Oak Terrace Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oak Terrace Park is a small park located in the city of South San Francisco, California.


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Summary

It is a popular destination due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. The park is surrounded by beautiful gardens, trails for hiking and biking, and picnic areas, making it an ideal place for families, couples, and nature lovers.

One of the major draws of the park is its stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding hills. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll on the park's walking trails, which offer breathtaking views of the city and its iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Another attraction at Oak Terrace Park is the Butterfly Habitat Garden. This garden is home to several species of butterflies and provides visitors with an opportunity to observe the insects up close. Additionally, the park has several picnic areas, a playground for children, and a spacious lawn where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

One interesting fact about the park is that it was once a landfill before being converted into a public park. The park has several amenities for visitors, including restrooms, water fountains, and trash receptacles.

The best time of year to visit Oak Terrace Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. During this time, visitors can enjoy the park's many attractions and participate in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Overall, Oak Terrace Park is a beautiful and peaceful retreat located in the heart of South San Francisco. It offers visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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