golden Gate park are a joy to behold. This small, yet intricately created space, is a wonderful spot to visit during your stay in San Francisco. It's enjoyable for all ages and especially fun for families.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Park anywhere along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, near Stow Lake. Parking is free, but can be difficult to find. Stow Lake is directly across the street and serves as a good picnic spot if you'll be at the Gardens around meal time.

2. Enter through the Main Gate, just off of Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. There's a modest fee for admission (discounted for seniors and children). Admission is free at certain days and times, depending on the season (typically before 10:00 a.m. and for the last hour of entry).

3. Walk around the beautifully sculpted gardens and enjoy the various Buddha statues and gently formed shrubbery. The walk is very peaceful and serene, with a number of different paths leading around the small gardens. Make sure you try the long bridge walk to toss a penny into the waters and make a wish.

4. Scale the Drum Bridge, a semi-circular bridge that is quite a climb for small children and adults alike. It boasts a steep incline and is a wonderful spot to take pictures.

5. Head over to the gift shop for small souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

6. Enjoy a cup of tea and cookies at the Tea House. There is a wide variety of teas, though the prices are a bit steep. Still, it's a good central spot to sit while the children explore the Drum Bridge for the hundredth time.