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.
Crepe Myrtle Garden
The Crepe Myrtle Garden 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.
Salvia Garden
The Salvia Garden features six different varieties of sage and a magnificent Crepe Myrtle tree. Enjoy their vibrant blooms while you stroll beside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.
Papyrus Garden
Papyrus was used by ancient Egyptians to make one of the world’s first types of paper. These aquatic plants can be found in the lakes of Africa and next to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial here at the Yerba Buena Gardens.
California Native Garden
California Native plants originated within and evolved alongside the Californian landscape. They provide food for a myriad of Californian birds and insects. Visit this garden to find fragrant lilac, delicate fuchsia, and classic yarrow plants. You just might spot a hummingbird, sparrow, or scrub jay along the way.
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 Luna 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.
Bamboo Garden
Bamboo is technically a grass, yet it has a similar strength to wood. Stroll through the stately stalks before stopping for a bite along Yerba Buena Lane.
Perennial Garden
Perennial plants live more than two years and bloom year after year. Our collection includes azaleas, hibiscus, hydrangeas, and lilies.
Agapanthus Garden
In the Agapanthus Garden, say hi to Raghu, the life-size juvenile elephant made of lantana wood. This art installation supports the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in Southern India. Learn more here.
Sister Cities Garden
The Sister Cities 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).
Rose Garden
This garden can be found within the Sister Cities Garden. Six different rose varieties welcome people from all nations and continents. Their universally beloved fragrance symbolizes the common humanity we all share.
Succulent Garden
Located on the Howard Street pedestrian bridge, the Succulent Garden features a wild assortment of desert species, from small to large.
Ginkgo Garden
Stop by the Carousel and enjoy our 16 Ginkgo trees. Hailing from East Asia, this ‘living fossil’ looks similar to fossilized trees that lived over 170 million years ago. If you would like to memorialize a loved one, you can donate to dedicate a Ginkgo in their honor.
Fruit Tree Garden
Located around the ‘Fun Zone’ are 10 types of fruit trees including plum, lemon, fig, and loquat. Stroll through their shade while visiting the Playground, Bowling Center, and Ice Arena.
Learning and Sensory Garden
The Learning and Sensory Garden was updated in 2019 to be a place to let your young ones wander and wonder. Feel your senses come alive as you take in the scent of mint and
lavender, see bright orange marigolds, and enjoy the shade of olive trees.
Native Slopes Garden
Visit four murals along Fourth Street and enjoy this collection of California native plants and succulents. This garden features manzanita, yarrow, and coffeeberry underneath art pieces celebrating Filipino culture and heritage.
Chinese Medicinal Garden
Installed in Summer 2026, the Chinese Medicinal Garden represents the five integral elements to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Wood, Metal, Fire, Water, and Earth. These plants had historic uses to treat illnesses and pain.
Japanese Garden
Visit the Zen garden to release stress and enjoy nature. In spring, the cherry trees bloom in vibrant white and pink.
