The Top 17 Lakes in San Francisco
Looking to visit the best lakes in San Francisco? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of San Francisco’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: October 18, 2025
Stow Lake is a manmade lake in Golden Gate Park with a rich history that dates back to 1893. Offering hiking and bike trails, Stow Lake is a popular destination …
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Aquatic Park Historic District is a National Historic Landmark and building complex located on the San Francisco Bay waterfront within San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Its sandy beach is …
Its sandy beach is …
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Lake Merced, a large freshwater lake in San Francisco's southwestern corner, is the heart of a 614-acre park that is popular with boaters, hikers, bicyclists, and golfers on the extended courses around the lakes. sfrecpark.org/destination/lake-merced-park
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Idyllic lake in the south-east of the park, along MLK and Chain of Lakes Drives, and next to the Cross Park Trail
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Lovely mirroring lake surrounded by tall stands of Monterey Cypress trees along the car-free Middle Drive.
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Quaint small lake fed by a stream pumped uphill and descending as an artificial waterfall. Across the street from Hellman's Hollow, the meadow hosting the annual "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival, …
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The lake is not visible well from the Stow Lake Drive one-way loop road, walk up a few yards to the lake rim
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Mountain Lake Trail runs along the long southern edge of the Presidio Park (now part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area).
It continues west toward Mountain Lake, the biggest and …
It continues west toward Mountain Lake, the biggest and …
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Popular shallow lake for fans 'playing' with their remote controlled boats. Lindley Meadow is popular with weekend family games and BBQ, and often used for outdoor concerts
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The lower trail is open to biking and a great way to swing through directly to the car-free gate that exits at the traffic lights to the Palace of Fine …
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