I understand it is four acres of traditional Japanese architecture, koi ponds and bamboo trees. Anybody have any rants or raves or good to know stuff about it? Interested in best time to visit and how to reach it via public transportation.

You can spend a day in the Golden Gate park, visiting Japanes gardens and arboretum, feeding ducks and squarrels. Unfortunately DeYoung and Science museums are closed for renovation, and Asian Art moved out. But the newely remodeled conservatory is opened. I don't think there are any food places in the park now, so bring food, or you'll have to survive on hot dogs and ice-cream.

The closest to the gardens is bus 43, where are you coming from? You can take lines 2,4,38 from Union square area to 6th ave, then #43. Or check SF MUNI website for another convenient bus.

You can explore other areas of the park using shuttle, not sure when it starts running, and probably on weekends only.

One correction to Faina's excellent suggestions above - it is the Number 44 O'Shaughnessy bus which actually cuts through the park north/south and vice versa.

The Tea Garden is a nice example of Japanese garden design - there is, however, heavy-duty construction of the new De Young facility going on "next door" to it. I don't think it will affect your viewing experience, but just be aware that this end of the park is not picture-perfect.

The Tea Garden is a spot which gives the visitor pleasure no matter what the weather - I myself prefer it on a kind of grey, foggy or misty day with not too many people. I think there is a cafe where you can sip green tea or other beverages while you look out over the garden.

The Aboretum is a great place for a walk, there are some big lawns and huge trees, as well as more secluded areas. My favorite as a child was always the Garden for the Blind - it was filled with scented herbs and flowers - hope it's still there!

Boy, that was quick. Thank you both for such great advice.

Construction cranes seem to spring up wherever I travel - let's hope the jackhammers have completed work by July.

Ooopsss... I apologize! Of course it's 44!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the tea garden. Note: you do have to pay to get in, unless it's the last hour of the day.

Another public transit option (faster & handy if coming from downtown) is the N Judah Muni rail. Disembark at 9th Ave & Irving, just before the train turns left on 9th. Hang a right down 9th. 1 block and you're in the park right near the arboretum. I'd guess that it's a 1/2 mile walk from the park entrance to the Tea Garden.

I don't think the jackhammer's will be quiet-the garage is going forward even tho' there is a trial set for June? and if allowed to continue it will be another 18 mos. of construction. The de Young won't be finished until 2005 and the Science Museum in 2008.Yet I would
visit the Garden anyway-tres beautiful!
R5
PS Bring your hardhat

Definitely worth a visit - even with the construction next door.

If you take the N-Judah line over there, you will walk past Kezar Stadium where the SF 49ers used to play.

Stopped there first thing in the morning a few years ago - it was enchanting! I would recommend getting there at 8:30am, wander around in relative solitude and then have tea at the Tea House when they open at 10:00.

I have to add that, while I really enjoy the tea garden, I don't think it is close to four acres in size. Four acres makes it sound like it is quite large but you can easily stroll through it in a relatively short time.

I was there as a child and have magical memories of it. A couple of years ago I was in SF so I thought I'd drop by...surprise, surprise - It seemed so small. I walked there and my plan was to call a cab to get back to the hotel...after waiting half an hour, the cab didn't arrive and I had a heck of a time getting back to the Union Square area on public transportation. You are smart to plan ahead because with no planning, I had a hard time of it.

Thanks everyone for the additional feedback.

Can I take it that there are enough gardens in Golden Gate Park to keep us busy pretty much all day?

I'd plan a 1/2 day in GG Park. If the museums weren't under construction I would say a whole day.

1/2 to full day. In July there is likely to be free concerts, festivals, and other goings on. The park is huge and has much to do even with NO museums. STRONGLY consider renting bikes just outside the park. Don't forget to pack a picnic.

bardo, great idea about the picnic. That has skipped my mind.

There is a grocery store called Andronico's located 3 or 4 blocks from the park on Irving and Funston. They have a great deli counter and all kinds of fabulous picnic foods as well as normal groceries.

I think you'll only want to spend half a day in the park because there are so many other things to do in SF.

Oh yes, Andronicos. I haven't been to this one, but I've been to the one in Walnut Creek and the deli is terrific and their produce section is top notch.