Golden Gate Park

On a sunny day in San Francisco, there is no better place to be than the Golden Gate Park. In fact there is so much to do in the Golden Gate Park that it could easily take up half this list. There are more than 1,000 acres of sprawling gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds, making the park 20 percent larger than New York’s Central Park.

There are many highlights within the park. The Japanese Tea garden, a five acre garden of Japanese tranquillity and beauty, bonsais, cherry blossoms (at the right time of year), and of course, koi ponds. The indoor rainforest at the Academy of Sciences building (which also has a spectacular “living” roof) is well worth a visit. You can also gaze upon real live buffalo, some of the most majestic native animals in America, in the Bison Paddock.
If the weather isn’t too great, head into the stunning de Young Museum, a modern art museum rebuilt in 2005 by famed architects Jacques Herzog, and Pierre de Meuron. However if it is a lovely day, you should rent a boat and take a memorable paddle around Stow Lake (boat rental costs $25).

If you visit on the weekend, why not hire a bicycle? John F Kennedy Drive is closed to cars every Saturday and Sunday!