My review is for the bicycle lane around Lake Merced. The parked RVs on Lake Merced Boulevard makes this dangerous with cars disobeying the speed limit all the time. The RVs were supposed to be leaving November 1st, 2025. But, that was just another fairy tale by the politicians. DPW has a special sweeper to clean between the new concrete barrier islands separating the the sidewalk path and the street. But the sweeper machine just makes a bigger mess than before- moving the dirt and rocks to the middle and dropping more dirt along the way. Many calls to 311 were fruitless in getting this fixed. The City is coming up short on this. read more

Cold, lots of cars driving by exhaust smells which has always been like that. Still scenic. But lots of druggies and people doing Sus stuff in the bushes coming out.. now tons of trailers parked there which feels unsafe. Not the same anymore. Go in the daytime I suppose. read more

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Morning walk and chit-chat with my bestie today. Enjoying the view and getting some fresh air at the same time. Love it :) read more

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Great scenery for runs and walks, convenient 2 parking lots and street parking. But even as a biker myself, I do hate that bikers use the sidewalk. There's a workout station which is a plus ps Traffic is bad during commuter/school times. read more

Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

I love coming here for a run. Even when it's foggy, there's something so mystical and luminous... sort of an eerie, haunting beauty. The full loop is about 4.5 miles, and they do have markers at the beginning but somewhere along the path it disappears. There is also a shorter 1-1.5 mile loop at the tail end that you can do. They also have a small fitness playground area that looks new. No restrooms except smelly porta potties. There have small parking lots around the lake for parking and probably will be able to find parking along the street. The only con is when dog owners do not pick up after their dog. If you don't clean up after your dog, you don't deserve one. Do better. read more

Great walk around the lake. No one bothers you and you can go at your own pace. Beautiful scenery as you go along read more

Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

The lake could be so much more than it is. While it's great to run around it sometimes, too many stretches are fenced and overgrown. Due to decades of operating firing range - the lake is said to be toxically polluted. Otherwise a pretty spot next to Daly City. read more

What a hidden gem! I've driven by this place countless times, and didn't think there was a public park here! With parking, BBQ pits, and that is dog friendly! Just found a new spot to meet with people (and their animal friends)! The overall vibe is chill, and there's not too many people, which is great since my own dog is pretty reactive. Highly recommended! read more

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This is a tough review.... Lake Merced, most of it a natural lake which are few and far between in the concrete jungle is though an oasis of water and trees and occasional sun is vastly underutilized. It once was a good urban fishery, but not any more. A gun range (which I only used one time) and probably does not belong is gone. And now the RVs by SFSU and WHATEVER goes on and gets dumped are at the least an eyesore. I avoid that stretch if I can-don't even like to drive by these hovels. But, it is a lake and there are some newer exercise facilities going up so perhaps like the crows, hope springs eternal. read more

Running around Lake Merced has been on my to do list for quite some time!! More than a few of my running friends told me this was a great place to run, so you know I had to come see for myself and they weren't wrong!! It's approximately 4.5 miles on the paved path around the exterior of the lake. At the southern end of the lake there's nice wide bridge. There are also some cool statues in multiple places here, a golf course, and multiple parking lots. The SF Zoo is very close to the northwest part of this lake, and SF State University is right across the street from the eastern part of the lake. There are some trails on the inner part, lots of good wildlife here also, but I only saw one restroom, but I'm sure there has to be more and I just missed them. This lake is big, it's also very serene. I would say this lake is awesome!!! That's my take!! read more

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Peaceful and serene spot overlooking the golf course across the water. Has a walking trail with a port-a-potty bathroom at the top/start of the trail next to the parking lot (which fits about 15 cars or so). Seems like it would be a nice spot to view the sunset, too. read more

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I haven't been here in a long while, but this year, I've been taking my parents here at least once a week to go walking and get some fresh air. It's a nice place for my mom to walk in her walker at her own pace. My dad splits and goes on his walk, and each time he goes around, he checks in. The people who walk here are super nice and like to say hello or have small talk. You do get a few weirdos here and there, but mostly, it's people looking to get their walk or run on and zone out or families walking with their little one's. It's a cool place, and my parents love the picnic tables or seating areas they have to be able to catch their breath. For some reason, each time we come here, I forget to take pictures to post. I think it's mostly because I'm focusing on watching my mom and her walking. Overall, I recommend coming here for a walk to clear your head and get away even for a little while. Parking can be a little tough. I kind of wish someone could sweep up the bridge every now and then to make it easier for elderly people or disabled people to walk. read more

