Go Outside: Peak Annual Magnolia Blooms Happening Now at the SF Botanical Garden

By Carlos Olin Montalvo | February 19, 2016, 11:35 am

Here’s another reason why Bay Area folks have it so good. You can check out a stunning collection of nearly 100 magnolias, many rare and and historic …and it’s February! These magnolias are hitting their peak bloom and you can expect to see a beautiful synchronous bloom of nearly every tree in the collection at the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, pretty much now through the end of March. Thinking it’s too chilly? Well, go get your damn coat! We got it good on the west coast.

San Francisco Botanical Garden is home to one of the world’s greatest magnolia collections, making it the most significant for conservation purposes outside China, where the majority of species originated. The garden’s current collection includes 44 species, 42 cultivars, and 16 hybrids or varieties, including many important specimens from Asia.

Now is the best time to check out these massive, saucer-sized pink and white flowers and stroll on paths strewn with petals. The breathtaking annual floral spectacle, with trees reaching 80 feet, is at its peak from mid-January through the end of March. Visitors to the garden can take advantage of free Magnolia Walk maps, docent-led tours, special signage, as well as unique classes and activities to celebrate and learn more about these magnificent flowers.

Open Hours:
7:30am to 5pm (February – early March)
7:30am to 6pm (2nd Sunday in March – April)

Tickets:
San Francisco Residents: Free with proof of residency
Non-residents: $8 general, $6 youth 12-17 & seniors; $2 children 5-11; children 4 and under free; families of 2 adults and one or more child pay just $17