Guided Golden Gate Park Walking Tour with California Academy of Sciences Ticket - Optional VIP Upgrade

ExperienceFirst - San Francisco, California

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Highlights

This tour captures the heart of Golden Gate Park’s beauty and history, from Victorian conservatories to poignant memorials, topped with a world-class museum visit. Whether you’re chasing views or exploring science, it’s a San Francisco adventure you won’t forget!

About This Deal

Highlights

  • 2-hour guided walking tour of Golden Gate Park, exploring historical landmarks and hidden gems

  • See iconic sights, like the Japanese Tea Garden’s red pagoda, and the Shakespeare Garden’s literary plants

  • Admire formal flower beds, palm trees, a floral clock, and sculptures outside a grand Victorian conservatory

  • Reflect at the National AIDS Memorial Grove, a peaceful 10-acre tribute

  • Take in panoramic views from the Hamon Observation Tower, including the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days

  • Visit the California Academy of Sciences, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest

  • Optional VIP Upgrade: A 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy’s Living Roof, gem vault, and more


What To Expect

Golden Gate Park is massive, and this guided walking tour ensures you don’t miss any of its most iconic spots. Your expert guide will lead you through the pedestrian-only JFK Promenade, known as the Golden Mile, showcasing landmarks like the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the National AIDS Memorial Grove. You’ll explore the oldest Victorian-era wood-and-glass conservatory in North America, stroll through a Shakespeare-inspired garden, and pause at the poignant memorial honoring those lost to AIDS. Your guide will share fascinating stories, like the Japanese Tea Garden’s history dating back to the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, and point out the best spots for photos, like the iconic red pagoda.

A scenic view of the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park with the red pagoda.

Next, head up to the Hamon Observation Tower for sweeping 360-degree views of the park, with a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days. After the walk, your adventure continues with a visit to the California Academy of Sciences, where you’ll explore a world-class natural history museum, featuring 46 million specimens, an aquarium, planetarium, and a four-story rainforest. For a truly immersive experience, you can opt for the VIP upgrade, granting you exclusive access to the Living Roof, the gem vault, skip-the-line perks, and reserved seating in the planetarium, all while enjoying a 10% discount on dining.


Plan Your Visit

  • Operating Hours Starts at 9 AM
    Fri-Sun
  • Duration 4 hours
    2 hours self-guided
  • Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
    Stroller accessible
  • Meeting Point Robert Emmet Statue, Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco
  • End Point California Academy of Sciences, Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco

Itinerary

Conservatory of Flowers

Views of the blooms and sculptures outside a giant Victorian conservatory

National AIDS Memorial Grove

A 10-acre memorial in a peaceful green setting

Shakespeare Garden

Planted with trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs from the Bard’s plays and poems

Japanese Tea Garden

Dating to the 1890s and featuring an iconic red pagoda

De Young Museum

Where you’ll climb the Hamon Observation Tower for 360-degree views of the park and beyond

California Academy of Sciences

Your ticket to explore one of the largest natural history museums in the world, housing over 46 million specimens and a four-story rainforest

Optional upgrade: VIP tour at the academy

For a guided visit behind the scenes, including off-limit areas atop the Living Roof, access to the private gem vault, and more



How It Works

1. Plan your visit

Select and reserve your preferred date

2. Grab the Deal

Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!

3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

Scan your Groupon upon arrival

4. Enjoy the Experience!


FAQs

When should I arrive?

Guests should arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a timely start

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers less than 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace, perfect for everyone

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers

Do I need to tip the guide?

Gratuities are not included but are welcome for outstanding guides

What’s included in the California Academy ticket?

The ticket grants admission to all exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences. The VIP upgrade includes private access, skip-the-line perks, reserved planetarium seating, and a 10% discount on dining

Fine Print

Promotional value expires Aug 31, 2026. All sales final. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

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