This is the largest lake in the city, nothing in Golden Gate Park compares, you really feel like you are in a different place away from it all. Lake Merced is serene and woodsy at certain points with some short trails. There is an abundance of birds, waterfowl, trees, and greenery. The best places for lake photos are the bridge on the southern section, the trails off from the northern parking lot, or the picnic area near the golf course. I still can't figure out how you can boat here, the boathouse website doesn't have too much information. I thought you were able to bring a canoe, but it seems currently the only people that boat are rowing clubs from local high schools. To walk around the circumference of the lake is 4.5 miles and most of that is along a paved sidewalk with cars swiftly whizzing by. Many sections have a fence that obstructs the view of the lake which takes away from the peaceful experience. I give the hike a 2.5-3 star because of this but it might not be as bad for running. I did this route once then decided to do a much shorter version where I could still enjoy the beauty of the lake. If you go from the North parking lot past the bridge to the golf course, then to the picnic area and loop around on Skyline Boulevard this is about 1.7 miles. read more

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Beautiful lake. Beautiful golf course. The North Lake bridge is open now. It was closed during pandemic time. There is only one public restroom nearby the parking lot of Harding park. So get prepared for this. read more

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I have to admit I'm confused by Lake Merced. Is it one lake or two? Or is it really just a trio of golf courses with big water hazards? Unfamiliar with the area, I drove over expecting to do a leisurely stroll around a pastoral lake. There was definitely a section of the smaller upper lake with a footbridge and flora with a lot of ducks, cormorants, and geese. There were people fishing, and it was all quite pleasant despite the Pacific chill in the air and the fear of an errant golf ball hitting my noggin. But then things started to get less attractive. I realized I had to walk around the perimeter of the park when I was right next to the busy traffic on Skyline Blvd. I just felt closer to the oncoming traffic than the lake. When I turned the corner onto Lake Merced Blvd, I noticed the traffic would be a constant presence on my circuitous walk since the golf courses don't allow casual ambling back into the park. The locked chain-link fences were the dead giveaway. Instead of doing the full 4-1/2-mile circuit around the lake on sidewalks, I decided to turn around and pound the pavement back to my car. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more

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"The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we've found each other..." ... oh the Notebook *tear* Lake Merced is another part of "the city" that you can completely forget about "the city". For me, it's a a nice urban oasis away from the craziness of downtown. I used to always go to Golden Gate Park for "me time" but lately find myself at Lake Merced. The history of Lake Merced predates the skyline of San Francisco. In fact, originally it was called Laguna de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, but try saying that fast three times. You lose! ;) Back in the day the mighty Grizzly Bears still roamed Lake Merced. There's a reason why this majestic animal is on the state flag. Let's not forget what the landscape was really like before our Founding Fathers. I like coming to Lake Merced to just picnic and collect myself. To appreciate God's gift of living. To appreciate the many species of birds that call it home. On my strolls I've seen all sorts of waterfowl. The unidentifiable chirping you'll hear from the trees. The occasional hawk if you're lucky! I usually park near the Penguin's Prayer statue by Beniamino Bufano or at the equestrian statue of Captain Juan Bautista de Anza. I'm usually in deep thought if you see me... the mysteries of our universe or the complexities of ancient pyramids? Probably not. Most like romanticizing about the Notebook and Allie Hamilton. 'Til next time... "And maybe each time, we've been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come..." I love you Allie... read more

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B. was willing to drive us to SF so I picked Lake Merced to do an easy 4.5 miles loop walk around the lake. Free parking at Sunset Blvd & Lake Merced Blvd. there is 1 pit toilet there. Walk around the lake was just ok. Saw Capitan Juan Bautista De Anza, some gulls, geese, coots by fishing dock, Penguin's Prayer sculpture. Those were the highlights. Lots of bikes, runners, walkers. read more

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Popular. Running haven. Free parking. See below for more info: Popular: Lake Merced is one of the most popular running locations in the city. Many enjoy walking, biking, scooting, exercising with pets and dragon boating. To avoid crowds, it is best to come here before seven in the morning. Do note it is on the chilly side, even during the summer so it might be best to layer up. Running haven: I have been running around Lake Merced since my high school cross country days in the city. The lake is great for long distance training as each loop around the perimeter is over four miles. Additionally, one does not have to worry about crossing streets for miles and can feel safe about getting run over, especially if one exercises in the opposite direction of traffic. Free parking: There are several parking lots around the lake. Additionally, there is parallel parking on the perimeter streets. read more

