Just saw grateful dead here. I love their record authentic American Beauty. Ripple is amazing song. Crowded. Heaps of Dead heads. Weir. Hart. Mayer. More. Started with extraordinary uncle john band. Stellar show. One star deduction. Had to stash bag outside yet was there after the show n met interesting folks. Golden Gate park is a boon to San Francisco. Peace. read more

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Despite its name, polo is rarely played on the Polo Fields. So this is like Greenland isn't really green or Whoopi Goldberg wasn't really excited. Though it has six regulation soccer pitches on the grass field, a .67-mile cycle track, and a .75-mile dirt track used for running and horse riding, it is best known as a venue for annual footraces (Bay to Breakers), competition (Ultimate Frisbee), and concert venue. Vendors and surrounding businesses appreciate the economic benefit of shows, though local residents don't like the congestion, crowd, noise, trash, and limited park access. Some notable performances: 1. Human Be-In (1967), which helped launch Summer of Love, with Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead 2. Tibetan Freedom Concert (1996) w/ Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, A Tribe Called Quest, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Björk, Foo Fighters. 3. Outside Lands Festival (since 2008): A premier music and arts festival, featuring headliners like Paul McCartney and Kanye West. 4. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (annual, free). and what I attended: 5. Grateful Dead & Company (2025): The band celebrates its 60th anniversary with a residency of three nights, drawing around 60,000 fans per day. Though on the last day, only 59,999 went home. read more

Polo Field - Is this what's running the smoke machine? Oh, there IS no smoke machine?! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is my favorite venue by far! I would recommend getting your show on here to delight in the gorgeous sprawling setting! read more

Polo Field - We worked our way up real close for Dead & Co's Summer of Love extravaganza! Thank you for a real good time! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - San Francisco, California

Nice park ..nicest ..weather is nice ..biking track ...fun to explore golden gate Park ..concert season ..outside lands hardly strictly bluegrass and grateful dead ..fun times read more

Although Polo Field at Golden Gate Park is typically a large soccer venue surrounded by a track it became home to 50,000 music fans on 8/17/24 when System of a Down, Deftones and Mars Volta took the stage. More than spacious enough for the crowd, with easy in/out and bag checks, one could potentially complain about the early 10pm ending or 3+ hour merch lines but on the whole everything else was outstanding. Kudos to the lights and mixing team for putting on a show that looked and sounded faultless despite this being the first show of its kind. read more

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DEAD AND COMPANY rocked the house. Great place for concerts as the field is flat and not full of pot holes. Catering and bars were plentiful and food and booz was good. Getting in and out was a long walk, and almost no parking read more

Went to take my girlfriend to outside lands over the past weekend. It was our first year going very great place to hold a concert. A lot of open space. Outside Lance does also a lot of community work for San Francisco, which is very good especially the state of San Francisco right now. A lot of great artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, and Chappell Roan killer Mike and other great artist as well. They had a lot of food stands as well as merch. we had a great blast. Great time will definitely be back next year. read more

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During this pandemic, I've spent many days wandering and exploring Golden Gate Park. I've trekked here with Jaime a few times, but it's not our usual route. Funny how sometimes it feels like walking the park seems faster than driving around, especially with the closures of so many roads in the park. It's also a microcosm of what happened in the city with the closures of so many roads and not having been reopened, which totally doesn't make sense. What am I getting at? I came to Golden Gate Park a few days ago and usually park in Stow Lake. However, they closed the entrance on this day as I discovered they were cutting down some trees around the lake. This is upsetting because the trees provide more than shelter and shade to people and nature. But that's the city for you making stupid and idiotic decisions. Don't even get me started on Great Highway. So, I kept driving and decided to park at the Polo Field parking lot. I've only walked this area before, but never actually parked here. It was early in the morning and the grounds were still wet, moist and muddy from the previous rain. Not ideal to walk the dog, so I stayed on the paved path with Jaime. The air was cold, and you could see the breath coming out of our mouths and nostrils with every breathing moment. The rays from the sun peeking through the tall, Eucalyptus trees, felt like a warm welcome with every passing beam. I've walked around the perimeter of the field on a foggy, misty, summer day to bright, sunny and warm fall day. The winter has a crisp air that bites in the morning, so better wear plenty of layers. But don't make it bulky for you may start sweating after a few hundred yards, especially under the direct sun, which still penetrates the cold on a wintery day. It's wide open and very expansive, but at the same time feels secluded. There's plenty of areas to roam and explore, with many trails and pathways connecting the entire park. Fun Facts: It opened on July 4th, 1906 and was originally named Golden Gate Park Stadium until 1936. It originally began as a velodrome and construction began in 1905 at the cost of $50,00. equivalent to $1.45 million today. (That's a bargain by today's standards). It seats 57,000 and is operated by the Parks and Recs Department. Ironically enough, Polo is not often played here or rarely even. It's now a multi-purpose field with 6 soccer pitches, tracks and rugby. It was the original site of Outside Lands from 1986 to 2009 and has held many sporting and musical events. read more

