My kids and I spent a lovely morning in Golden Gate Park on Tuesday, March 3rd, and are excited to report that the best time to see the tulips in the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in 2026 is right now! There is really no time to waste.
We walked past the garden just after 8:30 AM and were lucky enough to have the dazzling sea of yellow almost completely to ourselves. My kids were absolutely enchanted by the whimsical flowers, and we enjoyed a picnic breakfast before heading to play at Blue Boat Playground.
My littles adore the old Dutch windmill, and I like to remind them that the windmill pumped water to irrigate Golden Gate Park more than one hundred years ago.
A number of the tulips along the shadier north and west portions of the garden have not bloomed yet, along with some in the main beds. Because of this, I expect the garden will continue blooming for another two to three weeks. Still, I highly recommend visiting now to ensure you see the flowers at their peak.
Other flowers you can see in the garden right now include several varieties of forget-me-nots and pansies.
If you’re planning to visit the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden this spring, you might be wondering when the tulips bloom, where to park, and what else to do nearby. Here are the most common questions about visiting the garden
When is the Best Time to Visit Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden San Francisco?
I have seen the tulips in Queen Wilhelmina’s garden bloom between late February and early April, depending on weather conditions. Early to late March is the best time for peak blooms.
Is the Garden Still Worth Visiting After the Tulips Bloom?
Definitely. Most of the year the garden is filled with seasonal annual flowers such as pansies, poppies, and forget-me-nots. The colorful beds and historic windmill make this a worthwhile stop any time of year. (I know my picture features marigolds and other flowers, but my point still stands that there are flowers most of the year)
Where to Park?
Street parking is available on both sides of JFK Drive next to the windmill. The garden sits on the western edge of Golden Gate Park and is usually fairly quiet this time of year. It is honestly one the easiest locations to get to by car in Golden Gate Park. (You can park right there on the street)
What to Do in the Garden?
The garden itself is small but has several benches that are perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a light snack.
Our favorite things to do include:
• Enjoy a picnic (bring a waterproof picnic blanket because the ground can be wet)
• Read a book
• Stroll along the garden paths
• Take photos of the tulips and windmill
What to Do Nearby?
Queen Wilhelmina Garden is just steps from Golden Gate Golf Course and Ocean Beach. If your kids need a playground break, Blue Boat Playground is about a ten minute walk away. On the way, you can also stop to see Golden Gate Park’s South Windmill.
Nearby attractions include:
• Golden Gate Golf Course
• Ocean Beach
• Sunset Dunes
• Blue Boat Playground
Check Out More San Francisco Adventures with Kids
I hope this post helps you catch the tulips while they are blooming this year. If you are looking for more family friendly things to do in the city, check out some of our other guides:
• 10 Free Things to Do in Golden Gate Park
• 6 Things to Do in Chinatown with Kids
• 6 Things to Do in Sunset Dunes
• 9 Things to Do at the Japanese Tea Garden with Kids
• 7 Kid Friendly Things to Do at a Giants Game
• Pi Day at the Exploratorium
Seven Founding Hills 
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