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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Huntington Park

A peaceful 1.3-acre sanctuary atop Nob Hill, featuring a replica of the Italian Fountain of the Turtles and a rich history of Gilded Age mansions.

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Where is Huntington Park located?

Huntington Park is a 1.3-acre park located at 1050 Taylor Street in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. It is bordered by California, Taylor, Sacramento, and Cushman streets and is surrounded by Grace Cathedral, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel.

What is the park known for?

The park is known for its main fountain, which is a replica of the Italian Fontana delle Tartarughe (Fountain of the Turtles). It has also served as a filming location for several Hollywood productions, including The Sweetest Thing, Woman on Top, and More Tales of the City.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the park features a children's playground along with lawns and seating.

What is the history of Huntington Park?

The site was once home to an elaborate mansion built in 1872 by railroad attorney General David D. Colton. In 1915, Arabella Huntington donated the land to the City of San Francisco to create the public park, which was completed that same year.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Huntington Park is a serene 1.3-acre green space located atop Nob Hill in San Francisco. The park is bordered by California, Taylor, Sacramento, and Cushman streets, and is surrounded by iconic landmarks like Grace Cathedral, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel. It serves as a quiet retreat for residents and visitors alike, featuring lawns, seating, and a children's playground. Historically, the site was once home to the mansion of General David D. Colton, a railroad attorney who built one of the most elaborate residences in the city in 1872. This classic white wooden residence featured marble steps and a great portico of Corinthian columns. Later, the land was acquired by Arabella Huntington, who donated the site to the City of San Francisco in 1915 to create a public park. One of the most striking features of the park is its main fountain, which is a replica of the Fontana delle Tartarughe, also known as the Fountain of the Turtles, from Italy. This elegant piece of art adds a Mediterranean feel to the park's atmosphere. Beyond its beauty, Huntington Park has served as a frequent filming location for Hollywood movies and TV productions. It has appeared in titles such as The Sweetest Thing, Woman on Top, and More Tales of the City, as well as Freebie and the Bean, A Christmas Without Snow, and Night of Henna. This cinematic history adds a layer of glamour to the Nob Hill neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during a sunny day to enjoy the lawns and seating areas.
  • Look closely at the fountain to see the replica turtles of the Italian original.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Grace Cathedral.

Nearby context

Huntington Park is centrally located in the Nob Hill neighborhood, providing a quiet contrast to the surrounding urban density. It is within walking distance of the Grace Cathedral and the Pacific-Union Club (Flood Mansion), offering a blend of high-end hotels and historic residences.

Sources

Evidence and links