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This is a cute garden with a charming entry gate, lined with colorful flowers and plenty of greenery. There are several benches along the border to enjoy your time here with loved ones while appreciating the view and peace and quiet. On one end of the garden, a lovely sculpture of William Shakespeare is accompanied by plaques displaying quotes from his various works including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth (though these plaques have noticeable wear, some a bit hard to read). The great writer and poet is portrayed as half man and half pillow... take a closer look at the bronze bust and you'll know what I mean. This garden is located between Cal Academy of Sciences and the SF Botanical Garden. Surrounded by and hidden among trees and shrubs, it's easy to miss. Also, apparently this is the most popular wedding site at Golden Gate Park, so don't be surprised if it's occupied and inaccessible without warning during your planned visit. If you're not lucky enough to find free street parking along one of the nearby roads, the Music Concourse Parking Garage is within walking distance, available for a fee. The Shakespeare Garden is a fairly small space that can be a bit underwhelming considering all that Golden Gate Park has to offer. But it's certainly worth checking out and nice for a quick visit if you're already in the area.
On my recent trip last weekend to California for an event this was one of our stops in touring. The Shakespeare garden was an absolutely beautiful quaint and romantic place for an event ( especially weddings) round of golf or to just have a lovely picnic. Located on Martin Luther King Jr. drive it is also known as golden gate park. Right next to the san Francisco Academy of science center. I noticed that the place does give tribute to of course William Shakespeare with a cast iron sculpture forming off the brick wall. Water lilly ponds on the sides of the wall and little planted flowers among the sides of the garden. The garden is simple which makes it more beautiful with the overflow of green grass. There are porch benches around the park and Tall trees that overlap the benches for shade. Definitely a beautiful sight to see which indeed is free entry. Best way the park is to see academy of science center next door as well or take the bus tour hop on hop off. This way you can have close access to the Japanese Tea Garden which unique and zen. Very peaceful and beautiful. Oriental bonsais and cherry blossoms everywhere.
Beautiful garden!!!! Overall, Golden Gate Park is gorgeous! Unlike any park I've ever been too, and Shakespeare garden is a total vibe! The music they play and the ambience is relaxation at its finest! Me and my group enjoyed stopping here and laying out on the grass. The flowers are gorgeous and the scenery is peaceful.
To be, or not to be, that is the question: Hamlet's soliloquy posed a question whether it is better to live or not to live. During this pandemic, I think a lot of people went through roller coaster of emotions and probably contemplated that same question. Our mental fortitudes were pressed like never before, and some had sadly surrendered to the unknown in this so-called afterlife. We might still be fighting that same struggle as we continue in what seems to be a never-ending journey without a light at the end of the tunnel. I will be honest...I've never been tested like this before. I've hit rock bottom and I was emotionally drained. I even stopped Yelping for several months as the pressure continued to grow. Struggle might be an understatement to describe what I was going through. Yes, I was contemplating the other "S" word. I felt like I was trapped in a never-ending cycle and I was in a very dark place and I wanted to end it. Then I felt foolish and selfish since it would be cowardly of me to go through with what I thought was an easy way out. It's not fair to my wife, my kids, my family and friends. I feel judged and embarrassed that these thoughts even surfaced, and never felt so naked in my whole life. Just like Hamlet came to realize, it is better to live. There is a quote that I read that stated, "If you're going through hell, keep going." I found my way in this peaceful garden and found it a perfect metaphor for what I was going through. I've spent countless of days exploring every inch of Golden Gate Park and found solace whenever I stepped foot inside the gates with Jaime by my side. It is a lovely, peaceful garden surrounded by willowy trees, greeneries and all kinds of flowers. I hear the best times to enjoy the flowers is in April when they are in full bloom. From daisies, lilies, poppies, roses and violets with a cornucopia of vibrant colors, certainly they're not quiet. There is wonderful life beaming in this garden. Listen to the birds serenade you with a Shakespearean sonata, if you let your imagination run wild. Observe the butterflies and bumblebees floating and coexisting in harmonious flora and fauna. Sit on the bench or the grass under the shade of the trees and watch the people's expressions as they brighten up with delight at such a wonderful sight. Breathe the fresh air as it fills your lungs knowing your alive in this moment in time. For those of you who are going through hell, keep fighting and pushing forward until you bid it farewell. 'Tis better to live than to have your family and loved ones forgive.