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The less populated west end of the park...I grew up blocks from the polo field and while not a "regular" the wonderful cuvee of fresh coastal air and horse dung is hard to beat for laps on a bike or more recently brisk walks along the perimeter...good peace and quiet and a surprisingly clean bathroom. read more

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Very big field, perfect when sun is strong and wind not too bad. I play here the ultimate frisbee with my Mens league. I mean, I try, I am not running fast like most of them, (I am in 60's) but I know the rules very well and the young ones appreciate this knowledge. Many times they ask me to explain a rule and then one person very happy, one person mad. This is sports. Everyone get emotional. Last week I play until very late, and we were using a glow in dark frisbee. Then we realize they lock us inside the field. But a nice man in charge of fields help us out, he was very helpful and did not get mad. There often are goose here, they eat the grass on this field. Sometimes when they are there I want to grab one and eat it. They look very fat and happy to me. Is this allowed, to eat the goose in the park? Probably not. read more

When we were in San Francisco my wife and I stopped into this place law park turned out to be like a dog park work people walking the dogs everywhere and they have them there it was a cool little park though some cool little walking trails and it's nice to see people out with her dogs read more

MY SECOND HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is where my bro & I learned how to ride my bike, almost 15 years ago...back when there wasn't a fence. This is the exact place where my sis learned to ride her bike too. This is the same place where a bunch of kids learn to ride their bike, well...that's what I see when I come here. I like how it's close to home, & not only can I run here, I can bike, rollerblade, heely (my sis tried to teach my friend to heely here), walk... Biking and running laps around here are the hardest, trying to push ourselves to do whatever many laps we strive to complete. FYI, On the sides (where it's not straight), there's a slope, sort of a hill. Oh yeah, this is the place where concerts take place...GAVIN DEGRAW!!!!!! Bay to Breakers...although I have never participated in any running marathon... There's a restroom near by, but I'm afraid to see if people are shooting up in there. Since I don't live very far, I'd rather pee at home. I like coming here on weekdays, when it's empty. Lots of soccer games or practices during the weekend... read more

Polo Field - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's not a bad place to run around in circles and you don't feel as enclosed as you would at Kezar Stadium. The track closest to the field is a bicycle track that I think inline skaters sometimes use (I've heard that it's a prime spot for rollerblading). I have seen cyclists but you're more likely to see Chinese walkers. The outer rim/dirt path has a par course (built in the late 70s/early 80s) with various stops for jumping jacks, stretching, hopping over things, etc. It's cheesy but somewhat fun. The fields are often in use for soccer games (sadly, they are no longer used for polo) but you can still run around while those are going on. I usually run around the dirt trail. The views aren't bad but nothing to write home about. You'll see horses at the police stables, the field, and trees. The trees provide some shade (always appreciated). The trail is quite flat. Unlike Kezar, free parking is easy to find. read more

I love that there are two tracks side by side. One is a dirt track for running and the other is paved for rollerblading and biking. It is a large loop around, I'm guessing almost a mile around. its definitely larger than your typical track. its quiet during the week and very peaceful. Dogs aren't allowed on the trail itself, but I do see dogs along it on the grass. This is an excellent track and I love coming here! read more

Writing this from a cyclists' point of view. This is practically the only place in San Francisco that has a bicycle track. I like to ride my track bike, doing laps. The track itself is pretty smooth and it's cool that one straight(leading into Golden Gate Park) has more wind resistance than the other. Track is pretty wide, fitting maybe four cyclists at a time. Now for the downside. I discourage using the track during autumn, primarily on the weekends, because of the several little league soccer games that take place. Most of the soccer coaches and parents of the soccer kids disregard that cyclists are using the track. Also, there are many walkers in general at certain times. In my own experience, I almost ran into kids running from the field to the outskirts, parents walking out of the field while on their phones, and lines of soccer kids that just simply do not look out. There are also many ignorant adults who claim that the track IS NOT the track itself and may cause conflict. Golden Gate Park and the SF Rec and Park refuses to place proper warning/caution signs for the safety of the cyclists and pedestrians. Overall, if you are looking for a place to run laps and have no other place to go then polo fields is your ONLY choice in San Francisco. BEWARE of the many hazards that may appear! read more

I don't know what I think of polo. I love the polo fields, though. But I can't give them more than three stars because they're not cool enough that I visit more than once a year, if that. Polo horses are quite impressive, I must admit. read more

for san francisco soccer, these fields arent half-bad, the bathrooms are obviously cleaned on a regular basis, and although choppy at times, the fields are maintained. For SF, thats a good deal. read more

Yes, the fields are off limits. Though as I understand it, the City didn't want to fund the area anymore, and a local soccer group essentially purchased the rights to the fields and put up a fence. I'm also not happy that horses no longer occupy the stables. That being said, this is my favorite place to go in Golden Gate Park. I found myself there often as a kid, and I still do. The track is great for running, it has those wonderful blast-from-the-past exercise posts and it feels entirely separate from the rest of the city. If you want a field, head up JFK Drive. read more

Awesome place. Safe. Well maintained. Bathrooms usually clean. Great place for a run or a ride!

