We drive up to San Francisco here and there to visit family, and we love how close the golden state park/windmills are to us when we visit. we can walk around grab something to eat and enjoy the view lovely place to tour around with family and kids!!! read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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What a gem of a place! I had no idea there was a windmill in the middle of Golden Gate Park! I took my family visiting from India and we all loved the place. The gardens are well kept and the flowers were magnificent! read more

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The lovely windmills of Golden Gate Park are conveniently located right across the street from the Ocean Beach Parking Lot, with a public restroom available inside the Beach Chalet Visitor Center. I was going for a run in the area during the weekend and decided to pay a visit. The Dutch Windmill can be found at the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden (the grassy area of the garden closed for maintenance this past Saturday, but the windmill still accessible), and the Murphy Windmill at Millwrights Cottage, with an easy trail connecting the two great landmarks. In my opinion, the Dutch Windmill is better for picnicking in the grass (when the tulip garden is open) as the setting is truly engaging and colorful. And the Murphy Windmill seems to offer more in terms of educating the public about its history and science, with informational boards sharing interesting material on its background, restoration, and natural resources and wind power. read more

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Absolutely gorgeous and free to the public! Avoid going on a weekend like I did since there's barely any parking and be prepared to walk. This spot is perfect for a picnic or photo opportunity! Enjoy! read more

Golden Gate Park has a couple windmills on the west side that are iconic. If one likes these forms of cheap energy it's worth it to get a look. The Golden Gate Park Windmills are actually two separate ones that are quite a ways apart from each other. One came before the other but these both are long time features. The windmills were actually built to pump water. Each of these were built for practical reasons for the city. In the case of these windmills, they weren't used for making electricity out of wind ironically. These were actually used for pumping water. Golden Gate Park was planted on sand dunes. This means it needed a lot of irrigation. A cheaper water of getting water was employed. The Park Commission approved the construction of two windmills. Each would help pump groundwater. The Dutch Windmill was completed in 1903, and the Murphy Windmill was completed in 1908. Electric water pumps would be introduced and the windmills were no longer needed for it. The windmills were in disrepair, but restoration was completed in 2012 and now are open. Features like these are what make this park such an important attraction. It's really not that far between these if you have the time to go walking a bit. These are also in the western side of the park where it's not as crowded with lots of tourists. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Dutch Windmill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Two historic windmills, known as the San Francisco Giants, at the Golden Gate Park Why are there windmills in Golden Gate Park? It seemed like an odd place to me to find two traditional Dutch-style windmills. It is some 5,000 miles away from Holland... were they just for looks? Well, apparently, these windmills actually worked at one point in time. The North (or Dutch Windmill) was built in 1902 and the South (or Murphy Windmill) was completed in 1907, it was larger than the first. The two windmills were built to pump water into the park's irrigation system powered by the reliable west wind off the Pacific. We first went to the Murphy Windmill thinking it was where the tulips where. Murphy Windmill - located on the end of the woodland path of the western edge of Golden Gate Park. Nearby is the charming Millwright's Cottage which was one time the residence for the caretaker of the windmill. The cottage was built in 1903 and is a historical site in San Francisco. Dutch Windmill - The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is next to the Dutch Windmill. This one located on John F Kennedy Dr. We spent more time here because of the tulips. The windmill is beautiful next to the garden. The Dutch Windmill is a historic landmark. Till this day the Dutch and Murphy windmills are still objects of beauty. Review #2930 read more

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A pair of San Francisco Giants! Cool place to stop and visit if you find your Seymour near Ocean Beach. Not a destination in and of itself IMO. read more

