Background

Buena Vista Park: San Francisco's Historic Hilltop Oasis

Discover San Francisco's oldest park: panoramic views, historic trails, and a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

4.6

Escape the city bustle in Buena Vista Park, one of San Francisco's oldest parks offering winding trails, stunning views, and a touch of Victorian history with repurposed headstones lining its paths. A true urban oasis.

A brief summary to Buena Vista Park

  • Monday 5 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 5 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 5 am-12 am
  • Thursday 5 am-12 am
  • Friday 5 am-12 am
  • Saturday 5 am-12 am
  • Sunday 5 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park's hilly trails and stairways.
  • Bring a jacket, as the hilltop can be breezy and cool, even on warm days.
  • Keep an eye out for the historic headstones repurposed as part of the park's pathways.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome, with an off-leash dog play area on the west side of the park.
  • Visit the park's summit for the best panoramic views of San Francisco.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From central San Francisco, the Muni #7 or #6 bus lines offer convenient access to Buena Vista Park. Take either bus to Haight Street near the park's entrance. A single ride costs $3.00, or $2.85 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and historic streetcars is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Walking

    From the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Buena Vista Park is easily accessible on foot. Walk west along Haight Street until you reach the park's boundary. Several stairways and paths lead into the park from Haight Street. Be prepared for uphill walking, as the park is situated on a steep hill.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Ride-sharing services and taxis can drop you off at the edge of Buena Vista Park along Haight Street or Buena Vista Avenue. A short ride from downtown San Francisco will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. From there, you can enter the park via the various access points.

Unlock the Best of Buena Vista Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Buena Vista Park

Buena Vista Park, officially established in 1894, holds the distinction of being one of San Francisco's oldest parks. Originally named Hill Park in 1867, the city claimed the 36-acre hilltop, paying nearly $90,000 to remove squatters. Later, it was renamed Buena Vista, meaning "good view" in Spanish. In its early years, superintendent John McLaren transformed the barren hill into a flourishing landscape with eucalyptus, cypress, and pine trees. The park became a popular spot to witness the city's destruction and rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake. During the 1930s, stairways and paths were constructed, and the park acquired unusual Victorian-era headstones, remnants from San Francisco's relocated cemeteries, now repurposed as part of the park's infrastructure. Today, Buena Vista Park offers a tranquil escape with its network of trails, wooded areas, and panoramic city views. Visitors can explore the park's diverse flora, discover hidden epitaphs on the historic headstones, and enjoy recreational facilities like the playground and dog play area. The park's hilltop location provides stunning vistas of San Francisco, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Popular Experiences near Buena Vista Park

Popular Hotels near Buena Vista Park

Select Currency