The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: Graft, Gunfire and a 90-Year-Old Fish

Golden Gate Park is a serene oasis in the heart of San Francisco. It’s larger than New York’s Central Park and is filled with museums, lakes, bison, a Ferris wheel and more than a thousand acres of meadows, redwood groves and curated gardens. But it didn’t get this way without some drama. The story of Golden Gate Park is also the story of arrogant tycoons humbled by natural disasters, gunfire and graft. It's the story of a city that honors its fallen and of one giant, stuffed 150-year-old grizzly bear (that happens to be on the California flag). You'll find all of the above on this walking tour by San Francisco Chronicle journalists Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight, the team behind Total SF. Some of the highlights include: • Conservatory of Flowers: Discover the (controversial) first museum in Golden Gate Park. • AIDS Memorial Grove: Hear the inspiring story of a volunteer-driven sanctuary built out of love. • California Academy of Sciences: Learn about the museum's resident 90-year-old fish and reindeer-friendly roof. • Stow Lake: See some of the most stunning and underrated views in San Francisco. • Music Concourse: Visit where the Golden Gate Park Band has been performing for San Franciscans for 139 years. You'll hear the band's music during the tour and can learn more and support the band at goldengateparkband.org. • Sweeny Observatory and Monarch Grove: Tour the ruins of a shrine to wealthy excess, and hear about the park's ties to the bear on the California flag. This tour combines Peter and Heather’s love for exploring San Francisco with the time they’ve spent scouring The San Francisco Chronicle archive for the best stories that no one is talking about. Join them on this entertaining 90 min hike through Golden Gate Park for natives, newcomers and tourists alike.

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