Fourteen years later, and I do come here more often than that younger, svelter, more passionate John S. did. It's a gorgeous place to spend time, even if the regular kayakers and crew rowers are insane (more on that later). I like to come in different seasons and see how it looks. San Francisco feels like it has a monoseason, but the plants definitely grow much faster in the spring, as you'll see when you notice that sculls and other boats stored on the shore near the parking lots are overgrown and hidden by weeds in just a few short weeks. I want to walk on the balcony of the Lake Merced Boathouse, but it's always closed. The bathrooms are open rather late, however, and although they're not the cleanest, it's always nice to have someone to pee (legally) in a bind. The picnic area is lovely, although watch your step if you're sitting at some of the tables, as moss and standing water seem to love that area. The most recent time I came here just to look at the lake and ponder, I made sure to park my car one spot away from the boathouse, near where all these containers and Dumpsters and other stuff is blocking parking spaces. There's plenty of room throughout the lot, so I parked here strategically because I figured people would take the hint and park out in the open rather than next to me and my crammed-in car. Well, what do you know? Someone parked in the single spot to my right, got out of his car, and starting putting on his wetsuit-rowing gear right next to my car. I laughed it off and tried not to pay attention to the nakedness, when some other lady parked on the other side of me, got out of her car, and started rummaging through her trunk for her gear. She also started talking very loudly to the guy who had just suited up, and both of them were leaning on the back of my car WHILE I WAS STILL SITTING IN IT. Mind you, these are the only three parking spaces here; there are dozens and dozens in much more open areas of the parking lot, but these two weirdos decided to park on either side of me like I wasn't even there. I got out of my car and asked them politely to stop leaning on my car. They both immediately stopped leaning, but the guy looked askance at me, and I really didn't want to start anything, so I got back in my car, started the engine, had to honk to get them to stop standing behind my car, and parked along the fence by the golf course. Sure, my car was more likely to get hit by an errant golf ball, but I would have preferred that to the inane rudeness that was happening where I had originally parked. read more

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Serene lake beauty to refuel and get your Zen on. Walking paths over 4 miles to enjoy! Great way to exercise when the gym is not an option. Bring your running shoes or just walk leisurely with your dog. Really great quiet part of San Francisco mostly all locals enjoying the outdoor beauty! read more

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Walking around this lake and golf course is very relaxing and beautiful. There's a nice scenic trail and my puppies love the fogginess from San Francisco! I know there's a lot of red algae growing in this lake currently, so the poor fish that have passed away really make a smellable statement, but normally this area is great for walking and sightseeing. read more

Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

Was feeling lazy, but instead, an afternoon stroll around Lake Merced. Drove past it many times before, it's on my way to the grocery store. The golf course there is intertwined watch for stray balls, you'll be fine. A stretch of path is on a busy road, maybe not great for kids, just know. But the bits around the lake are serene and the parts near the golf course, pristine. Not a destination, but a good local spot, to run, bike, picnic, or stroll with your thoughts. read more

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Came back to play golf after 12 years. It is renovated and totally upgraded. Better than Monterey premier courses in my mind.

The thought of walking around the whole lake with a 3 - year old sounded too daunting for a weekday stroll. We made a sharp turn towards the boathouse parking lot and found this area; perfect for a picnic and a toddler friendly walk along the lake. It's pretty much a paved path, but beware of uneven sections with underground roots popping out of the concrete. There's white spray paint on the roots so you can see them before you trip on 'em. What a nice, and soooo necessary, touch! There's one big path then different little ones that take you closer to the water. A sign that reads "beach" will take you to some pretty cool ducks... but spoiler alert...no beach. On a bit of an adventure, we found ourselves on a dock where some folks were fishing. Then we walked all the way to the edge of the dock and jumped up and down as the dock swayed back and forth. Might have been the most thrilling ride all quarantine! Yup, we were quick to compare this to Frontierland at DL. All that was missing was Mickey and the Fantasmic soundtrack to get the party going. read more

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How could I live in San Francisco for so many years and never been to this little pocket on the far west side of the city? You'll drive up Skyline Drive and swear you're in Bucks County, PA for its two-lane roads that curve around rustic woods. You turn into a small driveway that leads up to a lake and see the small boat docks for canoeing and kayaking and ducks and gulls paddling around in the water. You don't feel at all like you're in San Francisco, in the very best way. It's quiet and the air smells fresh, like eucalyptus. SF Parks and Rec has a modern but unobtrusive building with multi-purpose rooms perfect for off-site meetings. It may also double as a banquet space but I'm not sure? Lake Merced offers a 4-mile circuit around the waterfront and you'll see people jogging or walking their dogs. Just a half mile away from the Great Highway with its lonely but beautiful stretch along the coastline, look at the dunes, California wildflowers and white caps and you'll see and feel the old California, boho and just a little wild. Boz Scaggs playing low as you drive northward is a lovely accompaniment to the view. read more

