Golden Gate Park Bison Paddock

What you need to know

American Bison in the Middle of San Francisco

A small herd of American bison has lived in Golden Gate Park since 1891. The paddock sits in the western half of the park along JFK Drive, west of Spreckels Lake. The herd moved to its current location in 1899 and has been there ever since, cared for by San Francisco Zoo staff. When the herd was established, bison were near extinction across the American West. The park’s herd was part of early conservation efforts.

What Makes It Worth It

It’s bison. In a city park. The sight is genuinely surprising if you don’t know they’re there. The paddock is a large, fenced meadow where the animals have room to graze and are usually visible from the fence line along JFK Drive. The herd is small (typically 5-10 animals) and the bison are calm, doing what bison do: standing, chewing, occasionally walking.

There’s no interpretive center, no feeding, no interaction. Just a fence and a meadow with thousand-pound animals that have been here for over 130 years. It takes two minutes to see. Longer if you want to wait for them to move closer.

Best as a quick stop on a bike ride or drive through the western park. Not worth a special trip on its own unless you’re a bison enthusiast.

Visiting

Address: JFK Drive near 39th Avenue, Golden Gate Park (western half)

Hours: Visible from the road anytime during park hours

Cost: Free

Best time to go: Morning, when the bison are more active and closer to the fence. Midday they often retreat to the far end of the paddock.

What to know: Stay behind the fence. Don’t feed or approach the animals. They’re wild animals, not pets.

Getting There

Transit: Muni 5-Fulton to 36th Avenue, then walk south into the park. The 29-Sunset also passes nearby.

Parking: Free parking along JFK Drive near the paddock.

Walking: Near Spreckels Lake, the Portals of the Past, and the Dutch Windmill at the park’s western edge.

📍 Location: This activity is in The Richmond. Explore the neighborhood →