National AIDS Memorial Grove

This is another great area of Golden Gate Park. It is an oasis of peace and calm in the city. There are paths and trees. It’s a great place to meditate and remember the people who have been killed by and affected by this disease. The grove is well thought out and cared for.
It is fitting that the national grove be in San Francisco, and as memorials go, a grove is a great idea.

One of the most beautiful places I have been in this world. I have been early in the morning, when the dew was still fresh on the grass, and late in the afternoon when the entire lawn is illuminated by the sun. The care put into this place is so obvious. It is meticulously landscaped and cared for by volunteers. The creators of this grove have managed to capture the true beauty of the natural works that God has created, which I think is so appropriate for remembering the victims of AIDS. AIDS has such a nasty history, particularly in the stigma towards victims. At the beginning, the ignorance meant untouchability, like leprosy. The victims were so ignored for so long, so hated. The idea of condemnation is almost worse than the disease itself. If I were a family member of a victim, this place would mean the world to me. Its beauty and tranquility would bring peace to my soul.
I can see why people put money and time into creating and maintaining this place. Being able to have a place of beauty, tranquility — somewhere that is so pleasant to be at — brings healing. I think it truly had to be a grove, a place teeming with life. In the midst of all these living plants, the running water, you can feel the life. Because AIDS meant death, in so many ways, including an inability to produce healthy children, the amount of life here is exactly what an AIDS memorial needed to be.

Poignant.
As stated by those who came before it is sad, beautiful, contemplative, quiet, solemn and special. Also designed in a way the sun shines in more often than not.
Reflected back is hope.

This is such a tranquil little piece of Golden Gate Park… I believe it was my favorite place to stroll through on my last visit to San Francisco.
My favorite stone was the one for «Moonwalk Way» that read «Dedicated to Douglas Watson and Larry Silva Who Met the Day Humans Walked on the Moon.»
Very quiet, contemplative place and a lovely memorial.

perfect little nook in golden gate park. not a bad place to read or just soak up some sun. Love all the names on the stones, I always do a minute of silence when I walk through.

Having this memorial in such a diverse, large park is one of the highlights of the Golden Gate Park. The pathway is down a short slope but it opens up to a serene place. As soon as I started walking and reading the names etched of the loved ones that passed I had an overwhelming feeling of happiness and love.
I thought it would be a really solemn and sad memorial but as I read all the names I felt a calmness and so much love. People were loved enough to have their names added to this memorial.
There were people with kids running around, sunbathers, picnickers and some just paying our respect.
Definitely a place to visit!

Even loud kids quiet down when they’re here. No one needs to tell them; they just do.
It’s really sad and it’s really beautiful. Death doesn’t need to be the end, and I don’t believe it is. Thank you, whoever came up with this.
Golden Gate Park is an absolute treasure.

While recently visiting Golden Gate Park, it was time to seek out this Memorial and reflect upon the 30+ years and countless lives lost to AIDs. I received a lot more than I bargained for as I got chill bumps once I stepped into the unassuming entrance. This place is special. It is beyond peaceful with the interconnecting paths and walkways — some in the bright sun and others wander thru a redwood grove and then open into a hidden, expansive peaceful meadow flanked by a hillside of flowing plants. There are benches scattered along the way, dry steam beds, beautiful plantings lovingly arranged to draw your eye to something special in each locale. After walking thru the the sunny meadow, you venture up into fern lined stream bead with a small brook flowing downward toward the meadow. The protected ferns slowly bend in the gentle winds and the breeze is chilling, yet comforting. The volunteers who built, maintain and contribute to this area of the park have accomplished something amazing, strong and bold which reminds us all that we are human, we are all creatures capable of more love and compassion than we know. While there were quite a few people walking thru, it was absolutely quiet and reverent.
I spent quite a few hours here bouncing between sun and shade areas — just clearing my mind, sitting and reflecting upon the significance of this place, what it represents and how far we still have to travel before the long arch of history finally delivers equality, peace, acceptance and compassion for all those who have long since left us and the many others suffering with this disease.
If you are in GG Park, park your political beliefs at the entrance and venture into this wonderful place to see what we are truly capable of when we try. I plan to return here on my next visit. If I lived in the area, I’d certainly consider volunteering. Cheers.

From the moment I stumbled upon this grove, I knew that some people had taken the care to create a beautiful, serene, and comforting surrounding — this place was special. It wasn’t until later I found out that it was the National AIDS Memorial Grove. Apparently, you can volunteer at the garden as well and plant a dedicated tree. If you walk a little further than most into Golden Gate Park, past the ballparks and the bocci courts, you’ll find this garden. Inside you will see a few paths and stairs that will guide you around the hills to different areas where you can see ferns and other flowering plants that are among over 1,000 varieties of cacti, trees, ferns, and grasses. If you walk further into the this fern gully, you will find the circle of peace, a memorial, which is a nice touchstone for remembrance. It’s a good place to sit alone, or with a friend, read a book, meditate, or think deeply. There are several redwood trees in a grove that you will walk through. Finally, you will see an open meadow with connecting trails. It’s definitely a jewel inside the expansive Golden Gate Park area. If you have time for a stroll, or a jog, I would recommend it but be sure to take your time there.

