Strawberry Hill (San Francisco) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Strawberry Hill
Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park
Highest point
Elevation	404 ft (123 m) NAVD 88
Geography
Strawberry Hill Location in San Francisco County
Location	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Topo map	USGS San Francisco North

Strawberry Hill is a special hill located right in the middle of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California. It sits on its own island within the park's beautiful Blue Heron Lake. Two bridges connect this island to the rest of the park.

The island is covered with many different kinds of trees and bushes. There are also several trails and dirt steps that wind around and lead up to the very top of the hill. It's a great place to explore!

Exploring Strawberry Hill

Strawberry Hill offers many interesting sights and activities for visitors. From a tall waterfall to historic ruins, there's a lot to discover.

Huntington Falls: A Man-Made Wonder

One of the most exciting features on Strawberry Hill is Huntington Falls. This impressive waterfall is 110 feet tall! It was the very first artificial waterfall ever built in Golden Gate Park. The water from the falls flows down into Blue Heron Lake. A man named Collis Potter Huntington, who was a railroad leader, gave $25,000 to help build it.

The Golden Gate Pavilion: A Gift of Friendship

Near the edge of Blue Heron Lake, you will find the Golden Gate Pavilion. This beautiful Chinese peace pagoda was a gift to San Francisco from its sister city, Taipei. It was given in 1976 as a symbol of friendship between the two cities. It's a peaceful spot to visit.

Sweeney Observatory: A Glimpse into the Past

At the very top of Strawberry Hill, you'll find a quiet, open space. From here, you can see amazing views of San Francisco, even though some trees might block a small part of the view. In the center of this area are the old foundations of the Sweeney Observatory. This building was constructed in 1891 so people could enjoy the views. Sadly, it was destroyed by the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake that shook the city.

Fun Activities at Strawberry Hill

The paths on Strawberry Hill are closed to cars, making it a perfect place for walking and enjoying nature. Many people love to visit the hill, especially on weekends. It's a popular spot for jogging and walking dogs. You might even see local high school track and cross country teams practicing here. They often run up and around the hill to build their stamina and strength.

Images for kids

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  Golden Gate Pavilion

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  Sweeney Observatory Ruins after the 1906 earthquake