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    Rainbow Falls

    4.6 (15 reviews)

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    Waterfalls
    Steve A.

    Beautiful feature in the northern part of Golden Gate Park to come across. It's one of the waterfalls in the park. Rainbow Falls is the best because this is close to the museums, but it's still not a real waterfall. Cool to look at of course. This is close to a lot of fun things. A part of a good hike. It's located along John F. Kennedy Drive close to Crossover Drive, a good location. The falls got its name from when it was dedicated and colorful lights were beamed onto this. A few things of interest are close. The water comes from Lloyd Lake. Often there's lots of creatures to come across. There's birds such as egrets and herons. Cool thing to check out while around here hiking or some other fun. It's an interesting part of the history of the park. This is one of the of the park's several waterfalls.

    Kendra F.

    Golden Gate Park has so much to offer. My boyfriend and I discovered there were waterfalls in Golden Gate Park sometime last year and finally made it out to a few of em in the park. We came across two larger ones and a mini one. It really doesn't matter to me that this waterfall and the others are man-made. It was still a sight to see. There's two hour parking near the Rose Garden sign, and from there it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the waterfall.

    John G.

    Rainbow Falls is the second man-made falls in Golden Gate Park, and this one is along John F. Kennedy drive built on Lloyd Lake. Rainbow Falls got it's name from the colored lights that originally illuminated this waterfall back in 1930. I wish they would bring those lights back, and it would be quite a site at night. You can hear the gush of the water in certain spots by Stow Lake and even though it's a man-made waterfall, it still has the effect of an actual waterfall when you hear it. The roar of the water is just a mesmerizing thing to hear. It also doesn't have that "smell" compared to Huntington Falls as the water is circulated from Lloyd Lake and pumped back up repeating the process. I still don't recommend anyone jumping in though, just leave it for the birds and other wildlife. Now that they've closed John F. Kennedy drive during the pandemic, people can enjoy this waterfall while maintaining social distancing by walking, running or a simple, leisurely stroll in the park. Hearing and viewing a waterfall, for whatever reason, has a calming effect on some people...albeit for that brief moment in time you feel at peace. You're just gonna have to experience it yourself.

    Joan W.

    Was that a big gushing waterfall off the side of the road that I just passed? I knew there was a waterfall in Golden Gate park but I always thought it was at Stowe Lake. There are actually two, Rainbow Falls is located on John F Kennedy drive visible from the road. It's pretty and nice to take a photo but other than that there isn't much. You can technically hike behind it but if you want a serious waterfall hike go to Marin County instead. This one is good to see if you don't have a lot of time and area already doing something in the park. With photos you can make it look like you hiked to some remote beautiful place when all you had to do was take a stop off the road. Since it's man-made this waterfall is around all year round unlike the natural ones in the Bay Area that are only there during the rainy season

    Rainbow Falls at Golden Gate Park

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    You have to see the impressive dragon. But the falls weren't falling even though we just had rain.

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    10 months ago

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    6 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Not for children unless they are mindful and listen extremely well there is a major drop off and skinny path but so worth the views

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    7 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Rainbow Falls

    Golden Gate Park is one of they truly great urban parks built in the later part of the 19th Century.

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    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    Mount Tamalpais State Park

    4.8(435 reviews)
    17.8 km

    Just past SF this park has so many different trail options perfect for all hiking levels. The…read moredownside is this place gets PACKED! My sister and I arrived before 8am at the Watershed parking lot and barely found a space. We did the trail that took us to the West Point Inn for the pancake breakfast and round trip was close to 5 miles so it was a great workout. There's gorgeous views and well! On the way back to the 101 however it's a mess. The road on the way down is crowded with parked cars, which makes driving through challenging. That's the only thing about this park, other than that I'd love to come back in spring when everything is green and vibrant!

