One of the most beautiful places in San Francisco, if not the entire Bay Area, is Golden Gate Park. Whether it’s a sunny day or the fog has just rolled in, you’ll always be surrounded by trees and plants whose green color compliments any weather.

One of the best things about Golden Gate Park is that it’s huge and offers a variety of areas and activities. Museums in the park like the Academy of Sciences and the de Young offer a great opportunity to further your mind and experience new things. The lakes offer a relaxing environment where one could get lost in nature. There are also plenty of playgrounds scattered across the park for children to enjoy giving parents a break from their kid’s energy. If nothing else, you and some friends could kick back and enjoy any of the many fields the park contains.

My personal favorite thing to do in the park is to head over to Hippie Hill and listen to the usual group of musicians playing there. I find it very relaxing. It’s a great place to get out of your head and get lost in the moment. It’s also a perfect place to people watch. You’ll see all kinds of people out there and it’s just one more thing to love about not just the park, but San Francisco as well.

Another great thing about the park is that it’s a perfect place to exercise. Aside from the areas devoted to personal fitness, the park is a long stretch perfect for a jog or bike ride. If your workout consists of longer distances, just head towards Ocean Beach and continue with your very scenic exercise. Or, if exercising really isn’t your thing, you can always head to Haight St. across the way for some shopping or a good old slice of pizza.

No matter your age, Golden Gate Park offers something for everyone. It’s a place that can put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s easy to appreciate the park not only for its beauty, but the experiences we’ve had there too. I’m sure most of us can remember a time we had there, hopefully it’s a good one.

If you can’t, you should head there on your next day off and give it a shot. Go with some friends or head over by yourself with a book or some homework. With the calmness surrounding the area you should be able to get a lot done.

We naturally take the little things around us for granted. Golden Gate Park is one of those little things. It’s always there and most figure it always will be. Still, as long as it is there we should slow down and appreciate the many things it can offer.