Shakespeare Garden
The Verdict
"Small, walled, and usually empty. Each bed labeled with the Shakespeare passage referencing the plant. Near the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Free and open during park hours."
What you need to know
Every Plant Shakespeare Ever Mentioned
The Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park grows all 175 plants referenced in the works of William Shakespeare. It was established by the California Spring Blossom and Wildflower Association and sits in a tucked-away corner of the park near the California Academy of Sciences. Brick paths wind through labeled beds of rosemary, thyme, lavender, rue, and dozens of other species, each tagged with the relevant Shakespeare quote.
What Makes It Worth It
The garden is small and quiet, a walled rectangle maybe 100 feet long. On a weekday morning, you might be the only person there. The plant labels include the Shakespeare passage where each species appears, turning a garden walk into a literary scavenger hunt if you’re inclined.
A bronze bust of Shakespeare presides over the garden from behind locked metal doors, installed around 1950 and protected from vandals ever since. The bust was cast from a 17th-century original in Stratford-upon-Avon, donated by the mayor of Shakespeare’s hometown.
Best for Shakespeare enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone who wants a peaceful five minutes in Golden Gate Park away from the busier attractions. Combine with the nearby Botanical Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, or de Young Museum.
Skip this if you need more than a quiet garden to hold your attention. There’s no exhibit, no audio guide, no interactivity. Just plants, quotes, and a locked bust.
Visiting
Address: Golden Gate Park, near the California Academy of Sciences (Martin Luther King Jr. Drive)
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily. No gate.
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Spring and early summer when the garden is in peak bloom. Weekday mornings for solitude.
What to know: Easy to walk past. Look for the brick entrance and low stone walls near the Academy of Sciences. The garden is unlabeled from the main path, so you need to know where to look.
Getting There
Transit: Muni N-Judah to 9th Avenue and Irving, then walk into the park. The 44-O’Shaughnessy stops near the Music Concourse.
Parking: Music Concourse garage (paid) or free street parking along Lincoln Way.
Walking: Steps from the California Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden. Part of the central Golden Gate Park cluster.
📍 Location: This activity is in The Richmond. Explore the neighborhood →