My 200th review. Love this beautiful garden inside Golden Gate Park. It's such a romantic place to take engagement and or wedding photos. And that's exactly what we did a few years ago. We took our engagement photos here. Many of the flowers inside the garden are planted there because they were mentioned by Shakespeare in his various plays. For example: Roses, Daisies, Lilies, Violets, Poppy, and Mandragora. I feel very fondly about this garden every time I walk by, definitely a special place.
** The following review reflects my experience just prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** In the shadow of the California Academy of Sciences is this quiet enclosure that's officially called The Garden of Shakespeare's Flowers. The name comes from the fact that all the flowers growing here are referenced in the Bard's works. Now I know Juliet said about her first-nighter with Romeo, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - but frankly I had no idea what a floral obsession he had to produce the garden. I came here just before shelter-in-place took effect, but I'm guessing this is surviving intact, including the bust of the Bard which dates back to the 17th century when it was cast in his hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon. I know there are Shakespeare Gardens around the world, but let's appreciate the one we got 'cause hell, we can't go anywhere anyway. RELATED - Looking for local greenery? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2P5dHRe
It's nice to sit down and talk. It's a very small park but nice and quiet near the Japanese garden.
I love this spot for some quiet time or an intimate wedding. It's situated right behind the Academy of Sciences and often gets overlooked. It's gated and serene, and I've officiated many beautiful weddings here. There's a sun dial in the middle and a small plaque, statue and fountain towards the front with a stone bench that adds to the mystique.
Romantic picnic spot in Golden Gate Park, with many plants commonly mentioned in The Bard's works. Lovely garden just as I had imagined! Amazing for photos and photography. You will spot some very beautiful native and non native plants here. Thoroughly impressed by their cleanliness and maintenance of the whole property.
This is a beautiful garden with trees, flowers, grass, and benches. It is a great place to sit, relax, and have a peaceful time. I loved it!
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." - William Shakespeare I'm in love with being in love. A medieval romantic living deep into the 21st century. An old soul that believes in romance, chivalry... & hella yea, smashing the enemy in the face with 16th century war hammers! A vibrant Shakespeare in search for Viola de Lesseps played by Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) & why I feel free at the... *Shakespeare Garden* "The course of true love never did run smooth." - A Midsummer Night's Dream | Act 1, Scene 1 I love this garden in the middle of massive Golden Gate Park. The garden itself might be larger than you might expect, however plants of the division magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms, aka "flowers" might be lessor than your heart might desire. Yet, with less blooms you'll see trees, grass blades, walkways, a fountain, statues, busts, stone benches and maybe even a slight grassy knoll. As in all Shakespeare Gardens it is dedicated to the flowers featured or referenced within the works of Sir William Shakespeare. Each of the 200 or so flowers are described within a play of Shakespeare, and several of the flora-related quotes are featured on copper plaques at the rear of the garden. The garden dates to 1928, the brainchild of Alice Eastwood, who served as the long-running director of botany for the Academy of Sciences. Inside the garden, a stone bench was placed in her honour. *Shakespeare Garden* "This above all: to thine ownself be true." - Hamlet | Act 1, Scene 3 Lastly, I shall return over and over again with knee highs and adidas. I'll leave my horse hair wig at my castle to rest, but bring my book of poetry & picnic basket to feast. The garden is located next to the Academy of Sciences, just off of the Music Concourse. It is somewhat hidden away by the sloping trees, but worry not, it's there for all poets, lovers, pigeons and the occasional vagabond... *Shakespeare Garden* "I will not be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster" - Much Ado About Nothing | Act 2, Scene 3
A wonderfully laid out little gem hidden in the Golden Gate Park. Very relaxing place to sit and be with your thoughts or friends. Usually quiet and peaceful. Perfect gel for a pleasant conversation with a friend, or bring a bottle of wine and sit in the corner enjoying the shade and peace.