The only reason why I stopped by was because I saw so many Instagram posts of people posing in front of this windmill. However, this is often the same reason why everybody else visits too, for the photo op! You can park right by the entrance of the windmill, but keep in mind that it is inside golden gate park, so whether or not you get a spot really depends on how many people are at GGP. Weekends and are definitely busier than weekdays, same goes for nice weather. I visited on a sunny Saturday, and this lawn was pretty much overflowing with people. There were so many groups of people having picnics, and most people were not wearing masks. I felt a little paranoid so I couldn't stay long. Keep in mind that people are there taking pictures without masks and having picnics in groups without masks, so be careful! Either visit early in the morning or stop by on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - windmill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My friends and I visited the Golden Gate Park Windmills on a Friday afternoon in April. The weather was windy but clear skies where you can take beautiful photos of the blooming tulips. Surprisingly it wasn't crowded so finding parking along the curbside was easy. There is also parking along the beach. Since I wasn't familiar with the area, I parked a little further away from the windmill than I should have. There were some other people taking pictures. Pleasant spot to take your family or friends. Will be back again! read more

Looking for a spot to just chill? Looking for a spot to have a picnic? Looking for a spot to be tourist? If you answered yes to any of the three questions, then the Golden Gate Park Windmills is definitely a spot you'll need to check out. This was a spot that my husband wanted to check out and I was surprised that I have never stopped by here on all of my visits to SF. We went on a weekday so it wasn't too busy. It is a small quaint little park. I felt like it was perfect for my two kids, hubby, and I. We didn't spend a whole lot of time here, it was small enough for us to admire, chill, chat, take photos, and go check out a different SF hidden spot. I did see photos recently that their flowers were bloomed for Spring, so I wished I was able to see that but I can't complain. I still think this is a great spot to check out/stop by. Definitely highly recommend! read more

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You get your own Netherlands if you live in San Francisco! No kidding. We didn't know this little place existed until we explored the city for the Cotopaxi adventure race and so glad we found this spot. This is beautiful!! Colorful flowers, big windmills, beautiful location and a really well maintained spot. Lots of local people walk by, tourists not as many, may be it's just still hidden or not on the top things to do lists which I am glad because you can enjoy some peaceful time or do some Yoga!! Parking is on the streets, usually available if not there are some spots nearby. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to picnic if you go early and when there aren't too many people around! My bf and I went here around 11am and there were only a handful of people. We found a really good spot in the back (towards the flowers) that gave us such a great view of the windmill, although I'm sure the view is good wherever you sit since it's huge. By noon, there were a lot of other picnickers , but everyone kept a distance and sat more than 6ft away. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - View from where we sat/had a picnic. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Free street parking and basically part of the tulip garden! Very picturesque, romantic, and perfect for a picnic or photoshoot with friends. Also, the windmill and trees turn this area into a little grove that is well shaded all day long! read more

This was our first stop after eating breakfast at Java beach cafe. It was around 5 minutes away walking so we decided to make the trip, not having to struggling to find any closer parking. The windmills are really a sight to see close up. There is also a ton of natural plant growth and bloom which was great for pictures and beautiful. The Murphy windmill is the closest, accompanied by the Millwright cottage. There is a trail that leads right to the Dutch windmill, which is also where the tulips are. It is a walk so come prepared with some comfortable walking shoes. It was fun to learn about the history of the windmill and taking pictures to show back to my family at home!! read more

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Very cute area and looks like it's great for just relaxing/picnicking. I've seen plenty of photos in the past of people posing with the tulips here but didn't think to visit. I stopped by during my daytrip to SF and managed to find one tulip. It looks like they're currently still planting/fertilizing the flowers. Parking was easy since I went during a weekday but probably a lot busier with weekends. read more

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Unique windmill in San Francisco right near the beach. It's a touch from the Dutch that was made around 100 years ago. They have tulips there in the spring so that is the best time to go. It's worth a quick stop if you're in the area. read more

