If you find yourself in downtown SF and looking for a bit of respite amidst all the concrete and steel, it’s not as hopeless as it appears. You have options! quite a few in fact. Hidden among the high-rise office towers that dominate the area are urban gardens, nooks and small plazas, purposely built for just such refuge, where you can escape the clamor and crowds (mostly) and take a load off (sometimes) surrounded by greenery, large planters, bronze sculptures, water features and the like. Most have a ‘Public Open Space’ sign posted along with hours.

The website Privately Owned Public Open Space, https://sfpopos.com/, lists 45 such locations and includes photos, maps and a description on each. All spaces are owned and managed by their adjacent building, and are officially open to the public, so building security will be perfectly fine with your presence, and even hopefully helpful?

The spaces vary. Some are quite small, more like expanded entryways with limited sunlight and no seating, while others are quite spacious like mini-parks with benches and tables and cafes. And a few are found on building terraces that require an elevator ride.

For example, the space at 456 Montgomery St. near Sacramento is down a flight of stairs, a small recess that offers no direct sunlight, but has a lovely water feature and a nearby deli with tables and chairs. On the other end, 555 California St. between Kearny and Montgomery is quite spacious and sunny with teak benches and bamboo and olive trees. At 50 Beale St. you’ll find an antique streetcar open for tours amid a tree-filled urban park. While 201 Mission St. is an urban oasis with lots of tables and chairs for enjoying your to-go lunch or coffee.

One of my favorites is the Transamerica Redwood Park at 600 Montgomery St. Take a break on wooden benches next to fountains under towering redwoods next to the iconic building.

There are even a few indoor places to escape on rainy days, like 55 2nd St., with an array of tables and chairs under a skylight. Likewise 101 2nd St. and 222 2nd St.

I especially like the rooftops and upper floor terraces that offer a sunnier option and views of the surrounding city. You’ll be removed from the hubbub of the street, so a more peaceful option as well. 543 Howard St. between 1st and 2nd is large and green-filled with tables and chairs and One Kearny at 23 Geary St. on the 11th floor offers great views.