Pulgas Water Temple
A stunning Beaux-Arts monument celebrating the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, offering serene reflecting pools and picturesque grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Pulgas Water Temple
Best Time
Easier parking & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Beaux-Arts monument celebrating the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, offering serene reflecting pools and picturesque grounds.
"Such an amazing and beautiful place to walk around and explore the water temple!"
🚗 Weekend Parking Strategy
Park south on Canada Rd (past Filoli) & walk ~0.5 miles. Ample parking available!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The reflecting pool and Beaux-Arts structure are stunning. Visit during golden hour for magical light.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,249 reviews
Type
Monument
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beaux-Arts Monument
Main Plaza
Admire the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture with Greek/Roman influences, a testament to the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct.
Reflecting Pool & Cypress Trees
Reflecting Pool Area
The serene reflecting pool, framed by stately Italian cypress trees, offers a picturesque and symmetrical view.
Picnic & Photography Spot
Grass Field
A large grass field overlooks the temple, ideal for picnics and capturing beautiful architectural and landscape photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Access & Parking
Weekday Visits & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pulgas Water Temple - parking on the weekend
Hi has anyone been to the water temple on the weekend? On google maps, it says parking is only on weekdays 9-5. Wondering how would one access the water temple on the weekend? Thanks!
🚗 Weekend Parking Strategy
Park south on Canada Rd (past Filoli) & walk ~0.5 miles. Ample parking available!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The reflecting pool and Beaux-Arts structure are stunning. Visit during golden hour for magical light.
Pulgas Water Temple "pedestrian access on weekends"
According to the [online operating hours](https://sfpuc.org/learning/come-visit/pulgas-water-temple), the temple parking gate is closed on weekends but there's pedestrian access for hikers and bikers - if the gate is closed to cars is there some kind of door to get in? Has…
Quick look around Redwood City
Hi folks, I'm attending an event tomorrow at Hurrica Restaurant and have to drive up to the city afterwards (late afternoon.) I could make some time to take a look around before I go. Any suggestions for nice views/anything of interest that doesn't involve needing to change into…
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grassy field overlooking the temple. Great for a relaxing break.
🚶♀️ Short & Sweet Visit
The entire site is small, perfect for a quick stop or a peaceful moment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Weekend Parking Strategy
Park south on Canada Rd (past Filoli) & walk ~0.5 miles. Ample parking available!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The reflecting pool and Beaux-Arts structure are stunning. Visit during golden hour for magical light.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal on the grassy field overlooking the temple. Great for a relaxing break.
🚶♀️ Short & Sweet Visit
The entire site is small, perfect for a quick stop or a peaceful moment.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted on the premises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pulgas Water Temple's stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and serene reflecting pool, calling it a beautiful and tranquil spot perfect for picnics and photography. While the architecture is consistently praised, some note the limited accessibility on weekends and the lack of access to nearby lake trails.
"Such an amazing and beautiful place to walk around and explore the water temple! The actual structure is very nice, with great architectural details having a greek/roman touch. In addition, there is a large grass field overlooking the temple, which is great for picnicking and photography. The parking lot is open during weekdays. I highly recommend!"
William Joy
"Absolutely beautiful place to come and relax for a bit. It's extremely well maintained by SF Public Works.
The only negative I can think of is the property all around the park is owned by SF as well and cut off from the surrounding trails. It would be nice if the nearby lake and nature trails were accessible to the public."
Brian Mynatt
"pulgas water temple
The site has a gated entrance, though the gate is closed on weekends. The air here feels refreshingly cool, making it pleasant for a short stroll or quiet visit. Portable toilets are available for convenience. Surrounding the area are graceful coast live oak trees, their branches heavy with acorns — a sure sign that squirrels are never far away. Along one side of the decorative manmade pool stand eleven stately Italian cypress trees, adding a touch of symmetry and timeless beauty. The setting, with its calm atmosphere and historical charm, is well worth a photo stop. Note that dogs are not allowed on the premises."
Joy P.A.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pulgas Water Temple is located off Canada Road. During weekdays, you can drive and park directly at the site. On weekends, the main parking lot is closed, requiring visitors to park about half a mile south on Canada Road (past the Filoli gate) and walk to the temple.
Yes, there is parking available on weekdays directly at the temple. On weekends, you'll need to park on the side of Canada Road and walk.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. It's best to drive or cycle to the location.
The main paths around the temple and reflecting pool are generally paved and accessible, though the walk from weekend parking may be uneven.
From Highway 280, take the Edgewood Road exit and head west. Turn right onto Canada Road. The temple will be on your left during weekdays, or you'll find parking further south on weekends.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pulgas Water Temple is free to visit and does not require tickets for entry.
The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. The main parking lot is open weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. The site itself is accessible outside these hours, especially for those walking from weekend parking.
Yes, the temple is accessible on weekends, but the main parking lot is closed. You'll need to park on Canada Road and walk in.
There is no entrance fee to visit Pulgas Water Temple. It's a public space maintained by SF Public Works.
Reservations are not necessary as it's a public park. However, due to its popularity, especially on weekends, arriving earlier is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful ambiance.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near water infrastructure. It's best to check local regulations or avoid flying drones to ensure compliance.
The Beaux-Arts monument itself, the reflecting pool with cypress trees, and the surrounding grassy areas offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Yes, the beautiful architecture and serene setting make it a popular spot for engagement and portrait photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the monument and its surroundings. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography or long exposures of the water.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can admire the architecture, walk around the reflecting pool, enjoy a picnic on the grass, and read educational placards about the aqueduct's history.
Yes, portable toilets are available on-site for visitor convenience.
No, swimming in the reflecting pool is not permitted. It is a decorative feature of the aqueduct system.
Yes, children can enjoy the open grassy areas for play and learning about the aqueduct from the educational signs.
The temple was completed in 1934 to celebrate the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, which brings water from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit