Background

National AIDS Memorial Grove: A Sanctuary of Healing and Remembrance

A serene sanctuary in Golden Gate Park dedicated to healing, remembrance, and education about the AIDS epidemic.

4.9

The National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a dedicated space for healing and remembrance for those touched by the AIDS epidemic. This 10-acre grove offers a serene landscape of trees, meadows, and symbolic structures, providing a place for reflection and honoring lives lost.

A brief summary to National AIDS Memorial Grove

  • Monday 5 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 5 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 5 am-10 pm
  • Friday 5 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 5 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 5 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on World AIDS Day (December 1) for a moving ceremony of remembrance and reflection.
  • Join a volunteer workday (third Saturday of each month, March-October) to help maintain the Grove's beauty and tranquility.
  • Take time to wander the pathways and discover the Circle of Friends, engraved with names of those touched by AIDS.
  • Check the National AIDS Memorial website for information on upcoming events and programs.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in Golden Gate Park, such as the Japanese Tea Garden or the de Young Museum.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere in San Francisco, take the Muni to Golden Gate Park. Several bus lines, including the 5, 7, 21, 33, 43, 44, and N-Judah, stop near the Grove. From the bus stops on Fulton Street or Stanyan and Haight Streets, walk south into the park. Follow signs for the National AIDS Memorial Grove, located near Bowling Green Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive. Muni fares are $2.85 per ride when using the MuniMobile app or Clipper card, or $3.00 cash. A day pass costs $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Walking

    The National AIDS Memorial Grove is located in Golden Gate Park, easily accessible by foot from many points within the park. From the Japanese Tea Garden or the California Academy of Sciences, walk west along JFK Drive or Bowling Green Drive. The Grove is located near the intersection of Bowling Green Drive and Nancy Pelosi Drive, across from the tennis courts. There is no cost to enter Golden Gate Park or the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

  • Driving

    From anywhere in San Francisco, drive to Golden Gate Park. Enter the park via main entrances on Fell Street, Fulton Street, or Lincoln Way. Limited free street parking is available on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Nancy Pelosi Drive, and Bowling Green Drive. Alternatively, paid parking is available at the Music Concourse Garage, accessible from Martin Luther King Jr. Drive or Fulton Street at 10th Avenue. The garage is a short walk to the Grove. Parking rates at the Music Concourse Garage are $40 for no-key valet parking. Special event rates may also apply.

Unlock the Best of National AIDS Memorial Grove

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National AIDS Memorial Grove

Nestled in Golden Gate Park, the National AIDS Memorial Grove serves as a living tribute to the millions of lives affected by the AIDS epidemic. Conceived in 1988 and established in 1991, the Grove provides a sanctuary for healing, hope, and remembrance. The idea for the memorial arose from a group of San Francisco residents seeking a way to express their collective grief during the height of the AIDS crisis. Located in the de Laveaga Dell, the 10-acre Grove features a diverse landscape with towering redwoods, open meadows, and winding pathways. Symbolic features like the Circle of Friends, engraved with the names of over 1,500 individuals, offer a space for personal reflection. The Grove hosts annual World AIDS Day ceremonies and monthly volunteer workdays, fostering community engagement and ensuring the memorial's upkeep. The Grove's design incorporates natural elements to create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors can wander through the grounds, discovering quiet corners for reflection and remembrance. The site also hosts occasional performing arts events, further enriching the visitor experience. The National AIDS Memorial ensures that the stories of those lost to AIDS are not forgotten, educating future generations and promoting compassion and understanding.

Popular Experiences near National AIDS Memorial Grove

Popular Hotels near National AIDS Memorial Grove

Select Currency