The Japanese Tea Garden provides visitors from around the world with an opportunity to experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

Originally created as a “Japanese Village” exhibit for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the garden in March and April.

Admission to the Japanese Tea Garden is free for San Francisco residents with valid ID. Free hours for everyone (even non-residents) are 9-10 am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For more information please visit the link below:

https://sf.funcheap.com/japanese-tea-gardens-free-admission-hour-golden-gate-park-157/

Embarcadero Waterfront Park Revitalization Moves Forward

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to revamp Embarcadero Plaza and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park as part of ongoing efforts to boost Downtown’s public spaces. The project is a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, real estate developer BXP, and the Downtown SF Partnership.

The redevelopment will merge Embarcadero Plaza, South Embarcadero, and Sue Bierman Park into a single 5-acre park — double the size of Union Square. The new design, led by architecture firm HOK, will replace the current concrete layout with lush green spaces, walking paths, and recreational areas. Plans include sculpture gardens, food trucks, volleyball courts, picnic spots, and a bandshell stage for live performances.

BXP will contribute approximately $2.5 million toward the design, while city agencies will seek public and private funding to cover the remainder of the estimated $25-$30 million cost.

The project aims to create a more inviting space along San Francisco’s waterfront, supporting the city’s broader Downtown revitalization efforts.

Over the past year, the City has invested significant effort into reinvigorating Embarcadero Plaza.

• In November 2023, Rec and Park installed two pop-up padel courts, with a third court installed in October 2024. The courts were the first public padel courts in Northern California.
• In July 2024, 5,000 people descended on the plaza to enjoy a free Downtown concert held by Another Planet, Dirtybird: Back to Baysics featuring Sacha Robotti, Mz Worthy, Smalltown DJs, & Deron Delgado b2b Moody Jones.
• In August 2024, the City launched the free pilot summer series Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza, bringing fun weekly scheduled activities to Downtown, including trivia nights, dance lessons, DJs, live music, happy hours, and more.
• In September 2024, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival held its long running summer series Free Shakespeare in the Park at Sue Bierman Park for the first time, featuring a production of the classic “The Tempest.”

For more information please follow the link below

https://sfrecpark.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2115

https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/sfs-brand-5acre-embarcadero-waterfront-park/