A Beautiful Visit to SF’s Golden Gate Japanese Tea Garden
The City
San Francisco the fourth most populous city in California is full of color, life and culture! You have ocean, cable cars, shopping, delicious food, architecture, crowds of diverse people, and some of the most spectacular gardens!
Golden Gate Park
Over 1 thousand acres of natures beauty, inspiration, and entertainment. There is no fee to enter the park but various costs depending on what you choose to do. A picnic and walk in this majestic park is a wonderful time and practically free! However, to visit the gardens there is a minimal fee. Usually $10-$20 depending on day and garden.
For me it’s free because I am a member of the Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery in Walnut Creek, California. It grants myself and a guest free admission to many garden’s throughout Northern California that are associated with the American Horticulture Society. (Interested in a AHS membership, Click Here) Also there are many gardens throughout Northern California you can go to for Free without membership. See my post about the UC Davis Arboretum!
On this particular Winter day, I decided to take a jaunt into the city to visit Golden Gate Park. I knew the sun was going to be shining, the air crisp, and because it was a weekday; I’d beat the crowds! First Stop:
Japanese Tea Garden
This fabulous garden is lush with color, koi ponds, wandering paths, wooden bridges, and beautiful pagodas. The fall colors were still vibrant as ever and it made for the most stunning images.
Information and Hours
The Japanese Tea Garden is open daily 9am – Last Entry (depending on season). Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am – 10am entry is FREE.
Admission varies on day of week and ranges from free (SF residents, AHS members) to $17.
Free 60 min Walking Tour with admission. Be sure to check dates for tours available HERE
Don’t forget to stop by their wonderful Gift Shop! Lots of Japanese inspired items for sale including some of the tea cookies served at the tea house, (I always grab a few bags!) Tea House info below.
As you walk the various stone paths, wooden bridges, and walkways you can hear birds singing and I promise it’ll make your soul sing too as you meander in such peaceful beauty.
As beautiful and quaint as the garden itself, there is a lovely wooden covered platform nestled in the center of the garden with panoramic views that are open to the elements. It has seating along the edges with wooden counters and stools that allow for garden and koi pond views, or the farmhouse-style community table. (please note it is not enclosed and on this day it was a tad chilly but nothing a hot cup of tea couldn’t warm.)
There is the perfect selection of teas and for those who must have coffee or other chilled beverages, there is that as an option as well. In addition to the Grilled Rice Cake (yum), and the various cookies displayed, they also served numerous savory soups and grilled items. See menu and info HERE. This Tea House would make a wonderful place for a lovely lunch date ♥
As you peacefully walk the paths and cross the bridges you will enjoy the sound of the various small waterfall features that pour into the koi ponds throughout this tranquil garden.
A simply wonderful day visiting the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden. Next time you head to the City make sure to stop and enjoy the gardens ♥ Perhaps this one at the top of your list!
Until the next adventure friends ~ cheers!
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