By Liam P. Mayclem–
As we come out from our quarantine bubbles and breathe the fresh San Francisco air, maskless, once again we are rediscovering the city we love to call home. While San Francisco has many challenges, there is incredible beauty here and much of it lies in the third most visited park in America: San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The park has also hit a major milestone with its 150th anniversary this year.
There are 1017 acres to explore, by foot or by bike, skateboard or by car. Even if you spent an entire week in the park, there may still be things you would not discover.
The park is so very special to me. I’ve enjoyed concerts with the likes of Paul McCartney & Neil Young at Outside Lands. I’ve been to dozens of exhibitions at the de Young, and I have spent hours reflecting and remembering in the National AIDS Memorial Grove. I’ve enjoyed hours whizzing around by bike with pals, and I recently spent a day loafing in the park with Yolanda, my partner Rick’s Mom who is also a Mom to me. Our visit that day had me falling in love with the 415 and GGP all over again as we walked and talked, smelling flowers and plants along the way. Golden Gate Park is a park for everyone and here are a few reasons I love it so:
The National AIDS Memorial Grove
There is immediate quiet the moment you enter the grove with just the chorus of chirping birds to be heard. This is the place we come to remember the many friends we lost too young and too soon to HIV/AIDS. It’s a humbling experience being here, and knowing many of the names etched on the ground makes it very real. It’s a place to come and reflect and pay respects to those we lost, but also to celebrate those living and thriving with HIV.
San Francisco Botanical Gardens
I am a glutton for a lovely garden, but this is the garden of all gardens, boasting 55 acres of jaw-dropping botanical beauty, showcasing more than 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world. Allow yourself a few hours to explore the entire garden. You’ll find plants and flowers you’ve never seen before. The oversized waterlilies always take my breath away. Locals get complimentary admission.
de Young Museum
This is the place to visit for one of the world’s largest collections of African art. Most of the collection dates from the 19th century through the mid-20th century, when tremendous political, economic, and religious change impacted art and culture in many societies through colonialism, imperialism, war, and globalism. The revolving exhibits are also always inspiring. A current exhibition by Hung Liu highlights international and domestic narratives of migration. Reimagining some of her most iconic paintings, such as Resident Alien, through the lens of her personal trajectory, she celebrates and places herself among the people who arrived in California from both land and sea. My fave spot at the museum is the top floor viewing deck that allows for some of the most wonderful 360-degree views of the city to downtown, to the beach and all corners of SF.
https://deyoung.famsf.org/exhibitions/hung-liu
Ferris Wheel
This is the new kid on the block that gives visitors a great way to view the park and beyond. Standing high, the ferris wheel boasts unrivaled views, and the wheel moves slowly enough for you to take it all in. The $18 fee for the million-dollar views is worth every cent. There is also a VIP experience worth booking for a special occasion.
Japanese Tea Garden
This is a special place for me. I recall visiting as a tourist when on vacation in SF in 1992. I was charmed by the servers in traditional dress in the tea-house and warmed by the delish jasmine tea during a cold, foggy summer day. The wishing bridge, the koi-filled pond, and the perfectly appointed benches all around add to the allure here. Note to locals: bring your ID for a discounted entrance fee.
https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com
Roller Skate Disco Party
This Noon–5 pm Sunday disco party is as San Francisco as it gets with all manner of people from all over the Bay united in their love for disco & skating. It’s always a step back in time and an opportunity to don your disco diva attire.
Academy of Sciences
This is where the kids and kids in all of us come to discover & learn. The special event nights “after dark” are always a blast. Reconnect with favorite faces (we’re looking at you, Claude!) while exploring new and familiar spaces. With nearly 40,000 live animals, two new exhibits, the iconic Shake House, four-story Rainforest, and outdoor dining beneath the stars, the night is sure to be wild. For adults 21+.
No Car Streets
During the pandemic we had the joy of walking through a park mostly free of cars. On weekends especially, boarders, bikers, skaters, and walkers ruled the streets. Many hope these carless streets will remain.
I can’t say enough good things about Golden Gate Park—it’s our urban oasis for us to enjoy, and what a gift to us all it is. Now if we would only all take more time to enjoy it.
Happy birthday, Golden Gate Park! 150 years young and still thriving.
https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park
Emmy Award-winning radio and television personality Liam Mayclem is regularly featured on KPIX as well as KCBS, where he is the popular Foodie Chap. Born in London, Mayclem is now at home in the Bay Area, where he lives with his husband, photographer Rick Camargo. For more information: https://www.bookliam.com/
Published on July 15, 2021
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