Sometimes the best surprises are right at the top. And that includes a public urban park in the sky.

With a capacity for up to 1,000 people, there’s plenty of space on the grassy Amphitheater Lawn. Facing the Amphitheater Stage at the west end of the Park, the outdoor setting is a special place to say “Namaste” at a free yoga class, spread out a blanket for a noontime concert, or take in a movie night under the stars.

Artist Ned Kahn’s “Bus Fountain” introduces movement and surprise in an interactive permanent public art installation. Triggered by sensors built into the bus deck below, a delightful sequence of 247 tiny geysers are choreographed to correspond with the coming and going of the buses. Extending more than 1,200 feet on a bed of white and gray granite, the innovative design is one of the world’s longest water artworks.

On a rooftop park that’s designed for the enjoyment and benefit of all, children and a climbing rope frame are essential ingredients. Look for the bright yellow structure on a spongy protective flooring between the Central Lawn and the Main Plaza. Children must be supervised by an adult and adults must be accompanied by a child, of course.

Take a seat on the benches or stroll past lovely groves of redwoods, bamboos, and palms strikingly set among the skyscrapers of SOMA. Spot butterflies and dragonflies beside bamboos and palms. See hummingbirds hovering above flowering agapanthus and honey bees in the lavender patch. A meandering trail encircles the perimeter of the Park where 13 mini botanical gardens are labeled with interpretive signs representing an array of flora and fauna representing regions of the world.

In a setting where the topography blurs the distinction between rooftop and ground level, the park integrates a Main Plaza glass floor, expansive lawns, and gentle hills. Ample seating and grassy open areas provide ample spaces for relaxing, reading, picnicking, or joining the activity offerings. The entire 5.4 acres is surrounded by feature gardens with year-round displays. Anchoring the western end is a desert garden, while an attractive wetland garden enhances the eastern edge. Two domed architectural skylights and a centrally positioned oculus flood the terminal below with daylight.

A vibrant, dynamic outdoor urban experience awaits. People are poetry reading, kids are down-a-hill tumbling and everyone is skyscraper selfie-taking. Free organized events range from quiet meditation, Tai Chi, and silent disco to energetic cardio dance, HIIT bootcamp, and Lindy Hop swing dancing under the stars. Pick your day from highlights like toddler Tuesdays, writing workshop Wednesdays, and S.T.E.A.M. Saturdays. There’s always something to enjoy from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year.

Get up close and personal with an oculus surrounded by a bamboo grove. In the middle of the Park, this is the perfect selfie spot. Pull up a chair for a game of checkers, borrow items from the book cart, game cart, or arts and crafts cart. A walkable glass floor is the largest of its kind in the U.S. As evening approaches, check the calendar for special happenings such as silent disco night or Swing Lindy dancing.