Me and my girlfriend were adventuring around Golden Gate park on Sunday never been to De Young Museum and so we went and saw a lot of old and new technology. Walked our way to Shakespeare Garden where I've never been either. But it was a really nice day out to explore the city!
A beautiful park within the larger Golden Gate Park. It's gated and open "limited hours". A nice tree line walkway caught my attention. There are several benches to relax at. It doesn't seem to get crowded which it nice. Very well maintained. They also host events within the park. We saw a wedding later in the afternoon and it was such a beautiful set-up. Parking is on the streets throughout the park or in paid parking nearby. read more
If you're in Golden Gate Park, this is worth a visit. It's a small park. There are some nice poems on the wall that Shakespeare wrote, which is nice to read. It's also a nice place to have a picnic or just hang out with friends or a date. Parking may be difficult, there is parking around the residential neighborhood. Or you can always take public transit. read more
Here is a secret garden. It isn't that much of a secret for those who know about Golden Gate Park. The Shakespeare Garden is one of the best things. Located close to the museums making it convenient. You can find some cool flowers. A convenient place to get to from other attractions. It's located just to the west of the California Museum Of Sciences. This is a pretty cool place to walk through. Kind of like a fancy backyard. There's an old brick gate, and a few benches to sit on. Of course the most popular thing is the Shakespeare bust. There's also lots of flowers to check out and smell. Cool that it's close to other things so it doesn't take long to get here. It's fun to walk through the gate and along the path. Try to go take a selfie with Shakespeare and whoever. read more
3 years ago
This is a cute garden with a charming entry gate, lined with colorful flowers and plenty of greenery. There are several benches along the border to enjoy your time here with loved ones while appreciating the view and peace and quiet. On one end of the garden, a lovely sculpture of William Shakespeare is accompanied by plaques displaying quotes from his various works including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth (though these plaques have noticeable wear, some a bit hard to read). The great writer and poet is portrayed as half man and half pillow... take a closer look at the bronze bust and you'll know what I mean. This garden is located between Cal Academy of Sciences and the SF Botanical Garden. Surrounded by and hidden among trees and shrubs, it's easy to miss. Also, apparently this is the most popular wedding site at Golden Gate Park, so don't be surprised if it's occupied and inaccessible without warning during your planned visit. If you're not lucky enough to find free street parking along one of the nearby roads, the Music Concourse Parking Garage is within walking distance, available for a fee. The Shakespeare Garden is a fairly small space that can be a bit underwhelming considering all that Golden Gate Park has to offer. But it's certainly worth checking out and nice for a quick visit if you're already in the area. read more
On my recent trip last weekend to California for an event this was one of our stops in touring. The Shakespeare garden was an absolutely beautiful quaint and romantic place for an event ( especially weddings) round of golf or to just have a lovely picnic. Located on Martin Luther King Jr. drive it is also known as golden gate park. Right next to the san Francisco Academy of science center. I noticed that the place does give tribute to of course William Shakespeare with a cast iron sculpture forming off the brick wall. Water lilly ponds on the sides of the wall and little planted flowers among the sides of the garden. The garden is simple which makes it more beautiful with the overflow of green grass. There are porch benches around the park and Tall trees that overlap the benches for shade. Definitely a beautiful sight to see which indeed is free entry. Best way the park is to see academy of science center next door as well or take the bus tour hop on hop off. This way you can have close access to the Japanese Tea Garden which unique and zen. Very peaceful and beautiful. Oriental bonsais and cherry blossoms everywhere. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful garden!!!! Overall, Golden Gate Park is gorgeous! Unlike any park I've ever been too, and Shakespeare garden is a total vibe! The music they play and the ambience is relaxation at its finest! Me and my group enjoyed stopping here and laying out on the grass. The flowers are gorgeous and the scenery is peaceful. read more
