The Ultimate Guide to See Flowers in San Francisco
Spring is such a wonderful time to visit San Francisco. It's time when all the parks and corners of the city are filled with the blooms. San Francisco is home to a vibrant and diverse range of flowers that bloom throughout the year, thanks to its mild climate and varied landscapes.In this guide where to see spring and summer flowers in San Francisco, I will share my favorite spots in the city to admire beautiful flowers.
Tulips at the Golden Gate Park in Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
When flowers bloom in San Francisco?
Thanks to San Francisco’s mild, Mediterranean-style climate, flowers bloom across the city nearly all year long. Early bloomers, like the golden acacia baileyana, begin showing vibrant yellow blossoms as early as late February, while colorful bougainvillea can continue to flourish well into late summer. Whether you're walking through city parks or quiet neighborhood gardens, there's always something in bloom to enjoy.
Flowers in Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco
What type of flowers you will find in San Francisco and when they bloom?
San Francisco offers a stunning sequence of seasonal blooms that begin in late winter and continue through early fall.
FEBRUARY AND MARCH
In February and March, the city’s parks and gardens come alive with magnolias, showcasing large, fragrant pink-and-white blossoms, especially at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Around the same time, cherry blossoms create delicate pink canopies in areas like Japantown and the Japanese Tea Garden, marking the start of spring.
Blooms in Japanese Tea Garden
Blooms in Japanese Tea Garden
APRIL AND MAY
By April and May, the landscape transitions into richer hues with purple lupine blanketing coastal trails by the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean, and wisteria draping garden trellises with its iconic cascading lavender flowers. Tulips also peak during April (especially in the Golden Gate Park in the Wilhelmina Garden), adding vibrant reds, yellows, and purples to formal gardens and public displays.
Purple lupin in April at the Golden Gate Bridge, near Coastal Trail
Purple lupin at the Golden Gate Bridge
Flower Blooms in the Golden Gate Park
April in Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in the Golden Gate Park
JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST
In June, roses are in full bloom in los of neighborhoods in San Francisco. They decorate Victorian houses beautifully. As summer arrives, hydrangeas (especially on Lombard Street) bloom in July and August, adding voluminous blue and pink blossoms to shady garden corners. You will also find lots of bougainvillea (especially in the Marina and North Beach) in August.
July in Pacific Heights Neighborhoods
Roses in July in Pacific Heights neighborhoods
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER
Finally, from August through October, the city bursts with the vivid magenta and purple tones of bougainvillea , often seen climbing walls and fences in sun-drenched neighborhoods.
Whether you're planning a photo walk, garden tour, or a relaxing springtime visit, these seasonal flowers make San Francisco a blooming paradise nearly all year round.
top places to see flowers in san francisco AND BAY AREA
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination during spring, especially from March through May. During this time, the garden bursts into color with displays of magnolias, cherry blossoms, and a variety of tropical and exotic plants from around the world. The garden is thoughtfully organized into geographic zones, allowing visitors to explore distinct ecosystems and plant collections from Asia, Australia, South America, and more—all in one walkable space.
Admission is free for San Francisco residents (valid proof of residency such as an ID or utility bill is required). Additionally, free general admission is available to all visitors daily from 7:30 to 9:00 AM, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful early morning stroll.
San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden
Right across the street from San Francisco Botanical Garden, you’ll find Japanese Tea Garden. This year, we visited it at the end of April and it was the most perfect time, everything was in full bloom. The Japanese Tea Garden is very popular, especially among the tourist, so make sure to be there early in the morning after the opening (the garden is open from 9am to 5.30pm).
Admission is free for San Francisco residents (valid proof of residency such as an ID or utility bill is required). The general admission is about $15 per person, $7 for youth and $3 for kids.
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in san francisco
This is one of the most photogenic spots in San Francisco, especially in spring. The Dutch Windmill, surrounded by colorful tulips, looks like something out of a fairytale. The best time to visit is late March to mid-April, when the tulips are in full bloom.
It’s getting more popular every year, so try to go early in the morning for fewer crowds and better light for photos. And don’t forget—leave no trace so everyone can enjoy it.
Haight Ashbury in san francisco
I love walking around Haight-Ashbury in late winter and early spring. The colorful Victorian houses look even prettier with yellow acacia trees blooming in February and cherry blossoms in March and April. It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot for a stroll and some great photos.
The Presidio / Lover’s Lane
The Presidio is one of San Francisco’s best places to enjoy nature without leaving the city. This former military base turned national park is filled with scenic hiking trails, many of which offer beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridgeand the bay. In the spring, these trails come to life with a variety of wildflowers, including California poppies, lupines, and other native blooms. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful walk, nature photography, or just enjoying a quiet escape in the heart of the city.
Golden Gate Bridge / Crissy Field
Starting in early April, purple lupine begins to bloom along the trails near the Golden Gate Bridge and usually lasts until late June. A great place to enjoy these flowers is on the walk from Crissy Field East Beach to the Golden Gate Welcome Center. During this time, Crissy Field is also covered in beautiful purple flowers, making it a perfect spot for a spring walk.
On the other side of the bridge, at the Golden Gate Vista Point in Marin County, you’ll see even more wildflowers—especially yellow and purple ones—with amazing views of the bridge and the bay.
Mori Point (Pacifica)
Just a 30-minute drive south of San Francisco, Mori Point in Pacifica is a hidden gem for nature lovers. The trails here offer stunning views of the ocean and are especially beautiful in spring, when the hills are covered in yellow and purple wildflowers. It’s a peaceful spot for a walk, and if you have time, stay for sunset—the views over the Pacific Ocean are absolutely worth it.
Blooming flowers in May in Pacifica
May in Pacifica, blooming flowers
MontaRa State Beach
Montara State Beach is one of my favorite beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area. In May and June, it's especially beautiful with wildflowers in bloom. Located just a 40-minute drive from San Francisco, it's the perfect spot for a quick coastal escape.
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