Garden of Fragrance

The Garden of Fragrance in Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco's hidden gems for families with young children. Originally designed for visually impaired visitors, this sensory garden actively encourages touching and smelling the plants — a refreshing change from the 'look but don't touch' rules of most botanical spaces. Rows of lavender, rosemary, scented geraniums, lamb's ear, and dozens of other aromatic and texturally interesting plants line accessible pathways, with many plants labeled in both print and Braille.

For toddlers and young kids, this is a revelation: they can run their fingers over fuzzy silvery leaves, crush an herb to release a burst of scent, and poke at spiky succulents under adult supervision. It transforms a garden walk into genuine sensory play, and children who would normally be bored by a botanical setting tend to stay engaged here.

Admission is completely free, the paths are stroller-friendly, and the garden is an easy 10-minute walk from the Koret Children's Playground and Music Concourse. It's one of the best zero-cost additions to a Golden Gate Park family day.