Exploring San Francisco's largest park could take days—and this is why we are absolutely in love with Golden Gate Park. This gorgeous strip of land takes up much of the city's western side and is actually 20% larger than New York's Central Park! There are so many things to explore here, from the De Young Museum to the Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden to the Conservatory of Flowers. There's also the Dutch windmills, Stow Lake, and even some roaming bison. Here are 11 ways to experience the big, beautiful, one-of-a-kind Golden Gate Park.

1. Gawk at the windmills.

The Murphy Windmill is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, while the Dutch one is even more fanciful in its tulip garden surroundings.

2. Geek out at the California Academy of Sciences.

There's plenty to do at this natural history museum, which includes the Steinhart Aquarium (which features nearly 40,000 live animals!), a simulated rainforest, a planetarium, and an entire ecosystem exists on its hilly roof. Be sure to check out their Nightlife event, featuring live music and cocktails, every Thursday evening.

3. Get inspired at the de Young Museum.

Right across from the California Academy of Sciences is this fine arts museum, which showcases a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, costumes, and decorative arts from around the world. Wander through the Osher Sculpture Garden and head up to the Hamon Observation Tower fro 360-degree panoramic views of Golden Gate Park, the Bay, and beyond.

4. Row around Stow Lake and climb Strawberry Hill.

You can rent a row or pedal boat and even catch a glimpse of a waterfall at this man-made lake. Then get some walking in by climbing Strawberry Hill, which can be accessed by one of two adorable bridges. You can take a few different trails (there are also steps) that wind around the hill. The summit offers some views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown.

5. Feel the music at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

This free event is at Hellman Hollow, Lindley & Marx meadows is one of the best musical showcases around, and it's not just bluegrass (hence the "hardly"), so you can catch everyone from MC Hammer to Conor Oberst to Emmylou Harris. It's held during the first weekend of October, which typically means excellent weather. BYOB (bring your own beer and blanket).

6. Ride the century-old carousel.

This colorful, enchanting children's ride is over 100 years old and sits at the Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park. Mount one of the 62 animal figures (we'd pick the dragon), and spin off into another world.

7. Find Your zen at the Japanese Tea Garden.

Walk the grounds of the oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S. Find your moment of Zen with beautiful greenery, bonsai trees, flowers, bamboo, and a waterfall.

8. Stroll through the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Near the corner of 9th Avenue and Lincoln Way is this beautiful oasis. Discover over 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world over 55 acres of land.

9. Explore the Conservatory of Flowers.

This gorgeous greenhouse is the oldest public wood-and-glass conservatory in North America and features over 2,000 species of colorful plants and flowers.

10. Walk through a historical tunnel.

If you enter Golden Gate Park from the end of Haight Street, you will find the small Alvord Lake and the adjacent Alvord Bridge, the first structure of its kind built with iron-reinforced concrete. The tunnel below it adds some extra character with artificial stalactites making it feel like a wild cavern.

11. Say hi to the bison!

The original herd of bison were placed in Golden Gate Park way back in the 1890s. The bison you will find today, near Spreckels Lake and just off John F. Kennedy Drive, are descendants of 1984 birthday presents given to mayor Dianne Feinstein.

After exploring this incredible park in San Francisco, we highly recommend checking out one of San Francisco's most underrated parks.