JFK Promenade was closed to cars in 2020, making it a regular haven for bikers, runners, and people exploring Golden Gate Park. Since then, the car-free Promenade has been filled with fun activities, such as public pianos, unique art, and even a popular beer garden in the summer.
The car-free stretch has numerous activations throughout the year, and this summer, a popular pop-up bar is returning to the park. The watering hole is called the Whale’s Tail, featuring a new menu of brunch cocktails, beer, and wine. Live music, food trucks, and fun interactive games will also regularly pop up at the new space, which culminates near the Street Whale art in the middle of the Promenade.
The Whale’s Tail will open this Saturday, May 24, 2025, with a special three-day celebration for the holiday weekend. The bar will open at noon each day and run until 6:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday and 6:00 pm on Monday (Memorial Day). Plus, you can expect performances all day from local artists, a food truck, photo booth, and an interactive animal exhibition.
“For those looking to bask in the beauty of nature and the lively atmosphere of JFK Promenade, The Whale’s Tail is the perfect spot to drop anchor in Golden Gate Park,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “It’s the perfect mix of music, food, art, and connection.”
The outdoor bar debuted last summer, building on an already popular beer garden in past years. The Whale’s Tail will be open on weekends until October, so you have plenty of time to check it out.
“We’re thrilled to be back in this awe-inspiring space,’ said Ben Davis, of Illuminate, which created and maintains The Golden Mile. “Our goal from the outset has been to create a place of joy in the park where you can relax with a beverage and enjoy some beautiful music. This most definitely is it.”
JFK Promenade was closed to cars in April 2020 and has since seen 12.6 million visits. Illuminate, an arts and culture nonprofit in SF, started the Golden Mile Project in 2022 to help transform the road into the vibrant space it now is. They installed murals, art, and grand pianos for the public to enjoy. The car-free initiative came during the Pandemic, but legislation was introduced after two years to make it permanent. Now, thousands of visitors visit every day to explore the art and new activities.
You can find the Whale’s Tail on JFK Promenade in Golden Gate Park near 14th Avenue East Meadow from noon to 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.