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"The best way to know God is to love many things." - Vincent Van Gogh At the edge of Golden Park where the park meets the great highway you will be greeted by two magnificent windmills, the Dutch & the Murphy. Both windmills stand well over 100-feet tall, including the sails, the Dutch dates to 1903 and the Murphy to 1908 respectfully. Both were built to function and pump water, but sadly by 1913 electric pumps completely took over the growing city. "Poetry surrounds us everywhere, but putting it on paper is, alas, not so easy as looking at it." - Vincent Van Gogh Today it is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, like something whimsical from the Sound of Music with a swig of Vincent Van Gogh. It's so Northern European & walking around the windmills will make you want to sing... "the hills are alive with the sound of music." Like some mention both windmills were completely restored after many decades of neglect and falling in a state of disrepair. Fortunately the city & community agreed that both windmills were an integral part of San Francisco's unique heritage. I absolutely love visiting the windmills to just relax and absorb the aura of these great giants! I'm In love with both, shh, but I'm drawn more to the Dutch windmill with the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden at the entrance. Fresh flowers & bees ahh. The Dutch community in the San Francisco Bay Area also celebrates their national Kings Day every year in April at the windmills. They celebrate Dutch culture and traditions, including traditional Dutch kids games, flea market, Dutch food, beer, music & dancing. Hey, maybe I'll get lucky! Skål! ;D "Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well." - Vincent Van Gogh read more

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Both windmill areas are very beautiful. Very peaceful, and if there is room, you could enjoy a picnic. Lots of parking on the streets. Not sure, if it's because of Covid-19, when less people are out, but we were lucky with that. At the Wilhelmina side of the garden, a gardener made a beautiful area with flowers and stones that says the word, "HOPE." VERY beautiful. My friend told me about this place & we just had to come visit. Very creative, and the world really needs this right now during this time of COVID-19 2020. read more

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How could anyone rate this place anything less than 5 stars? It's literally so gorgeous here for sitting in the grass for a picnic or even just having a quick photo-op. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I grew up in the Bay Area and never heard of these windmills before. So glad someone recommended them to us. It was a perfect 72 degree afternoon in the city and spending some time at the windmills and beach with a packed lunch felt right. Totally worth a stop! read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Dutch windmill on the very west end of GG park. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Someone told me that the two windmills in the Golden Gate Park were nicknamed the San Francisco Giants. Well...I don't know if that is true. But they are quite impressive...each one of them stands over 95 feet tall. A sight to behold. They are both located at two different spots in the Park. The Dutch Windmill is located on the west north corner of the park. It was built in 1903 and pumped 30,000 gallons per hour. The Queen Wilhelmina tulip garden is located here as well. The garden is well kept with beautiful blooms year round. There are benches around the base of the windmill that overlook the garden and open lawn. Beautiful photo ops, great for wedding and engagement shots. The Murphy Windmill is located on the west south corner of the park. It was built in 1908 and pumped 40,000 gallons per hour. The dome is made of copper. There are no flower & garden beds or benches at that windmill. Both windmills were decommissioned in 1913 due to the use of electric pumps. Street parking at both windmills. I recommend at least driving by them if you are in the area. Great SF historic landmarks. read more

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I saw my friend, Alana, check into this place. ..I never knew it existed. ..and I've been to San Francisco about ten times? It was a chilly, misty, overcast day in March 2016 at Golden Gate Park. My cousin and her husband drove my Travel Buddy, Yuri, and me around for picture taking and sight-seeing! What a treat! Located towards the Ocean Beach side of the park are actually two windmills - the Murphy Windmill was built in 1908 and the Dutch Windmill was built in 1903. They are authentic and used to irrigate the park until electric pumps replaced them. They are both Designated Landmarks of San Francisco. Come and check them out! There's free parking and no admission fee! Hopefully, when you arrive, the tulips will be in bloom! It's such an awesome experience! read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - This is the 2nd one out of 2. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The windmills were once in use as our group walk leader C. said. Now they are just relics and remind you of Europe. But they are fun to notice in Golden Gate Park on a walk towards Ocean Beach. I have heard of some people getting into incidents at the windmills. We were okay today. There's a nice a garden. Golden Gate Park is nice. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Garden - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pretty cool site to see as I was biking at the Golden Gate Park. We were able to get off our bike and take look around they neatly preserved area where the windmill presides for over hundred years (if my memory serves me correctly) I think it was built in 1902 and was commisioned to get restored. Its a pretty large structure that sits quietly upon neatly trimmed grass and a garden. Its site definitely puts things in perspective as to how far we have come with things that make our everyday lives easier. It you're in the area you should definitely come take a peek, its right before the beach so you can see that as well. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

