Dutch Windmill & Tulip Garden San Francisco
A picturesque Dutch windmill and vibrant seasonal tulip garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak tulip bloom & fewer crowds
Dutch Windmill & Tulip Garden San Francisco
Best Time
Peak tulip bloom & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Dutch windmill and vibrant seasonal tulip garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
"A hidden gem with stunning seasonal flowers and a charming windmill, perfect for photos."
🎯 Check Tulip Bloom Status
Tulips bloom seasonally (spring). Check recent posts or local reports before you go!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The windmill and colorful tulips make for stunning photos. Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden
Northwest corner of Golden Gate Park
A vibrant carpet of seasonal tulips surrounding a charming Dutch windmill. Perfect for photos!

Historic Dutch Windmill
Adjacent to the tulip garden
A picturesque, fully functional Dutch windmill offering a unique architectural backdrop.

Ocean Beach Proximity
A few blocks west
Enjoy the ocean breeze and coastal views just a short walk from the garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Tulips
Beyond the Blooms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tulip Bloom Status
Tulips bloom seasonally (spring). Check recent posts or local reports before you go!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The windmill and colorful tulips make for stunning photos. Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds.
GGP Tulips?
🚗 Free Parking Available
Roadside parking near the windmill is free, but can get busy on weekends.
🚶♀️ Respect the Garden
Stay on paths and avoid picking flowers to keep the garden beautiful for all.
Queen Wilhelmina’s tulip garden
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tulip Bloom Status
Tulips bloom seasonally (spring). Check recent posts or local reports before you go!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The windmill and colorful tulips make for stunning photos. Weekdays are best for avoiding crowds.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Roadside parking near the windmill is free, but can get busy on weekends.
🚶♀️ Respect the Garden
Stay on paths and avoid picking flowers to keep the garden beautiful for all.
🐶 No Dogs Allowed
A sign indicates dogs are not permitted in the garden area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Dutch Windmill & Tulip Garden as a beautifully maintained, charming spot, especially when the tulips are in bloom. It's a popular location for photography due to the unique windmill and vibrant seasonal flowers. However, some visitors have been disappointed by missing the tulip bloom, highlighting the importance of timing your visit correctly.
"Beautifully maintained space. Seasonal flowers. Photography buffs. Come enjoy. Free parking, can see ocean a couple of blocks away. This was July end weekend."
Jyoti Singh
"Queen Wilhelmina’s Garden is a hidden gem nestled in Golden Gate Park, right by the beautiful Dutch Windmill. The garden bursts with vibrant seasonal flowers, especially tulips in spring, and offers a peaceful spot for strolling or simply soaking in the beauty. The Dutch Windmill adds a unique charm, making it a perfect photo stop.
Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the park: stay on paths, avoid picking flowers, and help keep this lovely space clean for everyone to enjoy."
V Devi
"Beautiful windmill but we seemed to miss the garden part even though we're in spring. They had either recently planned bulbs or pulled up the bulbs. Definitely research the best time of year to catch the tulips in bloom before going if that's what you're interested in. We were disappointed we missed that."
Bet R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located in the northwest corner of Golden Gate Park. You can drive and find free roadside parking near the windmill. Public transport options include Muni buses that stop nearby, though walking might be required from the bus stop.
Yes, there is free roadside parking available on the streets surrounding the Dutch Windmill and the tulip garden. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak bloom season.
Yes, several Muni bus lines serve Golden Gate Park. You'll likely need to walk a bit from the nearest stops to reach the northwest corner where the windmill and garden are located. Check Muni schedules for routes like the 5-Fulton or 21-Hayes.
The paths around the garden are generally paved and accessible. The windmill area is also accessible, but check for any specific accessibility concerns if needed.
If you're already exploring Golden Gate Park, the Dutch Windmill and tulip garden are in the westernmost section. You can walk, bike, or take a park shuttle if available to reach this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Dutch Windmill & Tulip Garden is completely free. It's a public space within Golden Gate Park.
The garden is part of Golden Gate Park, which is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, the tulips themselves are only in bloom during a specific season in spring.
The tulips typically bloom in spring, usually from March through April. The exact timing can vary each year depending on weather conditions. It's best to check recent visitor photos or local bloom reports.
Yes, the Dutch Windmill is a permanent structure and can be visited year-round. The tulip garden, however, is seasonal and most impressive during its blooming period in spring.
No, there is no admission fee for the Dutch Windmill or the surrounding Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. Both are free to access as part of Golden Gate Park.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows. Weekdays are also ideal for capturing photos without large crowds.
You can capture stunning shots of the historic Dutch windmill, vibrant tulip fields, and the surrounding park landscape. It's a popular spot for portraits and nature photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted in San Francisco parks, including Golden Gate Park. It's best to check the official San Francisco Recreation and Park Department regulations before flying a drone.
Tripods are usually permitted for photography in public parks, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
Experiment with different angles! Shooting from the side can capture both the windmill and a sweeping view of the tulips. Getting closer to the tulips can create a beautiful foreground.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much you want to explore, take photos, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Restroom facilities are available within Golden Gate Park, though their exact proximity to the windmill and garden can vary. Look for signs or check a park map.
While there aren't designated picnic tables right at the garden, you can enjoy a picnic in the surrounding grassy areas of Golden Gate Park. Remember to clean up after yourself.
No, dogs are not allowed in the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden itself, as indicated by signage. They are generally allowed on leash in other parts of Golden Gate Park.
You're very close to Ocean Beach for coastal views and walks. Stow Lake, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the de Young Museum are also within Golden Gate Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy on the lawns surrounding the garden, as there are no dedicated picnic tables within the immediate garden area. The proximity to Ocean Beach also provides an opportunity for a fun beach excursion before or after visiting the tulips and windmill. Parking can be a challenge on weekends, so arriving early or considering public transport might be beneficial for families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different focal lengths and angles. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the windmill alongside the expanse of the tulip beds, while a telephoto lens can isolate specific blooms or details of the windmill's architecture. The nearby Ocean Beach also offers stunning coastal backdrops that can complement your photos. Remember to be respectful of the garden and other visitors while you capture your perfect shot.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free attractions in Golden Gate Park, such as exploring the park's numerous trails, enjoying the Conservatory of Flowers (exterior views are free), or walking along Ocean Beach. Packing your own lunch and snacks will further minimize expenses, making this a wonderfully affordable and beautiful San Francisco experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Dutch Windmill
Visitors often marvel at the windmill's intricate design and its ability to still turn in the wind. While the garden's main attraction is its seasonal flowers, the windmill itself provides a unique historical and architectural element that enhances the overall experience. It’s a reminder of the park's expansive history and its connection to various cultures. The combination of the windmill and the colorful tulips creates a truly memorable scene, especially during the spring months.
Capturing the Tulip Season
To make the most of your visit, timing is crucial. Many visitors recommend checking recent social media posts or local bloom reports to gauge the peak of the tulip season, as it can vary annually. Weekdays are often suggested for a more peaceful experience, allowing ample time for photography without the hustle of crowds. The gentle morning light or the golden hour in the late afternoon can provide the most flattering illumination for capturing the beauty of the tulips and the windmill.
It's important to remember that the garden is a delicate ecosystem. Visitors are kindly asked to stay on the designated paths and refrain from picking the flowers to preserve the beauty for everyone. While dogs are not permitted within the garden itself, they are welcome on leash in other parts of Golden Gate Park, making it a great spot for a scenic walk with your pet nearby.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit