Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all San Francisco places

San Francisco, California / History

AIDS Memorial Grove

A serene 10-acre living memorial in Golden Gate Park dedicated to those impacted by the AIDS epidemic, offering a sacred space for community healing, reflection, and remembrance.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
AIDS Memorial Grove
www.aidsmemorial.org, og_image_www.aidsmemorial.org

What is the AIDS Memorial Grove known for?

The Grove is a 10-acre living memorial in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park dedicated to reflection, healing, and remembrance for those impacted by the AIDS epidemic.

Where is it located?

It is located at de Laveaga Dell in the eastern end of Golden Gate Park, specifically at the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, across from the tennis courts.

What are the hours?

The Grove is open during the park's hours.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, much of the grove is wheelchair-accessible.

Are there guided tours available?

Free guided tours are offered to the public on a monthly basis, except during the winter.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The National AIDS Memorial Grove, often referred to simply as The Grove, is a 10-acre sanctuary located within San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The concept was first conceived in 1988 by a small group of local residents who sought a positive way to express collective grief for a community devastated by the AIDS epidemic. This vision led to the renovation of the de Laveaga Dell site, which began in 1991. Designed as a living memorial, the space provides a safe environment for communal healing and reflection. Its significance was formally recognized in 1996 when the grove was designated as an official national memorial by the president and Congress. It now serves as a national landscape where millions of Americans touched by HIV/AIDS can gather to remember and hope. Located in the eastern end of the park at the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, the site sits across from the tennis courts. While primarily intended for individuals and small groups, the Grove can be reserved for larger events such as weddings, memorial services, and commitment ceremonies with prior permission and applicable fees. To ensure accessibility for all visitors, much of the grove is wheelchair-accessible. The site remains open during standard park hours and offers free monthly guided excursions for the public, though these tours are typically unavailable during the winter season.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit during standard Golden Gate Park hours to ensure access.
  • Check the monthly schedule if you wish to join one of the free guided public tours, noting they aren't held in winter.
  • If visiting with a mobility device, be assured that much of the grove is wheelchair-accessible.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the memorial spans 10 acres of parkland.

Nearby context

The Grove is situated in the eastern portion of Golden Gate Park, specifically at the de Laveaga Dell. It is positioned near the intersection of Bowling Green and Middle Drive East, placing it directly across from the park's tennis courts.

Sources

Evidence and links