Bison Paddock: A Glimpse of the American West in Golden Gate Park
Witness majestic American bison roaming in Golden Gate Park, a testament to successful wildlife conservation in an urban setting.
Encounter a herd of American bison in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The Bison Paddock offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures, descendants of a herd established in the late 19th century to help save the species from extinction.
A brief summary to Bison Paddock
- 1237 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, California, 94121, US
- +1415-831-6818
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon when the bison are most active.
- Bring binoculars for a closer view of the bison without disturbing them.
- Check for park events or educational programs that may be happening during your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as there are many trails and paths to explore in the surrounding park.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, several Muni bus lines can get you close to the Bison Paddock. Consider the 5 Fulton or the N Judah. For the 5 Fulton, exit at 36th Avenue and Fulton Street, then walk south into the park. For the N Judah, exit at Sunset Boulevard and Irving Street, then walk north into the park. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.85 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass costs $5.70.
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Walking
If you are already within Golden Gate Park, the Bison Paddock is located on John F. Kennedy Drive, west of Spreckels Lake. From the Music Concourse area, head west on JFK Drive. The paddock will be on your right. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 30 minutes.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to the western end of Golden Gate Park. From the Great Highway, enter the park on John F. Kennedy Drive. The Bison Paddock will be on your right, west of Spreckels Lake. Limited free parking is available along JFK Drive. Parking can be challenging on weekends and holidays. Paid parking is available in the Music Concourse Garage, accessible from Fulton Street at 10th Avenue, but this requires a longer walk or a transfer to the free Golden Gate Park Shuttle.
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