Take in the Greenspace
Gardens
The sound of water, the scent of flowers, sunlight and the warmth of people from all over unfold across Yerba Buena Gardens. Each of the gardens was designed to be inclusive, and the plantings reflect the diversity of cultures in San Francisco and beyond. The green oasis and the backdrop of buildings, bridges, walkways, churches and plazas create a sense of belonging and longing to be here, dosing on vitamin N (nature). Downtown is described as the heart of San Francisco. We see Yerba Buena Gardens as its soul.
The Great Lawn
The Great Lawn spans over five acres of green space with manicured grass, mature trees offering a forest-like canopy and a diversity of flora that attracts a spectrum of fauna all year. Public art abounds, providing a variety of genres along with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the large-scale centerpiece that is one of three nationally of this size and scope. During the week, park patrons of all ages come to reflect and relax, soaking in the rays during the day and the stars at night. The Great Lawn also hosts a free summer concert series.
Cho-En Butterfly Garden
Artist Reiko Goto created a graceful and serene Butterfly Garden where the plantings offer a habitat for butterflies to thrive. The garden includes informative tiles on the evolution of the butterfly from egg to larva to pupa. It is a great place to connect with nature for a healthy outlook.
Reflection Garden
Artists Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and James Lunain created the Oche Wat Te Ou Reflection Garden in 1993. The garden is a tribute to the first nations of the native Ohlone. The site offers a contemplative environment that harkens to the traditions of storytelling and poetry.
Upper Terrace
The Upper Terrace provides the best panorama of the Great Lawn, and the overall setting allows you to create photo memories to treasure. The Upper Terrace includes a reflecting pool, sitting directly above the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Lin Utzon’s fine art continues here with stone patterns that tell a story.
Sister Cities Garden
The Sister City Garden, which runs the length of the Upper Terrace, is dotted with skylights that offer ambient light to the Moscone Conference Center Expo Hall below. The garden features flowers from several of the 19 sister cities, which include Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), Assisi (Italy), Bengaluru (India), Barcelona (Spain), Cork (Ireland), Haifa (Israel), Seoul (South Korea), Sydney (Australia), Taipei (Taiwan), Amman (Jordan), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Krakow (Poland), Manila (Philippines), Paris (France), Shanghai (China), Thessaloniki (Greece), Zurich (Switzerland), Osaka (Japan) and Kiel (Germany).
Children's Garden
Designed by Adele Santos, the Children’s Garden covers a large footprint of over 130,000 square feet. It offers an amphitheater, shaded gardens, relaxing swings and over two acres of green space to bathe in the sunlight. The Ice Arena, Bowling Center and Children’s Creativity Museum are in view. You can also access the onsite childcare facility weekdays through the Children’s Garden.
Playground and Tot Lot
The playground is in the process of a major upgrade after 30 years, with a fully accessible surface and related amenities. It still retains its main attraction, the tall metal slides. The Tot Lot, which was updated in 2019 along with the Learning and Sensory Garden, let your young ones wander and wonder.
Crepe Myrtle Garden
The Crepe Myrtle Garden, which was recently redesigned, sits invitingly on the northeast corner of the Gardens campus. Over 30 crepe myrtles with four distinctive colors, perennials, annuals and a water feature lit at night offer a contemplative and colorful space. Its cacophony of sound and light make you want to stay awhile.