You have to see these up close and personal to appreciate how magnificent they are. If you're in the area, get out of your car and walk up to them and take it all in, a great scenic experience!! read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Love this little area! It's the perfect spot for a picnic and it's a close walk to ocean beach as well. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

To fulfill the bf's San Francisco sightseeing trip he's never done, we made a stop at the Golden Gate Park Windmills. We trekked it all the way there before he tells me that they are non-operational!!#@~! Seriously? Yes they were pretty, but the position of the windmills were blocked by trees (we couldn't get a good shot of the front). At the Dutch Windmill the landscaping was gorgeous, but the newly renovated Murphy Windmill just had dirt. This would be a great spot to check out if you were close by, but not a place you'd go out of the way to see. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Murphy windmill, recently restored! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

There are two windmills in the park. The Dutch Windmill and The Murphy Windmill. Both are located very close to each other at the end of the park nearest the ocean. The distance between the two is less than a 5 minute drive. Both make for good photo ops but neither are accessible to gain entry. All you can do is stand on the ground and look up at them. There are park benches nearby to be able to sit and reflect. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - The Dutch Windmill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Really cool windmills. Winter is not the optimal time to visit as there are no flowers in bloom, but the windmills are impressive and worth a quick look. Try again in the spring... 4.5 stars read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Impressive windmill! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Really beautiful and scenic spot! Across the street from Ocean Beach and a short walk to the welcome center. The flowers are kept up beautifully and the spot is a great photo opt spot. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

It's always a good time to come here especially when the weather's nice but not when it's like raining hi!! LOL! I haven't been here since I was a kid it was nice to get out on Saturday go check out this windmill. and has a big area where you can take photos and people were having a little lunch there. read more

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Bottom Line: A neat landmark that is probably at its best when surrounded by colorful tulips. I thought this huge, authentic windmill was neat but unfortunately the day I was there it wasn't working, tulip season was long past gone and I didn't even see a plaque talking about the history of this landmark. This structure to me is very interesting and I'd like to learn more about it. The area that the windmill sits on is small and on a cloudy day it even seemed kind of eerie. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - The wind mill was not working the day I visited but it was still neat to see. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Park Windmills are the designated city landmarks, dated to the very beginning of the 19th century, both are functional today. Two monumental landmarks. You can see both while traveling along the shore on Great Highway to or from the Sutro Heights park and the Cliff House. They are seen across the highway from the Ocean Beach. The Dutch Windmill is separated by John Kennedy Dr from the Beach Chalet Brewery nearby, located on the Great Highway overlooking the ocean. The Dutch Windmill stands towards the northern part of the park, and the Murphy Windmill is to the southern. They were constructed to pump groundwater for the park irrigation, due to its location being on the sand dunes. The Dutch Windmill was completed in 1903, pumping 30K gallons/hr, and the Murphy Windmill in 1908 with 40K gallons/hr. Only several years later in 1913, windmills were replaced by electric water pumps, therefore becoming obsolete. They were restored from the state of disrepair about twenty to thirty years apart, first the Dutch Windmill in the late '70-early '80, then the Murphy one in the early 2000s. Now, there is a beautiful Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden by the Dutch Windmill. Sure, the flower beds are at its best in the spring season, but there are other flowers blooming during the rest of the year. read more

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I thought there would be an info center or some sort of plaque with history on it. But there wasn't. So I wish I learned more and it's hard to get a good view of it from the front. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pretty cool landmark to check out in SF! My fiancé and I figured we are a few minutes from this so let's check it out! It's very cute and nice place to chill. I really loved the fact it's couples minutes from walking distance to get to Oceans Beach. read more

