San Francisco Botanical Garden

9th Ave & Lincoln WayGolden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94122(415) 661-1316

Whether you have ten minutes or a life-time, there's always something new to see & do at the Botanical Garden. They are open every day of the week and offer access to beautiful grounds packed with a huge variety of plants of varying species, ranging from our famous redwood grove to tracts of plants from all over the world. Some of which are no longer found in their native homes. They also have plant sales that give the public a unique opportunity to acquire plants seldom found in garden centers.

The park was established in 1940. The development of Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden was due to John McLaren's vision, skill, and long lifespan. McLaren chose the site for the present Garden in 1889. In 1926 the Garden became a reality with start up funding from Helene Strybing. John McLaren hired Eric Walther as a gardener in 1918. Walther took the initiative of becoming a student of botanist Alice Eastwood, and by 1924 McLaren gave Walther the responsibility for compiling the plant list included in the Golden Gate Park's annual report. In 1937 Walther was placed in charge of the Garden and together he and McLaren developed the original plan. Walther remained the Director of the Garden until his retirement in 1957. During his tenure he emphasized education, guided tours and arranging displays of ornamental plants that could be grown successfully in the area.