Favorite place to go if I want a quick run It's not as big as kezar but still big enough for a workout read more

We were here for Outside Lands. Getting to the park and back was really easy on the shuttle buses. The bleachers looked like they were in disrepair so I don't think the polo fields are used for any kind of formal spectator sports now, which is too bad. The field is level and there are nice rises all the way around for visibility (in addition to the rotting wood and crumbling concrete of the bleachers). There are bathrooms right outside the tunnel. For the festival, you can wander onto 3 different flat fields with sloped sides for viewing, it seems like it would be a great place to play soccer, run, take the dog, etc. There are woods around the fields too so you can always gets a little bit of shade if you want that. Really a nice park. The park is patrolled by mounted police officers. Are there still buffalo? I saw on a map that there were buffalo, but that part of the park was fenced off during OL. When there are THOUSANDS of people tromping around the dust gets really bad so be ready for that, especially if you have breathing or sinus issues. read more

One of my favorite places in the world. It is so beautiful here I think about the old days, before my time when the Grateful Dead is to play here for free and hundreds of thousands of people come to see them perform. It is just a great place to come to run and bike and kick the soccer ball or just walk around. You can also have a great picnic in the middle of the city and get away from it all without ever leaving. What a stress reducer? That is like Golden gate Park is the greatest city park in the world. I know people rave on about Central Park, but Central Park is often dirty, full of bums and sketchy people. Also the noise of the traffic is crazy which you very rarely get here at the polo fields. It's also great to take a date here and just walk around. Very romantic and cozy. read more

Seen so many shows here. I remember working the 1995 Pearl Jam show where Eddie was ill, so he had Neil Young appease the 50K crowd for 3 hours. People didn't even know who Neil was... and after booing him at the start (or booing eddie's departure) he proceeded to astonish the crowd. Thanks GGNRA. Very much. That is one story of millions upon millions. read more

This place is great. Although it's called the Polo Field it's really multi-purpose. You're normally not allowed on the field itself but every now and again there's events like soccer matches, and today I saw ultimate frisbee. The paved track around the field is for cycling - yes, cycling - such a place exists! Above the bleacher seating there is a dirt track for the runners and walkers. Normally not too busy and a wonderful place to get some exercise. Easy parking on the south side and there are restrooms located on either side of the field. read more

This place is like a second home to me, as I live nearby. There's nothing particularly grand about the facility itself, except that its beautiful. Its tucked away into the western half of the park, and gets to avoid most of the abuse that the eastern meadows endure. It hosts soccer games mostly, but it is also a great place to jog, bike or just stroll through casually. The stables on the north side help complete that time capsule, pastoral look that it has. read more

Golden Gate Park is a pretty big place, with plenty of stuff to see. The polo field is on this list. It is a large dirt track track with a giant center of green. A good place for a run, or start a large game. The place is unrecognizable during Outside Lands. If you need to work out, this place will work. read more

Polo field with 1.5+ mile paved track encircling it and then an additional dirt track above. Runners tend to use dirt track, bikers mostly use the paved, and Canada Geese, crows, swallows, and hawks use the field. Sometime the sprinklers are on and you'll be ever so slightly misted if you are on the paved track which can be nice on a warm day. Going west on this track is sometimes bit tough with the wind - just makes you train harder! There are bleachers to sit or do exercise on. There are bathrooms and water fountains and lots of parking. read more

Hi, My way to work leads me by the Polo field in GG Park, I love them. Sometimes track bikers in the morning, sometimes soccer in the evening, many runners and people just walking. . They recently fixed the lights in the tunnels, but they are broken again. Looked like a nice community area for everybody. UNTIL THE INVASION OF THE SOCCER MOMS: I recently noted two new barriers on the road around the Polo field. Coming back from work, I have found these gates locked a couple of times when a soccer game was in place. Very annoying when you are standing right in front of them and have no way around. I was advised to take the gravel path around the polo field- not a good suggestion when you have a roadbike. Or a wheelchair, a cane or a stroller. Pretty hard to get by the bottom row of the seating area, the pavement is bad and there are some tree stumps in the way. Plus, the soccer players or their parents not infrequently forget to unlock the gates after training. Bad surprise for other people trying to do their thing for the 24 +hours until somebody finally unlocks them. I find these gates quite hostile and inconsiderate. Ok, no track racing during soccer games, I get it. But there is not much bike traffic during the games and locking the whole circuit which is widely used for bike commuting and many other uses (again: wheelchair, strollers) is in my view total overkill. Why closing down the whole road for two little gates into the soccer field? In my view, one group claiming a multi-use area for themselves without regard for others. Again, I do understand the safety concerns during soccer games, there are many kids there, but why not put some removable speed bumps there during the games to avoid racing past the entry gates and allow passage by bike, wheelchair, stroller, running, etc? read more

