South Park

Why go

South Park is defined by the paths, terrain, and planting around South Park. Another layer comes from weather and long views surrounding South Park. Plan South Park by remembering to check conditions around South Park and carry water or a warm layer. After South Park, choose an outdoor anchor near South Park; this keeps South Park geographically coherent and avoids forcing South Park into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at the paths, terrain, and planting around South Park.
• Notice weather and long views surrounding South Park.

The full story

South Park is a small urban park and eponymous neighborhood in the larger South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco, California, consisting of 0.85 acres of public ground. The neighborhood centers on the small, oval-shaped park and South Park Street, which encircles the park. South Park is bounded by Second, Third, Bryant, and Brannan streets. The two halves of the South Park Street re-join at both ends of the park and continue for short, straight stretches before terminating at Second Street on one end and Third Street on the other. This creates a curved line of buildings, which gives the street and park an unusual enclosed, urban character. Local businesses and restaurants dot the street, as well as a large number of apartment buildings. The park was originally constructed in 1855 as the center of an exclusive residential community. It was modeled after a square in London, England, as a housing development of seventeen mansions plus townhouses (a total of 58 residences) on a 550-foot oval around a private grassy park. It featured the first paved streets and sidewalks in San Francisco. A windmill in the center of the park pumped water for the houses.

Useful to know

• For South Park, check conditions around South Park and carry water or a warm layer.
• Pair South Park with an outdoor anchor near South Park when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.