Yerba Buena Gardens

Overview

Yerba Buena Gardens is a 5.5-acre public park and cultural destination in San Francisco, featuring lush gardens, public art, and a variety of attractions. It's a hub for arts, culture, and outdoor relaxation in the heart of the city.

Yerba Buena Gardens serves as a vital green space and cultural center in downtown San Francisco, offering a mix of nature, art, and entertainment.

Public Park Cultural Destination Urban Oasis

Location

Address

750 Howard St., San Francisco, California

Neighborhood: SOMA (South of Market)

Coordinates

37.786100, -122.402200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

tuesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

wednesday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

thursday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

friday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

saturday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

sunday 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Admission

Adults

Free

Children

Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning or late afternoon

Fewer crowds and more pleasant temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

• Blooming gardens
• Outdoor concerts

summer

Warm and sunny

• Extended park hours
• Outdoor films and performances

autumn

Cool and comfortable

• Fall foliage
• Harvest festivals

winter

Cold and rainy

• Holiday lights and decorations
• Indoor attractions

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Free admission
Open daily
Check event schedules

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Weather-appropriate clothing Sunscreen

seasonal

Umbrella or rain jacket Warm layers

not allowed

Drones Alcohol Pets (except service animals)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

• Uneven surfaces in some areas

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards, Mobile payments

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0

parking $15-20/hour

food $10-20

souvenirs $10-30

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable clothing and walking shoes, Comfortable walking shoes, Revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• Not required for general admission
• Official website for events and exhibits
• Varies by event
• Not applicable

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Yerba Buena Gardens App

Size: 25 MB

Features: Event schedules, Park map, Information on attractions and exhibitions

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Esplanade, Near food trucks

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Near food trucks

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Distance: 22 km

Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

taxi

$50-60 30-45 min

public_transport

$9 50-60 min

From City Center

Distance: 2-3 km

public_transport

$2.50 15-20 min

bus

$2.50 20-25 min

taxi/bike_sharing

$10-15 (taxi), $2-3 (bike sharing) 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: A peaceful oasis in the bustling city, offering a mix of nature, art, and culture

Historical Significance: Developed as part of the city's urban renewal efforts in the 1990s, transforming a former rail yard into a vibrant public space

Insider Tips

Weekday mornings are the least crowded
The park hosts free outdoor movies and concerts during the summer
There are several hidden art installations throughout the gardens

Local Recommendations

• Try the food trucks near the Esplanade
• Visit the nearby art galleries
• Ask staff for recommendations on current exhibitions

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide shots to capture the full memorial

Result: Stunning portraits and landscapes

#YerbaBuenaGardens #SanFrancisco #TravelCalifornia

Esplanade

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Low angle for the skyline

Result: Beautiful cityscape photos

#UrbanPhotography #CityViews #GoldenHour

Yerba Buena Gardens Glass Garden

Best Time: Daytime

Tips: Close-ups of the glass sculptures

Result: Unique and colorful photos

#ArtInstallation #PublicArt #SanFranciscoArt

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas, Esplanade, Gardens

prohibited areas Indoor exhibitions (without permission)

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, not allowed in indoor exhibitions

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without a permit

tripod policy Allowed in outdoor areas, not allowed in indoor exhibitions

selfie sticks Allowed

Nearby Attractions

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Metreon

Distance: 400m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Shopping and Entertainment Complex

Moscone Center

Distance: 500m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Convention Center

San Francisco City Hall

Distance: 800m

Walking: 12 min

Type: Historical Building

Union Square

Distance: 1.2 km

Walking: 17 min

Type: Shopping and Dining District

Reviews

4.6

Based on 15,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience"
"Check out the free outdoor concerts in the summer"
"Don't miss the Glass Garden"

Contact Information

+1 (415) 543-1718

info@yerbabuena.org

www.yerbabuena.org

Social Media

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