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.
Visitacion Valley + Portola + Crocker-Amazon
Visitacion Valley Greenway
Featuring a healthy communal herb garden, you'll likely smell the aromatics wafting from the greenway before you see it. It's also a well-known butterfly watching area. // Campbell and Rutland St. (Visitacion Valley), sfrecpark.org
Kelloch and Velasco Mini Park
Nine-to-fivers often relax on a park bench overlooking this humble neighborhood green space. Take refuge from the sun under the gazebo or sweat it out on the public basketball courts. // Kelloch and Velasco St. (Visitacion Valley), sfrecpark.org
Visitacion Valley Playground
Scaled by unique climbing structures and padded by sand, the Vistacion Valley Playground is a safe space for even the most adventurous three-year-old. The onsite clubhouse can serve as a private event's space too, should you be looking for a place to host your kiddo's next birthday party. // 50 Raymond Ave. (Visitacion Valley), sfrecpark.org
Little Hollywood Park
Anchored by a wooden playground and surrounded by tall, shading shrubbery, Little Hollywood Park is a delight to the senses. Let the family dog expend excess energy or join a game of basketball on the courts. // Tocoloma and Lathrop Ave. (Visitacion Valley), sfrecpark.org
Louis Sutter Playground
With sweeping views of nearby McNab Lake, Louis Sutter Playground caters just as much to grade-schoolers as it does to avid wildlife watchers. Feel free to bring the pup too; Louis Sutter Playground is an off-leash friendly public space. // Wayland Dr. and University Dr. (Portrero), sfrecpark.org
Herz Playground
Sure, there are activities for the little ones to partake in, but the large off-leash dog area is the true welcome addition to the neighborhood. Take a dip in Coffman Pool, just a stone's throw from the playground. // Hahn and Visitacion Ave. (Visitacion Valley), sfrecspark.org
John Mclaren Park
San Francisco's second-largest park sits south of the city. Weave through the seven miles of well-manicured trails that wind through 312 acres. // Mansell St. John F. Shelley Dr (Excelsior), sfrecspark.org
Crocker Amazon Playground
Want to burn off some steam with a heart pumping workout? Run it out on one of five full-size soccer, baseball and softball fields, as well as tennis, basketball and bocce courts. // Moscow and Geneva Ave. (Crocker-Amazon), sfrecpark.org
Alice Chalmers Playground
Take the kids to jump around at this small urban park, well-appointed with public play courts and large playground.Parking on Brunswick St. is plentiful. // 670 Brunswick St. (Crocker-Amazon), sfrecpark.org
