Free Admission to SF’s Botanical Garden on Thanksgiving (2024)

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. A unique urban oasis, the garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, and showcasing over 9,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.

One of the most beautiful spots is the Japanese-design inspired “Moon Viewing Garden,” (pictured above) located in the Mild-Temperate Climate section in the Northwest portion of the gardens. [view map]

The garden is always free for San Francisco residents, but visitors can also enjoy this treasure for free on the second Tuesday of every month; plus it’s free on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day for everyone.

Early bird? Come by any day and get in for free from 7:30-9 am. 

San Francisco Botanical Garden Free Days

• Second Tuesday of every month
• Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
• Free daily from 7:30–9 am
• Always free for San Francisco city and county residents (with proof of residency)
• Always free for Garden members and school groups

Regular cost: $17 adults (weekends), $14 adults (weekdays); $7/youth and seniors; $3/children; free/4 years and younger

Hours

Open Daily at 7:30am-Last Entry
The Garden closes one hour after last entry. Last entry changes seasonally.

Spring & Summer Last Entry
2nd Sunday in March – September: 6pm

Fall & Winter Last Entry
February – 2nd Sunday in March: 5pm
October – Early November: 5pm
1st Sunday in November – January: 4pm

Free Times: Daily 7:30-9am; Second Tuesday of every month; Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day

Garden Bookstore and Plant Shop
Open Daily, 10am-4pm
Open on Federal Holidays​

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture
Open Daily except Thursday, 10am-4pm
Closed on Federal Holidays