To be, or not to be, that is the question: Hamlet's soliloquy posed a question whether it is better to live or not to live. During this pandemic, I think a lot of people went through roller coaster of emotions and probably contemplated that same question. Our mental fortitudes were pressed like never before, and some had sadly surrendered to the unknown in this so-called afterlife. We might still be fighting that same struggle as we continue in what seems to be a never-ending journey without a light at the end of the tunnel. I will be honest...I've never been tested like this before. I've hit rock bottom and I was emotionally drained. I even stopped Yelping for several months as the pressure continued to grow. Struggle might be an understatement to describe what I was going through. Yes, I was contemplating the other "S" word. I felt like I was trapped in a never-ending cycle and I was in a very dark place and I wanted to end it. Then I felt foolish and selfish since it would be cowardly of me to go through with what I thought was an easy way out. It's not fair to my wife, my kids, my family and friends. I feel judged and embarrassed that these thoughts even surfaced, and never felt so naked in my whole life. Just like Hamlet came to realize, it is better to live. There is a quote that I read that stated, "If you're going through hell, keep going." I found my way in this peaceful garden and found it a perfect metaphor for what I was going through. I've spent countless of days exploring every inch of Golden Gate Park and found solace whenever I stepped foot inside the gates with Jaime by my side. It is a lovely, peaceful garden surrounded by willowy trees, greeneries and all kinds of flowers. I hear the best times to enjoy the flowers is in April when they are in full bloom. From daisies, lilies, poppies, roses and violets with a cornucopia of vibrant colors, certainly they're not quiet. There is wonderful life beaming in this garden. Listen to the birds serenade you with a Shakespearean sonata, if you let your imagination run wild. Observe the butterflies and bumblebees floating and coexisting in harmonious flora and fauna. Sit on the bench or the grass under the shade of the trees and watch the people's expressions as they brighten up with delight at such a wonderful sight. Breathe the fresh air as it fills your lungs knowing your alive in this moment in time. For those of you who are going through hell, keep fighting and pushing forward until you bid it farewell. 'Tis better to live than to have your family and loved ones forgive. read more
My 200th review. Love this beautiful garden inside Golden Gate Park. It's such a romantic place to take engagement and or wedding photos. And that's exactly what we did a few years ago. We took our engagement photos here. Many of the flowers inside the garden are planted there because they were mentioned by Shakespeare in his various plays. For example: Roses, Daisies, Lilies, Violets, Poppy, and Mandragora. I feel very fondly about this garden every time I walk by, definitely a special place. read more
** The following review reflects my experience just prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** In the shadow of the California Academy of Sciences is this quiet enclosure that's officially called The Garden of Shakespeare's Flowers. The name comes from the fact that all the flowers growing here are referenced in the Bard's works. Now I know Juliet said about her first-nighter with Romeo, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - but frankly I had no idea what a floral obsession he had to produce the garden. I came here just before shelter-in-place took effect, but I'm guessing this is surviving intact, including the bust of the Bard which dates back to the 17th century when it was cast in his hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon. I know there are Shakespeare Gardens around the world, but let's appreciate the one we got 'cause hell, we can't go anywhere anyway. RELATED - Looking for local greenery? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2P5dHRe read more
3 years ago
It's nice to sit down and talk. It's a very small park but nice and quiet near the Japanese garden. read more
4 years ago
I love this spot for some quiet time or an intimate wedding. It's situated right behind the Academy of Sciences and often gets overlooked. It's gated and serene, and I've officiated many beautiful weddings here. There's a sun dial in the middle and a small plaque, statue and fountain towards the front with a stone bench that adds to the mystique. read more
Romantic picnic spot in Golden Gate Park, with many plants commonly mentioned in The Bard's works. Lovely garden just as I had imagined! Amazing for photos and photography. You will spot some very beautiful native and non native plants here. Thoroughly impressed by their cleanliness and maintenance of the whole property. read more
3 years ago
