San Francisco Botanical Garden is in the heart of Golden Gate Park, a refuge of beauty in the middle of the City. The garden encompasses 55 acres, and it's a prime place for taking a guided tour or just strolling around on your own.

Enter the Garden at 9th Street, or just past the Japanese Gardens to start your tour. Start out at the Redwood Trail or in the summer, enjoy the blooming perennials at the Zellerbach Garden. Early spring is the best time to see the Native Garden, where indigenous flowers are in full bloom. And February is time for magnolias! Kids will enjoy the self-guided treasure hunt, and everyone will love the bird walk on the first Sunday of every month.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

San Francisco Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 661-1316
http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-francisco-botanical-garden-san-francisco-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Dave Catchpole