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So many historic structures have been destroyed by earthquakes and progress; it is amazing that this San Francisco landmark still exist just a few hundred yards from the ocean. The Dutch windmill was constructed in 1902 to pump water to irrigate Golden Gate Park. By 1913 electrical motors were introduced and the windmills were become obsolete and it fell into disrepair. A five year restoration was completed in 1981. Unfortunately, nothing much has been done since then to maintain the windmill and it does seem to be showing signs of neglect. It is still is a must see place in Golden Gate Park. You can sit in the garden at it base. Take interesting photos, or just relax on a bench. Maybe someday the interior will be opened to the public. I'll be the first in line it it does. I have read that there are things that I would enjoy seeing: deteriorating paintings on the wall and rusting equipment read more

I know these are mentioned in some of the general GGP reviews, but GGP is so big I think each attraction could use its own Yelp page. The western half of Golden Gate Park doesn't have too many sights per se, just a lot of peaceful forests and meadows to wander in. However, if you go all the way out to the beach, the Dutch Windmill is definitely worth seeing. There's a beautiful flower garden, which is at its best in late winter when it's full of tulips. I've even seen a wedding being done here (pretty bold considering the typical weather). There's also a second windmill south of here, the Murphy windmill, which I've never seen and is (supposedly) still under restoration. You'd think windmills in GGP would be purely decorative, but no, these actually harnessed the omnipresent ocean beach wind to pump water through the park. Maybe with the green enery push, it'd be a good idea to turn them back on? Anyway, if you're out at the Beach Chalet, or simply the beach, take a brief detour and check it out sometime. Or just take a bike ride across the park and make this your picnic destination. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I think I can resonate with the tales of Don Quixote now. Windmills are just weird. Especially on the approach. Whilst enjoying a morning in Outer Sunset, we happened upon a few trails through Golden Gate Park and then -- BOOM. There were windmills built into our view across the park. Crazy huge, glorious windmills. Are they really anything more than something to look at? Not really, but they are super cool and make for great pictures. Also, I'll note that these windmills in particular are huge. Though, I'm not sure they are still operational. I'll chase these any day. read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - That's a windmill. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

There are a pair of windmills located in the western section of the park. You won't be able to miss them, you'll see them if you're heading into the park from the west near the Pacific. Take lots of pictures. Get out of your car and walk around a bit. Hear the music from Ico in your head, if you're a gamer like me or better yet, have your husband call to you like Yorda... we can't be the only folks who did that, right? The first is the Dutch windmill (north) standing nearly 75' and surrounded by gorgeous colourful flowers in the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. The Dutch windmill was completed in 1902 and cost roughly $25,000. There was a caretaker's cottage and he stayed on premises to maintain the windmill and check on the local animals in the park. Because the first windmill was so successful, a second was built. The Murphy Windmill (south) was funded by the vice president of a local bank and carries his namesake. A local lumber yard donated the wood and the dome was made from donated copper. At one time, both windmills were responsible for pumping over one million gallons of water daily. As the decades passed on, they were fitted with motorized pumps and no longer needed the wind to facilitate their sails. Maintenance fell by the wayside and during WWII, the metal inside both windmills were removed and melted down for the war effort. It wasn't until the mid-60s that a campaign was started to save the windmills, both in terrible states of neglect. Over the next few decades, renovations began and in 2012, the refurbished cap was returned to the Murphy Windmill. Go here if you'd like to see a better timeline of the completed and planned renovations: http://www.sfwindmills.org/history/index.html A cool trivia thing that I learned while reading about the windmills is that after a Dutch architect studied Murphy Windmill, he learned some unique things. After a week's residence taking measurements and dealing with the resident pigeons, he noted that the sails were much larger than traditional Dutch sails (150 feet vs 90 feet) and that the sails turned clockwise, rather than the traditional Dutch windmills. read more

Very historic and nice to see right at the edge of Golden Gate Park near the Great Highway across from Ocean Beach. Just take a quick stroll down and you will be enthralled by the tremendous size of the windmills and the pristine condition of the actual field which it sits on. If you think it looks big staring at it peer from the trees as you walk by it, get ready to see it with its base! A very accessible and prime photo op location as you make your way through the park! :) read more

Golden Gate Park Windmills - Just a comparison in size between me and the windmill ha :) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California