Holly Park

A Hill with History

Perched in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, Holly Park stands as one of San Francisco's oldest green spaces, dating back to 1862 when James Graham Fair gifted 7.5 acres to the city. This hilltop spot isn't just historic - it offers impressive views of the city and bay.

Community Love

The early 2000s breathed new life into Holly Park, thanks to the dedicated Friends of Holly Park group. Their grassroots efforts transformed this circular site, which is now embraced by Holly Park Circle forming a wonderful loop around its edges.

Majestic eucalyptus and cypress trees stand guard along the perimeter, offering welcome shade on sunny days. Look closer and you'll spot native plants like blue oak, flannel bush, and California lilac creating little ecosystems where red-tailed hawks soar and leopard butterflies dance between blooms.

What's Here to Enjoy

At the heart of the park sits a full baseball field that moonlights as an open grassy expanse fantastic for picnics, frisbee, or just cloud-watching. The freshly renovated tennis and basketball courts are well-maintained and ready whenever you are - just show up and play.

Got kids? You're covered with two separate playgrounds designed with different age groups in mind. Swings, slides, and climbing structures sit atop forgiving surfaces for those inevitable tumbles. Most play areas are gated too, giving parents one less thing to worry about.

The designated picnic area comes complete with tables and BBQ grills - fantastic for that weekend cookout you've been planning. When nature calls, clean restrooms near the basketball courts have you covered, with separate facilities for all.

The Views Though

Despite rising just 274 feet above sea level, Holly Park delivers 360-degree views that feel much more impressive. On clear days, look west toward Twin Peaks and Sutro Heights, or east across the Bay to Hunters Point.

Fair warning: afternoons can get breezy, especially between 4-5 PM, but that fresh air is part of what makes this little urban escape so refreshing.

Neighborhood Living Room

Holly Park is popular with the local community and welcomes people of all ages. Dog owners particularly appreciate the open spaces, but technically your four-legged friends should stay leashed. Note that coyotes occasionally make twilight appearances - nature doesn't stop at the city limits!

Thoughtful renovations have made the park more accessible, with well-maintained paths circling the entire space. These trails include ramps for strollers, however be prepared for some steeper sections on the hillsides.

With its mix of play areas, natural beauty, and scenic views, Holly Park is a nice example of San Francisco's neighborhood parks.