We got to enjoy lovely tulips and cherry blossoms in the spring, but Golden Gate Park has another bloom in store for us, happening now through the beginning of the fall! The Dahlia Dell, located in Golden Gate Park right near the Conservatory of Flowers, is in peak bloom–and these colorful, unique flowers are not to be missed.
According to Golden Gate Park, Dahlias generally start to bloom there in June, reaching peak bloom in August and September. You can still catch them all the way into October, although last year they bloomed about through Labor Day.
The vibrant blooms are especially prominent in San Francisco because they thrive in the cool summers. In fact, the dahlia was established as the Official Flower of San Francisco back in 1926.
The resolution stating so asserts that “in its versatility, its beauty, its infinite variety of color and form, it is the very symbol of San Francisco life and of the spirit of her people,” according to the Dahlia Society of California. It also claims that San Francisco Dahlias have “gayety and color that no other city nor flower can hope to equal, going, like our artists and poets, to carry color and beauty into far climes.”
Golden Gate Park’s Dahlia Garden (Dahlia Dell) is a wonderfully romantic place to snap photos, have a picnic, or just stroll around and compare the varieties. You can also reserve the Dell for private events, but keep in mind that there is only 1 picnic table and a small grassy space that isn’t quite large enough for lawn games. You can bring beer, wine, and your own barbecue grill.
Find the gorgeous Dahlia Dell between two walking paths on the east end of the Conservatory of Flowers.
Featured image: @conservatoryofflowers via Instagram