Fall Outing to Lafayette Park

Lafayette Park is perched high on a hill in the Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, and commands views of the Mariana district to the north and city views all around. While my husband attended a conference on Schema Therapy at a nearby hotel, I gasped my way up the hill to explore the park. It was the Friday before Fleet Week, on a warm fall day, and perfect for exploring, and catching glimpses of the Blue Angels roaring overhead in tight formation.

Grand entrance to Lafayette Park in Pacific Heights

Land for the 11 acre park was set aside in 1855, and has been used for a private residence by a wealthy squatter (until disputed, and torn down in 1936), an astronomical observatory in 1879, and a refugee camp after the 1906 earthquake. Now it is a wonderfully maintained park with green lawns, an amphitheater, a playground with cool equipment, a forest of mature trees, park benches for enjoying the view, a picnic area, tennis courts, a dog play area, and clean rest rooms.

Accessible pathways through the forest

I especially enjoyed the 360 degree view, the cool shade of the forest, and the scattered company of folks enjoying the park. Several people practiced Thai Chi at the top of the hill, and a number of dogs explored with their human companions. Many of the mature trees are non-native, reminiscent of the Victorian era when folks collected plants from all over the world. In contrast, several newer areas are planted with Mediterranean and California native plants. I recommend this park for its views and ideal location – it is definitely worth the hike up the hill.

View north to the Marina district