Portals of the Past

What you need to know

What’s There

Six Corinthian columns standing on the south bank of Lloyd Lake in the western half of Golden Gate Park. They are the entry portico of the Towne Mansion on Nob Hill, which was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. The columns were moved to Lloyd Lake in 1909 and installed as a memorial to the city before the disaster.

The name “Portals of the Past” comes from a famous photograph taken the morning after the earthquake, looking out through the original Towne Mansion doorway over a destroyed city.

On still mornings, the columns reflect cleanly in the lake.

A five-minute stop. Lloyd Lake is in the quieter western half of the park.

Visiting

Address: Lloyd Lake, Golden Gate Park (near 25th Avenue and Fulton Street)

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Cost: Free

When to go: Early morning for the calmest water and cleanest reflections. Foggy mornings add atmosphere.

What to know: The columns are on the south side of Lloyd Lake. No signage from the main road; walk down to the lake.

Getting There

Transit: Muni 5-Fulton to 25th Avenue, then walk into the park.

Parking: Free street parking along Fulton or inside the park on JFK Drive.

Walking: In the quieter western half of Golden Gate Park. Near Spreckels Lake and the Bison Paddock.