The Panhandle San Francisco
Forgotten end of Golden Gate Park
Most people recognize Hippie Hill, Kezar Stadium and the Conservatory of Flowers as the easternmost end of Golden Gate Park. Little do they realize that the green space continues another eight blocks as the Panhandle. The Panhandle was originally supposed to be part of the park but was impossible to expand due to squatters who had built homes on either side. So it remains as a thin green strip from Stanyan to Baker bounded by Oak and Fell on either side. The Panhandle adds a lot to the Haight area by providing an ideal spot for walking, biking, dogs, picnics and other outdoor activities. It also functions as a bike commuter thoroughfare for people biking to work downtown.
The Panhandle is fortunate to still exist, as plans to convert it to a freeway were in the works at one point. The space was saved through neighborhood efforts and currently remains as an integral part of the region.
I will admit, in the past few years the park had fallen into slight disrepair. The basketball courts were dilapidated, the playground was not the most inviting and the place was just overall ill-kept. But fortunately it has seen a revival, with court improvements funded by the Warriors, a renovation of the playground as part of a city-wide project, and a general upturn in groundskeeping quality.
About this spot
The Panhandle
- 24 hours daily
US$
free
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Pier 39
See sea lions!
"Pier 39" in San Francisco is where I got to buy live crabs during the season and see the sea lions! They are the quintessential San Franciscans...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cornell Hotel de France
Beautiful hotel
"Cornell Hotel de France" in San Francisco is Jean D'Arc-themed and the building's over 100 years old. It's like a taste of France in the city...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Queen Anne Hotel
A haunted beauty
The "Queen Anne Hotel" in San Francisco exhibits the timeless romance and grand style that the Gold Rush brought to the city in the 1800s...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Best coffee stop
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Eagle Cafe
Best hangover spot for breakfast
Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Crab House
So much food!
"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Heading to San Francisco?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
