Rhododendron DellStop on Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, a free self-guided tour.Tucked between the Conservatory of Flowers and the Music Concourse, the Rhododendron Dell is one of Golden Gate Park's loveliest hidden gardens. Over 850 rhododendron species - including some of the oldest and largest specimens in the country - fill this woodland garden with extraordinary color from winter through late spring. The dell was developed in the early 20th century and contains plants collected from around the world, including rare Himalayan and Pacific Northwest specimens. A bronze statue of John McLaren, the park's beloved longtime superintendent, stands near the dell's entrance - placed here after his death in 1943 despite his lifelong insistence that no statues belong in a park. Even when not in bloom, the dell's towering old-growth plants and sheltered paths create a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection.Stops on this tourMcLaren Lodge and Sharon MeadowConservatory of FlowersRhododendron DellMusic Concourse and Spreckels Temple of Musicde Young MuseumCalifornia Academy of SciencesJapanese Tea GardenSan Francisco Botanical GardenStow Lake and Strawberry HillSpreckels Lake and Model Yacht ClubPolo Fields and Speedway MeadowBuffalo Paddock - American Bison HerdRainbow Falls and Chain of LakesDutch Windmill and Queen Wilhelmina Tulip GardenOcean Beach - Western Gateway