Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Lincoln Park, perched at San Francisco’s northwestern edge, is a destination where scenic beauty, layered history, and vibrant culture intersect. Originally the site of the City Cemetery, the park now offers panoramic views, significant monuments, and renowned attractions like the Lincoln Park Golf Course and the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. This guide provides an in-depth overview of Lincoln Park’s historical background, cultural significance, key features, practical visitor information, and essential tips to ensure a fulfilling experience. For further research, explore resources from San Francisco Heritage, San Francisco Recreation & Parks, and the Alta Journal.

Historical Background

From City Cemetery to Public Park

Established in 1868, City Cemetery was San Francisco’s primary municipal burial ground, serving over 20,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Jewish, and Civil War veterans. In the early 20th century, urban expansion led to the cemetery’s closure and the gradual transformation of its grounds into a city park. Despite official disinterment efforts, thousands of graves remain beneath Lincoln Park’s rolling lawns (Alta Journal; SF Standard).

By 1909, the site was officially renamed Lincoln Park to honor President Abraham Lincoln and to mark the western terminus of the nation’s first transcontinental automobile route, the Lincoln Highway. The Lincoln Park Golf Course, San Francisco’s first municipal golf course, was established soon after and further cemented the park’s recreational legacy (SF Public Golf).

Landmark Designation and Ongoing Recognition

Recent advocacy by community groups and historians has resulted in formal landmark designation efforts for Lincoln Park, recognizing its importance as a site of multicultural heritage and collective memory (SF Heritage). These efforts ensure the preservation and commemoration of the park’s complex past.

Cultural and Community Significance

Multicultural Heritage

Lincoln Park is particularly meaningful to San Francisco’s Chinese American community. The Kong Chow funerary monument, one of the few remaining physical reminders of the old cemetery, commemorates Chinese immigrants interred at City Cemetery. Annual events and new memorials continue to honor the ancestors and diverse groups resting beneath the park (SF Standard).

Civic Identity and Memory

Lincoln Park’s transformation from cemetery to park reflects San Francisco’s evolving story of inclusivity, resilience, and civic pride. The ongoing landmarking process is meant to foster public education and deeper engagement with the city’s past, as well as honor the marginalized communities interred at the site (SF Heritage).

Key Attractions and Features

Kong Chow Funerary Monument

This monument is a focal point for remembrance and reflection, dedicated to Chinese immigrants buried in the cemetery. It remains a site of annual cultural observances and is one of the few visible reminders of the city’s early immigrant history.

Ladies’ Seaman’s Friend Society Monument

Honoring the work of the Ladies’ Seaman’s Friend Society, this obelisk near the Legion of Honor parking lot commemorates the support provided to sailors and the maritime community.

Lincoln Park Golf Course

An 18-hole public course dating to 1902, the Lincoln Park Golf Course is celebrated for both its accessibility and its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean. The course has a storied history, hosting major local championships and producing golf legends like Johnny Miller and George Archer (SF Public Golf).

California Palace of the Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is a neoclassical museum housing over 124,000 works of art, including European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Notable features include Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts.

Lands End and Coastal Trails

Bordering Lincoln Park, the Lands End Trail offers rugged coastal scenery, forested paths, and sweeping vistas of the Golden Gate. The trail connects to the historic Sutro Baths ruins, Mile Rock Beach, and several scenic overlooks (secretsanfrancisco.com).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Park Grounds: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Lincoln Park Golf Course: Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to sunset.
Legion of Honor Museum: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:15 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

Ticketing

Lincoln Park Grounds: Free admission.
Legion of Honor Museum: $15 adults, $10 seniors/youth (13–17), free for children under 12. Free for San Francisco residents on the first Tuesday of each month. Special exhibitions may require an extra fee.
Golf Course: Fees range from $30–$60 for 18 holes, varying by time and day. Tee times can be reserved online (Lincoln Park Golf).

Accessibility

Paved paths and accessible facilities (including restrooms and parking) are available.
The Legion of Honor and main trails accommodate wheelchair users. Some coastal trails may have steep or uneven sections.

Transportation and Parking

Public Transit: Muni bus lines 1-California, 18, and 38-Geary serve the park; alight near 33rd–34th Avenues (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency).
Driving: Free but limited parking near the Legion of Honor and along neighborhood streets.
Cycling: Bike racks and rental options are available; the park is a popular stop on city cycling routes.

Exploring Lincoln Park: Activities and Tips

Walking and Hiking Routes

Coastal Trail: 2.8 miles with 436 feet elevation gain; panoramic ocean and bridge views (mypacer.com).
Lands End Trail: 2.5 miles to Sutro Baths and Mile Rock Beach.
Mountain Lake to Lincoln Park: 4.9 miles for those seeking a longer, urban-nature hike.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, bring layers for changing weather, and start early for the best photography conditions.

Photo Opportunities

Lincoln Park Steps: Vibrant mosaic staircase designed by Aileen Barr (snaphappytravel.com).
Legion of Honor courtyard and art installations.
Overlooks with Golden Gate Bridge and downtown skyline backdrops.

Food and Refreshments

Onsite: Legion of Honor Café.
Nearby: Garden House Café and The Art Bistro on Clement Street.
Picnic tables are available throughout the park.

Best Times to Visit

Spring and Fall: Mild weather, fewer crowds.
Early Morning: Quietest and best light for photos.
Summer: Cool and foggy—bring a jacket.

Safety and Etiquette

Stay on marked trails and be respectful near monuments.
Do not feed wildlife.
Dogs must be on leash.

Special Events and Community Engagement

The Legion of Honor hosts events like Bouquets to Art and rotating exhibitions (secretsanfrancisco.com).
Community groups organize annual ancestor recognition ceremonies at the Kong Chow monument.
Ongoing landmark designation efforts by organizations such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and SF Heritage (SF Heritage).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the current visiting hours for Lincoln Park?
A: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The Legion of Honor Museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–5:15 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to Lincoln Park?
A: No, general park entry is free. Fees apply for the Legion of Honor Museum and the golf course.

Q: Is Lincoln Park accessible by public transit?
A: Yes, Muni bus lines serve the area.

Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in the park.

Q: Can I bring food and picnic in the park?
A: Yes, there are picnic areas throughout the park.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: The Legion of Honor offers guided tours; occasional heritage tours are organized by local groups.

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Lincoln Park is a living memorial and vibrant public space, ideal for history lovers, nature seekers, and art enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the Kong Chow monument, teeing off with ocean views, or admiring masterpieces at the Legion of Honor, planning ahead ensures an enriching experience.

For more on hours, ticketing, and upcoming events, visit:

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Summary and Invitation

Lincoln Park stands as one of San Francisco’s most scenic and culturally significant destinations. From its origins as City Cemetery to its current role as a cherished urban park and landmark, it encapsulates the city’s rich multicultural heritage and enduring spirit. Plan your visit, explore its layered history, and enjoy its natural and cultural wonders.