Hotels near Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's answer to Central Park, only larger - a 1,017-acre rectangle of gardens, lakes, meadows and museums stretching from the city centre out to the Pacific. Within it sit the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers and even a small herd of bison.

It is a place to slow down: rent a rowing boat on Stow Lake, wander the botanical garden, or cycle the car-free roads at weekends. The park rewards a half day or more and links the central neighbourhoods to Ocean Beach at its western end.

Pro Tip: JFK Drive through the park is car-free, so bring or rent a bike to cover the distances comfortably. The Japanese Tea Garden is loveliest and quietest soon after opening, and the Conservatory of Flowers makes a good rainy-day stop.