Huntington Park
The basics
Huntington Park sits at the very heart of Nob Hill, surrounded by luxury apartment buildings, hotels, and the French-Gothic Grace Cathedral. The park’s focal point is the Baroque “Fountain of the Tortoises,” a bronze copy of a 400-year-old original in Rome. Benches and grassy areas provide a pleasant place to sit or spread a blanket, while a children’s playground is a popular spot for families. Most Nob Hill walking tours stop at Huntington Park for a primer on the area’s illustrious history.
Things to know before you go
- Be prepared for a strenuous climb if you plan to walk to the park, as Nob Hill is very steep.
- Leashed dogs are welcome at the park.
- Throwing coins in any of the park’s fountains is prohibited.
- Adults must be accompanied by a child inside the playground area.
How to get there
Huntington Park is located between California and Sacramento Streets at Taylor Street in the Nob Hill neighborhood. The California Cable Car line C and MUNI bus route 1 stop right nearby. Parking in the area is limited, though paid garages are available beneath Grace Cathedral and across the street at the Masonic event space.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The park is open daily. Visit after dark to see the “Fountain of the Tortoises” illuminated, or stop by on a Sunday morning to hear the ringing bells of Grace Cathedral.
The “Grande Dame” Hotels of Nob Hill
One of San Francisco's most exclusive addresses, Nob Hill is known for its luxury residences and hotels. While most of the historic buildings here were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire, the Flood Mansion directly across from Huntington Park remains, and today is home to the elite and secretive Pacific Union Club. Next door, the elegant Fairmont Hotel also survived the disaster and welcomes guests to stay overnight or dine in the Laurel Court lobby restaurant and Tonga Room tiki lounge downstairs. Across California Street, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins boasts some of the best views in San Francisco from the Top of the Mark cocktail bar, while the Huntington Hotel lets diners feel like a 19th-century tycoon at its Big 4 Restaurant.
- Things to do in California
- Things to do in Sausalito
- Things to do in Napa & Sonoma
- Things to do in Yosemite National Park
- Things to do in Paso Robles
- Things to do in San Luis Obispo
- Things to do in Pismo Beach
- Things to do in Santa Barbara
- Things to do in Santa Monica
- Things to do in Los Angeles
- Things to do in Long Beach
- Things to do in Anaheim & Buena Park
- Things to do in La Jolla
- Things to do in Nevada
- Things to do in Oregon