    My first association of Mt Tam is from Cowgirl Creamery's best seller, Mt Tam Triple Cream with…read moreHeart cheese. Ever since then, I've wanted to hike this peak, today I have achieved my wish. Early June with mild coastal temp, 50s-60s. Started up Matt Davis Trail in the foggy forest, to Pantoll Campground, to West Point Inn where we can look down to the top of the fog layer, to the Fire Lookout building at the Peak. Then we came down reverse but split off to Steep Ravine and Dip Sea trail after the campground. I've also always wanted to climb that ladder. This hike provided views of the Pacific ocean on the West as well as views of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge on the East side. I thoroughly enjoyed the cool lush forest, but actually my favorite section was the single track along the slope of the open area after the Mt Tam State Park sign.

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    Golden Gate Park - Shooters Shoot ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

    Golden Gate Park

    4.7(1.4k reviews)
    1.1 km

    Imagine a huge rectangle. Make it a park with grass and hills, flowers, trees, some fountains... I…read moredunno, throw in a big lake, some world-class Art and Science museums, and a dome where concerts and shows perform in the Summer. Let's also close down the streets from cars one day a week in the Summer so people can ride their bikes, skate, rollerblade, play and dance in the streets! How about on some warm weekend days we put huge concerts there that fill the grass for as far as the eye can see so people can bring all their friends to enjoy food, drinks, and music together. And the lake... let's make it so people can rent boats, and if they don't or can't row, they can peddle so they, too, can enjoy the waterfall and life on the lake! Let's also have beautiful statues around the park, definitely a Shakespeare Garden, and let's throw in something for garden lovers, like a Botanical Garden (a big one) and a Conservatory of Flowers. For more culture, let's add a Japanese Tea Garden with more lakes and flowers, and even a bridge in the shape of a circle. Let's also make this accessible to everyone, so some days, the museums are free (ie, usually once a month). And some entrance fees are lower for locals. (Check the websites.) Aaaaaand this is Golden Gate Park, and this is my favorite park in California, if not the entire country.

    something for everyone…read more this park is big! don't try to walk it all, just go to wherever you're interested in. whether it's the museum, japan tea garden, botanical garden, boating at the lake, or choose any picnic spot. a sunny day here is really enjoyable, so much space to spread out from others and do your own thing great for taking a stroll and dog walking.

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    Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park

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    Golden Gate Park - Golden Gate Park

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    Golden Gate Park

    Lafayette Park - Lots of monkey bars at Lafayette Park!

    Lafayette Park

    4.5(186 reviews)
    3.3 kmPacific Heights

    We really enjoy coming to Lafayette Park Playground this morning for an early Easter egg hunting…read moreevent--it's quite unique compared to other playgrounds in the city. The layout is more challenging and perfect for little explorers who love to climb, balance, and stay active. My 3-year-old always finds something new to do, and it keeps them engaged for a long time. I also appreciate that babies aren't left out--there are designated areas where younger kids can safely play too. The restroom is conveniently located and clean, which is a big plus for families. That said, some of the rocky edges can be a bit risky for adventurous kids, so it's definitely a place where you'll want to keep a close eye on them at all times. The only downside is parking--it can be pretty tough to find a spot, especially during busy times. Overall, it's a fun and exciting playground that's great for kids of different ages, as long as you're prepared for a bit of supervision and a parking hunt!

    What you lose in challenging elevation changes, you gain in stunning views and greenery. Lafayette…read morepark is an iconic location in San Francisco and a place that serves regular park goers, those who want to play tennis, those with kids, as well as our four legged friends. The park is beautifully maintained, with clean walking paths, manicured gardens, and enough benches and seating spaces. You can easily find a little corner to make your own for a bit. There is a rather large and modern kids playground and even more large grassy areas, both for those who want to lounge and for the dogs that want to run around. Overall, Lafayette Park is yet another gem that makes San Francisco special.

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    Lafayette Park
    Lafayette Park
    Lafayette Park - Beautiful paths view of Sutro Tower, pretty area

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    Beautiful paths view of Sutro Tower, pretty area

    Rainbow Falls - parks - Updated May 2026

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