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Redwood Memorial Grove
Redwood Memorial Grove is one of Golden Gate Park’s quieter wooded spaces: a sheltered stand of coast redwoods planted as a living memorial. Unlike the giant natural redwood forests outside the city, this is a designed urban grove whose story is tied to military remembrance and park horticulture.
A Living Memorial Planted in 1930
San Francisco Recreation and Parks identifies the grove as having been planted in 1930 by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.
The original planting included 39 redwood saplings honoring soldiers who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I.
Why Coast Redwoods Work Here
Coast redwoods thrive in cool, fog-influenced Northern California conditions. The grove’s sheltered basin helps create a moist microclimate very different from the exposed dunes that once covered much of Golden Gate Park.
These are planted urban redwoods, not an old-growth forest, but their scale and shade still create a strong contrast with nearby lawns and flower gardens.
A Place for Quiet Walking & Reflection
This is best for visitors who enjoy trees, park history, memorial landscapes and quieter detours. It is especially appealing when larger attractions feel crowded.
Stay on established paths and respect the grove’s memorial character.
Nearby Golden Gate Park Stops
The Rose Garden, Rhododendron Dell, Music Concourse and de Young Museum are within the broader central park area.
Quick Facts About Redwood Memorial Grove
- Redwood Memorial Grove is one of Golden Gate Park’s quieter wooded spaces: a sheltered stand of coast redwoods planted as a living memorial.
- The grove is an outdoor park landscape with no admission fee.
- San Francisco Recreation and Parks identifies the grove as having been planted in 1930 by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.
- The original planting included 39 redwood saplings honoring soldiers who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I.
- Coast redwoods thrive in cool, fog-influenced Northern California conditions.
- These are planted urban redwoods, not an old-growth forest, but their scale and shade still create a strong contrast with nearby lawns and flower gardens.
- This is best for visitors who enjoy trees, park history, memorial landscapes and quieter detours.
- Stay on established paths and respect the grove’s memorial character.
More Golden Gate Park Attractions Nearby
- Golden Gate Park
- Beach Chalet
- Bison Paddock
- Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill
- Conservatory of Flowers
- de Young Museum
For the full park overview, museums, gardens, lakes and route planning, see the Golden Gate Park visitor guide.
See More of Golden Gate Park in One San Francisco Route
Golden Gate Park is three miles long, so smaller attractions are easiest to appreciate when they are connected with the park’s major museums, gardens, lakes and nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Redwood Memorial Grove
When was Redwood Memorial Grove planted?
San Francisco Recreation and Parks identifies the planting date as 1930.
Who planted it?
It was planted by the Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West.
What does the grove commemorate?
The original redwoods honored soldiers who served in the Spanish-American War and World War I.
How many trees were originally planted?
The park describes the original memorial planting as 39 saplings.
What kind of trees are they?
They are coast redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens.
Is this an old-growth redwood forest?
No. It is a planted memorial grove inside Golden Gate Park.
Is there an admission fee?
No.
Where is it?
It is along JFK Drive near 14th Avenue.
What is nearby?
The Rose Garden, Rhododendron Dell and central Golden Gate Park museums are nearby.
How long should I spend?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes for a quiet walk and reflection.
