↓Skip to main content
  1. Explore/
  2. Golden Gate Park/
  3. Getting to Golden Gate Park/
  4. JFK Promenade/

Driving Around the Closure

Where is the car-free route?

The car-free route runs from Stanyan Street at the east end of the park to Ocean Beach and the Great Highway at the west end. The east end of the route includes portions of JFK Promenade and Conservatory Drive; the west end of the route includes Overlook Drive, Middle Drive, and portions of MLK Drive.

Map of Golden Gate Park highlighting the car-free route along JFK Promenade and the western loop.

Map Description: The car-free route is highlighted in blue. It begins at Stanyan Street, follows the JFK Promenade through the museum district to Transverse Drive. In the west, it continues along Overlook Drive, Middle Drive, and the MLK Drive loop around the Polo Field.

Is the route completely car-free?

No, there are spots along the route that intersect with regular park traffic or share the road with vehicles:

  • A portion of the route on Transverse Drive, between JFK Drive and Overlook Drive
  • A portion of the Metson/Middle Drive/MLK Drive loop near the south end of the Polo Field
  • The intersection at MLK Drive and Chain of Lakes Drive/41st Avenue
  • A portion of MLK Drive near Lincoln Way
  • The section of Nancy Pelosi Drive before JFK Drive
  • Authorized vehicles, including park maintenance, park rangers, and other city department vehicles, also use these roads.

Streets Open to Cars

Map showing north-south and east-west roads remaining open to vehicular traffic.

Map Description: Roads open to vehicles are shown in green. Major north-south crossings remain open at 25th Ave/Crossover Drive, Transverse Drive, and Chain of Lakes Drive. Access to the Music Concourse garage is available via 10th Ave/Fulton or MLK Drive/9th Ave.

Accessible Parking Map

Map indicating the location of blue zone accessible parking spaces throughout the park.

Map Description: This map identifies accessible parking clusters at the Music Concourse (garage and surface lot), Blue Heron Lake, the McLaren Lodge area, and the Polo Field. For specific questions, visit our Accessibility Questions page .

Can I still drive through the park?

Yes. Drivers traveling through the park from the north or south can use Transverse Drive , Chain of Lakes Drive , and 25th Ave/Crossover Drive/19th Ave/Park Presidio as usual.

The following road restrictions are in effect:

  • Western MLK Drive: Closed from the Metson/Middle Drive loop to Lincoln Way (includes Bernice Rodgers Way).
  • Overlook & Middle Drive: Closed between Transverse Drive and the Metson/Middle Drive loop.
  • JFK Promenade: Closed to vehicles between Kezar Drive and Transverse Drive.
  • 8th Avenue Entrance: The entrance at 8th Avenue and Fulton is closed to vehicular traffic.

How do I drive to my favorite spots in the park?

Getting to the Museums, Japanese Tea Garden, and Music Concourse

From the north: Access the Music Concourse garage from the Fulton Street and 10th Avenue entrance.

From the south: Access the garage via Music Concourse Drive, off of MLK Drive near 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way . Street parking is also available along MLK Drive.

Visit the Getting to the Music Concourse page for more details.

Getting to Blue Heron Lake Boathouse

From the north: Enter at 25th Avenue and Fulton. Take Transverse Drive, turn left onto MLK Drive, and turn left onto Blue Heron Lake Drive (formerly Stow Lake Drive).

From the south: Enter at 19th Avenue and Lincoln (turn right on MLK) or 9th Avenue and Lincoln (stay on MLK), then turn onto Blue Heron Lake Drive.

Getting to the Polo Field

From the north: Enter from 30th, 36th, or 43rd Avenue and Fulton to access parking on JFK Drive near the north side of the field. For the south lot, enter at 25th/Fulton, take Transverse Drive to MLK Drive (West), and stay right onto Metson Road.

From the south: Enter at Sunset Boulevard (Right on MLK, sharp left on Metson) or 25th/Lincoln (Left on MLK, stay right on Metson).

Getting to the Beach Chalet Soccer Fields

From the north: Enter at 47th Avenue and Fulton. Make a slight left onto JFK Drive; the fields will be on the right.

From the south: Enter at 41st Avenue and Lincoln to Chain of Lakes Drive. Cross MLK Drive and turn left at JFK Drive.

I have questions about the route. Who can I contact?

If you have questions about the route, please email RPDinfo@sfgov.org . If you need immediate assistance, please contact Park Ranger Dispatch at (415) 242-6390.