Neat find. Ride your bike in a circle as many times as you want. Nice area.

I was here for the amazing 3 day music festival Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park. Everything was pretty great only complaint is with the City of San Francisco and it's public transportation especially during such a major event. I should mention by the 3rd day transport got a little easier but still very hectic. ROCK ON! read more

Nice place to do laps, running on the dirt track or biking on the paved path. Not usually crowded, I used to come here after school to ride a few laps before heading back home. Good strong headwind going down one side. Good place to practice drafting with your riding buddies. With the large infield, I guess a good place to fly a kite too. The infield is full of weeds and gopher holes, so watch out. read more

Yesterday was my first time riding the track - although I feel like I should be giving this a 5 star I'm not. Reason is... when first leaving the main road I was confused to where the track really was.... if they only had lights. Great track thou... and amazing people riding them. read more

Great place if you like to workout in the outdoors. Has tracks for you to run/bike, has a soccer field, etc. Overall it is great and it is located in a good position. You are surrounded by trees so it is a beautiful location. read more

Great spot for exercise with a few problems. As a soccer player the pitches are horrible but are used HEAVILY so I don't see how people can expect much else. Other issue...the paved inside track. Cyclists, fine. Runners, fine. People walking backwards, four abreast or teaching Susie and Johnny how to ride their first bike...get your a$# up to the dirt track. The weather is usually just right for a hard run, doing the stairs or the outside circuit. Very rarely crowded, even during weekends when soccer games are running all day. Bathrooms are decently maintained. Cool stuff. The blue heron. I've been watching this bird prowl the grass area between the tracks for quite awhile. So I was pretty amazed when I saw it stand fencepost still for 1/2 an hour and then snatch a gopher out of his hole as soon as the little furball poked his head out. Weird stuff. Weekday mornings you can spot a tall, skinny white dude running, jumping rope and doing other kooky stuff with his white knee-highs on. (ME!) Hey, it's too warm for sweats and too cold for shorts only. read more

The polo fields at Golden Gate park are really the soccer fields at Golden Gate park. The fields are Ok, but they are a bit worn in spots. The fields are surrounded by tracks both dirt and paved. People are walking, biking, running etc all at once while ball is being played. There is a smallish but adequate hidden parking lot adjacent to the polo fields too. If the weather is right you will be warm enough to play but cool enough to be comfortable. Get on the pitch and get your game on. It is gorgeous here. read more

This is probably one of the better fields in San Francisco. Its not all dug up with holes like Crocker Amazon Park. Hopped over the fence as the gates were locked..Not many people on a Sunday..just the casual jogger/biker. I came here with a party of 10 to play football. Nice and quiet..what else can you ask for? read more

Great place to play soccer and feel the breeze of the ocean.

This is so weird that you can yelp parks but anyways here goes.. the polo fields are great when the city takes care of them but when they aren't taken care of I dont like them at all..... So i dont know how many stars that would get... I'll give it 2 to be fair.. 1 for when the fields are good and 1 for the loop around it where you can have a fun bike ride around. Definitely good to bring your kids to help them learn to ride their bikes! read more

On weekdays, this is a biker's heaven. 2/3 miles on the inside banked track, generally a westerly wind of 10 - 15 mph. Sometimes the sprinklers form bands of water across the track, so bring your practice bike. I do 4 -6 miles in the middle of my ride. One monster on a recumbent was trying to break 6 hours for a century - I managed to stay with him for a couple of laps. He was carrying four water bottles, two with cytomax. This lady was walking on the inside lane, her dog on plastic coated wire lease, in the outside grass lane, I could have died right there. And sometimes, I wonder why not. There are bathrooms outside of the north - south entrances to the track. Just watch out for the broken glass in the tunnels. The circuit is good for practicing peddling rounds or getting aero in a headwind. If you are a runner, the outside line on the encircling dirt path is 4/5 miles - soft on the knees and a good way to get into your zone. read more

Great place to ride your bike or run. There is a lot of dog poop on the ground so watch where you run. There are benches on both sides but there is a lot of trash on them. Definitely going to run next time. read more