Why you should add YBG to your bucket list

Today, Yerba Buena Gardens (YBG) is part of an 87-acre, one-of-a-kind environment that has been recognized as one of the top 30 urban parks in America. YBG combines a mixture of housing, open space, cultural facilities, children’s facilities, a convention center, and commercial development.

Yerba Buena Gardens is located in the heart of the City’s downtown cultural district. It’s a place to embrace your every mood, celebrate diversity, and find green relief. And it’s the perfect destination to play, dine, shop or just relax.

A history of transformation and creating community value.

Since it opened in 1993 as part of a challenged neighborhood, the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the community have transformed YBG into an award-winning example of how to develop and manage urban public space. It has also been heralded for its ability to create continuous programming that fosters community participation and pride.

A bucket list addition for everyone.

Local authors Eve Batey and Patricia Corrigan have chronicled the unique experience and environment of YBG in their new book titled, 100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die.

Their book gives Bay Area visitors and residents an insider’s view of the amazing city of San Francisco, with the emphasis on neighborhood treasures. Below is an excerpt from the book.


Go Gaga for Yerba Buena Gardens.

Yerba Buena Gardens is the yin to this city’s pulsating yang. Surrounded by museums, an urban movie theater, and a busy convention center, this lovely two-square-block public park a great place to relax on a bench next to a butterfly garden, ice skate (indoors), ride a historic carousel, attend a lecture, or enjoy a calming cup of tea.

Stop to reflect by the rushing waters of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, spend time with the kids at the Children’s Garden, and explore the other gardens, including the Oche Wat Te Ou, a tribute to the native Ohlone Indians.



Before you leave the Gardens, check the events schedule at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which offers cutting-edge visual arts displays, performances, and films, all presented from diverse cultural and artistic perspectives.

Yerba Buena Gardens is located at 750 Howard Street in SoMa (South of Market). You can visit them online or call 415-820-3550.

100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die
100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die |  Eve Batey & Patricia Corrigan

Get your copy

100 Things to Do in San Francisco Before You Die costs $16 at retail. Copies are available through your neighborhood bookstore, online from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or direct from the publisher at 866-809-9420 or via email books@reedypress.com.

Please share it with your friends and visiting guests to the Bay Area. And let us know what you think of the book by sharing a comment below!


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