This is a beautiful garden with trees, flowers, grass, and benches. It is a great place to sit, relax, and have a peaceful time. I loved it! read more
4 years ago
"It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." - William Shakespeare I'm in love with being in love. A medieval romantic living deep into the 21st century. An old soul that believes in romance, chivalry... & hella yea, smashing the enemy in the face with 16th century war hammers! A vibrant Shakespeare in search for Viola de Lesseps played by Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) & why I feel free at the... *Shakespeare Garden* "The course of true love never did run smooth." - A Midsummer Night's Dream | Act 1, Scene 1 I love this garden in the middle of massive Golden Gate Park. The garden itself might be larger than you might expect, however plants of the division magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms, aka "flowers" might be lessor than your heart might desire. Yet, with less blooms you'll see trees, grass blades, walkways, a fountain, statues, busts, stone benches and maybe even a slight grassy knoll. As in all Shakespeare Gardens it is dedicated to the flowers featured or referenced within the works of Sir William Shakespeare. Each of the 200 or so flowers are described within a play of Shakespeare, and several of the flora-related quotes are featured on copper plaques at the rear of the garden. The garden dates to 1928, the brainchild of Alice Eastwood, who served as the long-running director of botany for the Academy of Sciences. Inside the garden, a stone bench was placed in her honour. *Shakespeare Garden* "This above all: to thine ownself be true." - Hamlet | Act 1, Scene 3 Lastly, I shall return over and over again with knee highs and adidas. I'll leave my horse hair wig at my castle to rest, but bring my book of poetry & picnic basket to feast. The garden is located next to the Academy of Sciences, just off of the Music Concourse. It is somewhat hidden away by the sloping trees, but worry not, it's there for all poets, lovers, pigeons and the occasional vagabond... *Shakespeare Garden* "I will not be sworn but love may transform me to an oyster" - Much Ado About Nothing | Act 2, Scene 3 read more
A wonderfully laid out little gem hidden in the Golden Gate Park. Very relaxing place to sit and be with your thoughts or friends. Usually quiet and peaceful. Perfect gel for a pleasant conversation with a friend, or bring a bottle of wine and sit in the corner enjoying the shade and peace. read more
Me and my girlfriend were adventuring around Golden Gate park on Sunday never been to De Young Museum and so we went and saw a lot of old and new technology. Walked our way to Shakespeare Garden where I've never been either. But it was a really nice day out to explore the city! read more
A perfect place for a wedding or a picnic. It's right next to the major tourist draws of the de Young and the Academy of Sciences yet it feels hidden. It is behind the cafe area of the Academy of Sciences. Bring a blanket and picnic and enjoy the shade of a tree on a sunny day (we do have them). Have a back up plan on Saturdays though because it is often booked for weddings from May-October. For weddings, you can reserve the area through parks and rec. It is one of the more popular venues in the city because of how affordable it is. If you do want to reserve the space, go in person vs calling on the phone because the person who shows up gets the space if there is more than one party interested. You can also reserve street parking with your reservation. From the underground parking garage there is a direct path to the garden as well. read more
8 years ago
Shakespeare's garden is a quiet oasis in an otherwise bustling park. Located in the middle of Golden Gate Park off the main path, this garden contains every plant ever mentioned by Shakespeare. Along the back wall are plaques containing all the lines of verse that reference those plants and a bust of Shakespeare himself. The grass is lush and green, there are flowers everywhere, and benches to rest on. A perfect spot for an afternoon stop. read more
Seems like it'd be full of Shakespearean-related statues, but it's even better than what you'd expect. The entire area is immaculately maintained, down to the peonies planted by the seats. The fact there are free performances of this genius' works makes it such a cultural gem of SF. The best time to go is early in the morning, before any tourists come- if you're lucky you'll get a foggy, misty morning's greeting of this historic little paradise in the city. read more
This is a surprisingly big garden in Golden Gate Park, is in the same area as the botanical garden, Japanese Garden and the museums. The garden highlights the plants from Shakespeare's writings. The garden has a large grassy area with a few trees in the middle with most of the plants on the sides. It is fenced in with only one entry. There is plenty of seating all over. The last time I was here there was a bagpipe player going at it the whole time. Also there were lots of mothers and their toddler I think the setting is good for them, the lawn is smooth and no one just passing through. read more
10 years ago
We stumbled across this beautiful, romantical garden while we were walking in GG Park. The entrance was so pretty, it legit says "Shakespheare's Garden" on the iron gate. This place can be reserved for a wedding - yes, I looked at it while I was looking for the fee for Music Concourse. There is a cobblestone path that has trees lining on both sides & there is a sun dial in the middle. The path ends but you can keep on going to the end of the garden which has a brick wall & iron tablets that have quotes from Shakespheare's famous plays. There are ample seating - benches. There was also a yoga class going on - it's so peaceful. A great place to nap (not by yourself, obvi) - catch up on a book - just taking in the sights & sounds. I recommend it for sure! read more
While enjoying Golden Gate Park I saw signs for the Garden of Shakespeare, I thought this is going to be good. I like Shakespeare and I like gardens what's not to love right? The day I went I think the flowers in the garden was taking a nap, nothing was awake, it was all just greens, no color, nothing in bloom. I did however enjoy the sundial and walking under the archway made by the branches of what I think were cherry blossoms but I can't remember now since the sun in San Francisco fried my brain. The Garden is very green and tranquil and I could see why people would pick this spot to get married or just pick this spot to relax and get away from the rest of Golden Gate Park, be sure to check it out the next time you're in the area. read more
It's a beautiful enchanted garden ! This cozy gated spot within golden gate park is so very romantic and can truly serve as a charming wedding venue ! The canopy of wispy trees form a natural alter when you first see the garden . I couldn't stop smiling when I saw the Shakespeare garden gate ! my favorite Shakespeare quotes started running thru my head... " I do love nothing in the world as well as you -is that not strange ?".... " For which of my bad parts didst thou first fall in love with me ?"...."Are you sure That we are awake? It seems to me That yet we sleep, we dream".... Ahhhhh love is so wonderful ! Make sure to visit this lovely scene and get lost in love ! read more
14 years ago
I had my wedding ceremony here on June 9th 2012. The weather was perfect and because the garden does not allow amplified sound I went with a harp player. I had a 108 guests and if it was really beautiful and intimate. My husband and I got married in front of the sun dial underneath the trees which made for great picture opportunities. The photographer we went with was able to scout out the area and find all these places in the area for great photo ops. If you get married anywhere in golden gate park....I suggest the Shakespeare garden, but either way, just know you'll have a lot of great backgrounds or pictures all around you. I liked the fact that the bridal party could hide just around the corner as to not be seen by the guests. The Shakespeare gardens really are too beautiful for words so I made sure to supply photos. The only reason that this place gets 4 stars is because of the fact that the wedding before us left their chairs behind. Mind you this was the rental places fault and not the previous wedding party. Shakespeare garden doesn't have a person on site to take care of these sort of things so my bridal party had to move the chairs. BUMMER. I got a credit to the rental company, but who wants to rent from a company that doesn't show up on time??? That being the case I would try and book the first wedding of the day or just make sure that if you are the 2nd wedding of the day you have people to clean up for you if the chairs do not get picked up on time from the previous wedding party. I would defiantly still recommend Shakespeare gardens 100%. read more
Stopped by on a Saturday afternoon to check out the garden as a ceremony only site. Lucky for us there was a wedding that was going to happen in a couple hours so we could see what it looks like set up. We didn't make an appointment with anyone to take a look since the garden in open to the public. If you do have your ceremony here, there will be passersby (like I was) who can view you ceremony. With anything in SF, the weather and parking is unpredictable. We visited in July and it was cloudy and cold (check out the pics). The place is perfect for an intimate ceremony with everyone in a contained area. I couldn't really explore too much in the front since guests were arriving and I didn't want to impose too much. Not sure capacity or cost, but I want to say it's like $500? Not sure for how long. You'll probably have to rent your own chairs. There's no bathroom close by or changing room. read more
