Golden Gate and Dolores might get top billing, but San Francisco is literally blooming with public parks—did you know there is one city park per every half-mile here?
Grab your picnic blankets and a good read—here's our complete guide to SF parks, neatly organized for you by neighborhood.
Russian Hill
Fay Park
Explore the lattice gardens, boxwood hedges, and other green attraction in this quarter-acre plot off Lombard Street. Take note of the 1910 architecture and housing surrounding the terraced gardens./ 2366 Leavenworth St. (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org
Alice Marble Courts
Play tennis with a view of the San Francisco Bay—but don't get too distracted. A bevy of running trails can be found surrounding the perimeter of the park, too. // Greenwich and Hyde St. (Russian Hill), sfrekpark.org
Michelangelo Playground
A well-planted gem worth its weight in topsoil, this half-acre park is great for playing basketball, having a spontaneous picnic, or just straight-up relaxing atop the lush greens. // Greenwich and Jones St. (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org
Hyde and Vallejo Mini Park
Take a siesta or escape the work grind for a bit at this tenth-acre planted space. Check out the the Old World–inspired walkway weaving together this small 15-acre park. // Hyde and Vallejo St. (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org
Ina Coolbrith Park
With grand views of the Bay, this cute urban park is a fantastic place to get some midday R&R. Word to the wise: It's a steep hike up from the street, so trekking to the top of Ina Coolbrith Park isn't exactly a walk in the park. // Vallejo and Taylor St. (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org
Helen Wills Playground
With a pimped-out playground for the kiddos and copious benches to lounge on, it's an urban delight for all ages; the wrapping boardwalk also offers stellar views of the neighborhood. // Broadway and Larkin St. (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org
Broadway Tunnel West Mini Park
Seek shelter among the towering evergreens, then take a stroll through the Cable Car Museum just a few blocks south of the park. // 1201 Broadway (Russian Hill), sfrecpark.org