Yerba Buena Gardens
August 20, 2026
I rode the bus up Folsom Street from the Mission. After a few stops, a passenger got on who seemed to know the bus driver. They talked for a while, joking about their schedules and which holidays they would be getting off this year. The bus driver had a charming booming voice and was good-humored, which made the ride go by quickly.
I had seen something that looked like a secret pass-through on the map, and I wanted to test it out. It involved cutting through a playground and crossing a sky bridge. The steps up to the playground were steep, but once there, the paths, seat walls, and equipment were enticingly colorful with soft edges. Though I felt out of place as an unaccompanied adult, the sound of laughter and the bright blues and oranges of the landscape made me happy.
After exiting at the north side, I walked the raised succulent path through exotic Californian plants as I listened to the tinny joyful music from a nearby carousel. It felt a little surreal. Since moving out here, I’ve felt a little like a kid again. I am completely illiterate when it comes to Californian plants. I prided myself on knowing the names of most plants back east, but here, I get to feel wonder again.
My favorite part of this park is the waterfall. From the top, it looks like a small fountain at the edge of a raised platform. Standing beside it, the views of the park and city are excellent. From the lower side, a series of waterfalls sound like white noise and invite visitors into a cavernous outdoor exhibit behind the water.
Many people were sitting on the benches around the park, some were lying in the grass, and many more were walking the loop around the park's perimeter. I find it interesting that despite this park being mostly flat grass, it feels cozy and tucked away. Perhaps this is because it is flanked on three sides by buildings?
I’m on my way to meet up with a former CMU student at a coffee shop I found near her work, so I don’t get to linger for too long. She is in SF for the summer and wondering what to do with AI, her many diverse interests, and the apprehension she is feeling about her upcoming job search. I hope I can provide some tempered reassurance and good company as she finds her way.
