Golden Gate Park
Measuring more than 1,000 acres, the Golden Gate Park has stood as a symbol of natural beauty, easily earning the title as one of the most visited city parks in all of America. As San Franciscans turned their attention to the happenings of New York City’s Central Park, residents began to yearn for their own scenic community dwelling. Today, although similar in shape, Golden Gate Park possesses an array of unique and one-of a-kind features that sets it apart from other urban settings.
During the 1860s, plans were put into motion to transform the bleak sand and shore dunes that decorated San Francisco into a usable, inviting park for the all to enjoy. In 1870, a field engineer named William Hammond Hill organized a survey and developed a topographic map that would serve as the blueprint for the new park site. One year later, he was deemed commissioner of the project. At first, the park plans were met with natural opposition as engineers attempted to sketch a course of action that would add traverse roadways throughout the park. The positioning of gems, such as the Concourse and the Arboretum, made this difficult to achieve.
In the beginning, ¾ of the park was covered in ocean dunes, but were soon blanketed with various tree plantings. By 1875, the area bloomed with close to 60,000 trees, such as the Blue Gum Eucalyptus and the Monterey Pine. Four years later, 155,000 trees were placed over 1,000 acres of land. In 1903, the Dutch Windmills found their home at the western end of the park with an initial duty to pump water and life throughout the park.
Throughout the years, Golden Gate Park saw the establishment of a wealth of intriguing and entertaining attractions. To name a few, the Japanese Tea Garden welcomed visitors after it originally served as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. The plans for the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum were realized during the 1890s, but planting was stalled until 1937 due to lack of sufficient funds. Local donations helped place the garden on the map. The De Young Museum was first built in 1921 and has since undergone complete renovation and re-opened in 2005.
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Chocolate Bank Robbery Scavenger Hunt
Sat. 06/01 | 10:00AM @ Golden Gate Park
Ever wanted to rob a bank… that’s full of chocolate? Try it June 1st! Sign up here Scavenger Hunt Details: Starting location: Top of Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park Starting: Sat…more»
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14th Annual Guinness Oyster & Music Festival
Sat. 06/01 | 11:00AM - Sat. 06/01 @ Golden Gate Park
The14th annual Guinness Oyster & Music Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco from 11am – 6pm. Over 300,000 attendees have enjoyed live musi…more»
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Chipotle Cultivate Festival
Sat. 06/08 | 11:00AM - Sat. 06/08 @ Golden Gate Park
A Festival that brings together farmers, chefs, thought leaders, artists, musicians, and participants like you, on a journey towards a world of more sustainable, wholesome and delicious food.
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San Francisco Bicycle Music Festival VII
Sat. 06/22 | 12:00PM @ Golden Gate Park
w/ Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands, John Craigie, Heather Normandale, CelloJoe, more.
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Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival 2013
Fri. 08/09 | 12:00PM - Sun. 08/11 | 11:00PM @ Golden Gate Park
Ranger Dave cordially requests your company at the 6th annual Outside Lands to be held August 9th-11th, 2013 in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. 3-Day GA and VIP Tickets are…more»
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33rd Annual Comedy Day in Golden Gate Park!
Sun. 09/15 | 12:00PM - Sun. 09/15 @ Golden Gate Park
One Stage. Five Hours. 40 Comedians. A Million Laughs! Absolutely FREE! Comedy Day is the original FREE outdoor comedy concert on the sloping greens of Sharon Meadow in Golden Gate Park featu…more»
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Tour de Fat
Sat. 09/21 | 7:00PM @ Golden Gate Park
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Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Fri. 10/04 | 11:00AM - Sun. 10/06 | 6:00PM @ Golden Gate Park
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, previously Strictly Bluegrass, or HSB for short, is an annual free music festival held the first weekend of October in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. From its out…more»
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