You can’t take a bad photo or get a bad angle at this place. Quiet, not overrun with tourists; one of my favorite spots in the park.

Its a nice quiet alternative to other places at GG park.

First of all this is a beautiful park. I have been volunteering for the three years with my company every Sept on their volunteer day. I was there this past Saturday with my coworkers. Our project was to clean out the weeds and separate the Irises roots. Lots of labor of love indeed. But I can walk in the park and look at the beautiful fresh flowers and say to myself, «I helped make that happen.» If you don’t mind waking up early to volunteer and get dirty, the AMG park is well worth volunteering your time. For me it’s a great feeling and I feel rewarded after I am done.

If you’re looking for a small and unknown gem within San Francisco, then you should definitely check out the National AIDS Memorial Grove. While there are several places in Golden Gate Park that are special and unique, the Grove is unique in it’s own way.
For 20 years, the Grove has been around to offer individuals throughout the world a place to join together for reflection, serenity and healing.
The reason that this place is so unique is simply because it is a living monument to all those who have passed away from the AIDS virus. And throughout the entire area, you will see small pieces of color and life that are a reminder of the happiness and love of those lost in our community.
Many people might come here on their own to reflect those from their lives who they’ve lost, while others might be there in a large group having a picnic and reminiscing. There is no right or wrong way to remember those we love and that we’ve lost.
Spend time and check out all the special areas — the Circle of Friends, The Redwood Grove, the Circle of Friends, the Crossroads Circle, and many other small gems. You will not be able to walk away without feeling a sense of peace and wonder.

I never knew this existed in GGP. It can be considered a one of the City’s secret spots. There is lots of space to just walk and wind down. After the Botanical Gardens, I was on my way to the Koret Children’s Quarters with a friend when we stumbled here for kicks. There was a small stairway down so we walked down and this huge open space unfolded in front of us. There’s also a section that is a small forest where you can chill under the trees like the woods. The was a semi-​circle bench and on the floor are names in concentric circles. I assume the names are those who died of AIDS. Correct me if I’m wrong. This place is somewhat secluded and makes a good escape after work.

I’ve walked by this place probably at least a hundred times on my way to Hippie Hill.
But I never explored it.
I’m not really sure why.
So today — on my way back from Hippie Hill — something inspired me to walk through here. The wind was picking up — but as I walked down the pathway — quiet descended.
From a solitary Christmas tree — adorned with names and ornaments sitting gracefully on the Circle of Friends — a large circular slab with a spiral of names — of those lost to AIDS. To the slow moving creek of water gently cascading over small rocks. To the large smooth rocks with engravings of those affected by AIDS.
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a stirring place. Walking through here– there was no one else around. Surrounded by memories of beautiful souls torn from loved ones too soon — amongst captivating thriving foliage — I felt both an overwhelming feeling of loss and hope.
I believe everyone should explore this special place of tribute. It’s an important reminder of those that we have lost. It’s an important reminder to live each day truly and fully. It’s an important reminder that AIDS has affected and continues to affect our lives and the people around us — lives’ every day.
Come here to remember.

As a caregiver or patient I might feel a moment of comfort here. I don’t think I cried. I found this quite respectful for family and friends. I hope it stays peaceful and private. I love how it almost felt like we were the only ones in the park.
I remember this as a meditative space. If it were more visible, I’d hate for it to have graffiti. It raises awareness but I wouldn’t say its inspirational. Its not just a small memorial but also a path with informational plaques. No one spoke as they ran or strolled past.

Such a tranquil spot. Usually shielded from whatever wind may be blowing through. When you need reflection time, this is the best picnic spot in the city.

What a beautiful memorial! We visited the AIDS Memorial after going to the Academy of Science. Their were a few people around, but it was so peaceful that you didn’t realize they were there. My husband was able to find his close family friends name and we were able to have a moment of silence for him.
I look forward to going back to visit the Grove the next time we are in the area.

It’s tranquil and private. However it is strong and powerful at the same time. I started to get teary eyed on the walk down the ramp and by the time I found Jeff’s name it was all over, I could barely contain myself.
Thank you to those who created this warm and loving place. If you are in the Park, stop by and pay a tribute to those who have passed.

Located off-​the-​beaten-​track in Golden Gate Park, this small, serene, unassuming space is dedicated to all who have been affected by this pandemic, either as patients, caregivers, family, or friends. It’s a living memorial that honors those who have left us and offers solace and hope to everyone they left behind. The Circle of Friends is a spiral of names chiseled in flagstone paving at the center of the Dogwood Cresent. With a $ 1000 contribution, your own name or that of a loved one will be permanently inscribed here. It’s unfortunate that this tribute wasn’t established in a more visible site that would allow it to serve as a constant reminder that the ongoing search for a cure requires a steady flow of financial contributions.