Strawberry Hill, Stow Lake at Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

The great blue heron is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Lakes, on the other hand, connote peace and clarity of mind. Whenever we stroll along Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, I feel eternally grateful for the beauty of the greenery and the sense of peace all around me.

The last time we visited, we encountered a statuesque blue heron with a bevy of ducks resting on the edge of the lake—a wondrous moment for us!

On a short trek to Strawberry Hill where fantastic butterflies can be found, we passed by many similarly magnificent views only a city like ours can offer—the vividly red Chinese Pavillion, the quintessential waterfall, a stand of majestic redwoods, these are enough to make a short trip to the park fill ones soul with deep appreciation of the city’s many magical moments of gratitude and transcendence.

Travelers to San Francisco must put this on their list to explore especially when in Golden Gate Park.