Japanese Tea Garden

If you’re just visiting SF, you’re shelling out $16 just to get into the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park (FYI—residents don’t pay). But locals know that plant and tea therapy is the best therapy, so just get here. Head straight to the small wooden structure near the entrance and order a hot hojicha tea, paired with perfectly soft green tea mochi before making your way to a bar stool overlooking the pond (the best seats in the house). There are also serviceable but not great snacks, like simple udon bowls and chicken karaage (that aren’t crispy and taste a bit like a reheated-in-the-microwave situation). So, stick to the tea, and reflect on life goals like how to make money and not work, before strolling around the zen garden. 

photo credit: Lani Conway