15 years ago
This is such a beautiful garden. If you're coming here just to enjoy GGP, then this is 5 stars. I love this garden so much that I rented it for my wedding ceremony in September 2010. When I inquired about details for renting the space for my wedding, I spoke with Amanda over the phone. Amanda is extremely sweet, knowledgeable, and helpful. She is the lady to speak with. What I love about the garden: - charming iron gate entrance - 2 rows of adorable trees that line a wedding aisle - rustic sundial - gorgeous brick wall at the end of the garden - sense of privacy and enclosure from the rest of the park Jen L. wrote a great review about the rental logistics. I would just add that rental time includes both set-up and take-down. You are also responsible for cleaning up the space and you will need to figure out a way to dispose of any trash. There are numerous restrictions - no alcohol, confetti/rice, or flower petals (but you can use bubbles as I did). Also, there is not a space for storing chairs - you will need to carefully figure out logistics and pricing with your chair rental vendor. For all those reasons, I took off 1 star. Inconveniences: - Major traffic on our wedding day - our florist was late for set-up and some guests were late to the wedding. We had such a small wedding that it didn't matter in the end. - Strangers may peek in during your wedding. - Our 4 reserved parking spots were parked in. We had to get park patrol to lay down the law. The issue was worked out, but just another thing stress over on a big day. I hope this isn't the norm and that we just had some inconsiderate and incompetent people parking in our spots. Overall, beautiful garden for a lazy weekend stroll or for a beautiful ceremony/occasion. read more
17 years ago
I thought the opening of the Academy of Sciences was going to make this spot less appealing to visit and more crowded, but it hasn't. It's still a nice little tucked away hiding spot for you to read, nap, and picnic. The one thing that the Academy of Sciences did bring to this spot is the loud screams and laughter of children playing on the opposite side of a row of trees at the Academy. It's not too bad though, and I'm thankful they kept the surrounding trees to keep Shakespeare's Garden "hidden". This spot is a perfect spot to get married though...although I wonder how much you gotta pay to rent it out...hmmm??? In the off chance that you walk by and catch a wedding going on make sure to snoop! It's fun! Ah, Golden Gate Park itself is such a treasure, so definitely grab some food from the nearby 9th and Irving area, pack a blanket and chill at Shakespeare's Garden. read more
19 years ago
5 years ago
17 years ago
I had often seen the street sign along Martin Luther King Drive pointing towards the Shakespeare Garden, but in all my life of living in the City I had never visited the garden until this past Sunday. It's opportunities like this that I am often most thankful for the volunteer organization, One Brick, because I have discovered so many of San Francisco's parks through them. The Shakespeare Garden was founded in 1928 (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=KuOtHoWRRjsYXLUrjEbhBQ) and sits nestled in a quiet area located beside a walkway and the California Academy of Sciences building (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=bgDn_BKtBepa_D9j2QQfAg). Among the features of the garden is a huge brick wall (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=Zg4Z2FN507Dp7TjGQn21Ug) located opposite the main gate (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=P-VtXwYCR0m_8ZZB2QJrDg). Featured on that brick wall is a bronze sculpture created by George Bullock of William Shakespeare (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=-i50iREYpEiRX-UAcaGBtQ). The sculpture is often locked behind steel doors due to the threat of vandalism. At one time there were six bronze plaques like this one (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=9rBBukqUuhHQfh4_1V3vhw) embedded into the brick wall. Each plaque featured literary quotes from Shakespeare's works in relation to the plants in the garden. Today only four of the plaques exist due to vandalism and theft. Most of the benches within the garden feature a plaque and is dedicated to a noteworthy San Franciscan. No bench; however, is as grand as the sculpted stone bench erected in honor of San Francisco botanist, Alice Eastwood (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=mdEKmVqNm2anAN7EwFRS-A). Eastwood is best remembered for her dedication to her trade; during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake Eastwood was credited for returning to a burning building and saving over 1500 plant specimens some of which are exclusively planted within the California Academy of Sciences in her honor. We were told by the two San Francisco Rec and Parks Department gardeners that the Shakespeare Garden is a very popular spot for weddings beginning in the spring. There is a brick walkway (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=hR8GA8wcFvJALxwcs9lLxw) and (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=4RrwqZwLnRe0Yhkv5_03fQ) under an umbrella of crab apple trees featuring an antique sundial (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=Yx88gbfBiVggKuyiGy4o1w) located between the main gate and the brick wall. On some dates as many as five weddings have been booked in the garden. Our task for this project was to eliminate all of the weeds within the garden, tidy up the dirt beneath all of the benches, clear borders and trim edges around the many plant beds and rake away all the fallen leaves that had accumulated on the garden's soil beds. As we often do we took on the tasks and completed them in record time. The gardeners were thankful. This bird (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=Kt9xb5TuwkxryKWAhtn6CA) was thankful. These flowers (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=ILvDqXt5d6_enL1nhkujPQ) and (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=VwXO6hDAGi4W7YF7i4D8Bw) were thankful as well. Many of the garden's visitors stopped by to thank us personally that morning for cleaning out the weeds and beautifying the soil. The Shakespeare Garden is open to the public except when a wedding is taking place. Check it out now while the blossoms on the crab apple trees are just beginning to bloom (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8TKWECsXepbEKnitaZGUxw?select=bs2CWYy9UFMjkK-oIJGNaA). The bust of William Shakespeare is only unlocked in the presence of parks personnel however. I know I'll be back next month hopefully to introduce some new plants to the garden. You can join us through the One Brick website. read more
16 years ago
A a long-term San Francisco resident, I knew wanted to use what this beloved City of ours had to offer and have an outdoor wedding in the City with lots of greenery that didn't eat up most of our budget. It also brought our floral budget down because we didn't need to add anything to the site. We just had Shakespeare's bust opened the day, GG Park had already taken care of the flower patches along the brick aisle, and we were good to go. It costs us $750, which is quite cheap compared to other city venues. I can't remember how it breaks down to cost/per hour, but if you call the office they are very accommodating and will give you all the information you need (I often found the info on the website a bit confusing about how to retain the permit). We also had to submit a $500 deposit (a check they later sent back to us). Yes, a passerby or two or five came by, but they were good about staying outside the gate and just peeking in. One woman walked by me as I stood out there alone as the bride waiting for my queue to walk the aisle (Dad had gone in to check on timing). My spank skirt had risen and the tag was popping out at my lower back (I had a backless dress). So after she asked me if she could take my photo because she said the lighting was so beautiful on my veil, I asked her if she would reach up my wedding gown and pull down my spanx. I figured we could help eachother out (she getting my photo, she pulling down my spanx. And she ended up emailing me those great photos. :-) You may want to give yourself some padding time wise on either side of your ceremony as some days two weddings book. This is why we booked our wedding on a Friday. All the Saturdays were booked up, as was Sunday (since the date was 10/10/10). And while the Blue Angels flew overhead, we loved every minute (we planned it that way to excite our guests for the boat we chartered on the Bay the next day for all our out-of-town guests to watch the Blue Angels. Fun!) We also rigged up a sound system with a battery-operated generator, which the park ranger wasn't thrilled about, but what were we to do trying to compete with the Blue Angels flying overhead. They say that no amplified sound is aloud, but we bent that rule, had a sound system so that we would have microphones for our vows, and so that everyone could hear our acoustic live quartet. All in all, it was incredible. October in San Francisco is THE TIME. It was like 80 degrees, blue skies, the Blue Angels, simple nature in this extraordinary city...it was the best decision we made and it benefits the City by the Bay that we so dearly love, so book it! read more
17 years ago
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More info about Shakespeare Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94121
Directions
(415) 831-5500
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Hours
Outdoor Amenities