Lake Merced - Misty & cold (but I like it) - Parks Near Me

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I miss running the lake so much! But gotta wait for my leg to recover - pushed myself way too hard. There are plenty of parking lots no matter which part of the lake you start on. The entire lake runs about 4.5 miles. I normally go across the bridge (~4mi), but if I'm up for it, I'll do the rest of the lake. The run is peaceful and you get to enjoy the view of the lake and take in all the nature around you! It's close to Stonestown Galleria. And if you want to view the ocean and see a ton of pups, there's Fort Funston along the way. read more

I have visited a lot of lakes but the one that is Lake Merced which is nice and it's close by where I live... On my free time when I have a day off from work I usually like to come here with my family and just enjoy the fresh air while taking a walk!!! Not only that when your taking a walk around Lake Merced you can hear the loud sound of gun fire which is the shooting range that is close by!!! If you like riding bikes Lake Merced is a good place to do it!!! read more

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We wanted a dog-friendly, stroller-friendly hike near SF. This was close and fulfilled those requirements with a paved path that went the full 4.5 miles around the entire park. However, rather than a peaceful hike through nature, the paved path constantly follows a busy road, so you are always surrounded by the sound of cars speeding by. It fairly busy with walkers, runners, and bikers (who often don't take the bike lane on the road). On other hikes (in state parks, etc) I don't wear my mask but pull it on whenever we pass someone; here, the flow of passers-by was constant enough that I kept my mask on. There was plenty of parking at Harding Park. There were picnic tables, restrooms (pretty clean! Plus they had plumbing, i.e. flush toilets), plenty of water fountains, and lots of ducks that our toddler loved. From Harding Park, I thought we could walk on paths along the lake shore. However, most of those nice paths that you see across the water are part of the golf course. So the only route you can really take is the paved path that goes along the roads. read more

Wow what a beautiful Park this is our first time visiting lake Merced and it's absolutely gorgeous. The lake surrounds the park on all sides except for the road that you drive in to the park on there's a golf course further into the park which we didn't visit but looks very nice. There's a rowing shop and lots of wildlife to look at we saw raccoons roaming around near the water's edge. It's located close to the ocean but far enough back behind the cliffs that it's not very windy. It looks like this would be a great place to have a barbecue we will definitely be back. read more

Lake Merced - Beautiful Park - Parks Near Me

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TL;DR beautiful park for locals, tourists, anyone Some run Lake Merced, some paddle, some golf, and some just walk and enjoy the scenery. No matter who you are, Lake Merced has something to offer you. If you're a runner, going around the lake will give you roughly 4 miles. If the water is calling, some paddle boat, dragon boat, but don't even think about swimming inside the murky water. If you're a golfer, there's a golf course waiting for you to call it your home. If you are just looking to enjoy some nice views, take a stroll with your dogs, friends, or just find some solace with your own thoughts. read more

Lake Merced - Peace - Parks Near Me

This is in review of the picnic table area at 1 Harding Road! There was plenty of parking when we went on a Saturday. It's tucked away and generally serene here. There are some picnic tables here and they are all spread pretty far away from each other which is good especially during a pandemic. Most of the tables did not have shade though so hopefully it's not too hot. We were able to eat some sandwiches we brought at a picnic table and I thought the overall experience was comfortable, much more so than outdoor dining at most restaurants. They also have public restrooms too at their building. read more

Great place for dogs and people alike! A nice run/walk around the lake with beautiful views- just keep an eye out for coyotes and raccoons who call this place home. read more

I really enjoyed our time at Lake Merced. There were a few docks open and lots of people fishing. It felt serene at the lake. People were also having picnics on the lawns and the place was dog-friendly. There are a few IG worthy spots as well. I would highly recommend coming to this lake. There are also BBQ grills you can utilize as well. It was very family-friendly. There was also a parking lot available with plenty of parking spaces. read more

Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

Nice place for a jog or walk, ride your bike, have a picnic, fish(?) or just sit in your car and chill. Please do remember that this is a public park so keep your four legged friends on leash and NO smoking. One can even take a stroll thru the golf course and stop by the cafe for a quick bite or cup of coffee. The gardeners at the park and workers in the golf course are very friendly. read more

Lake Merced - Sunrise at Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

If you want to enjoy a park and lake without the touristy buzz, then Lake Merced is a nice and quiet place to retreat to. By no means is it breathtakingly beautiful but it's great for walks and jogs or just sitting to journal and meditate. Additionally, there is a golf course and people who commonly kayak and dragonboat on the lake. It's hardly crowded in that you will have room for yourself and simply enjoy your surroundings. The park parts of Lake Merced are nice for bbqs. If you're a runner, a lap around the entire lake is about 4-5 miles. There's something for everyone at Lake Merced and it's frankly a hidden gem in SF which I'm not complaining about. read more

Lake Merced - Parks Near Me

I love coming here for a good run! 5 mile long circle that overlooks an awesome and peaceful lake. It's also attached to Harding Park where you can take a nice quick water or bathroom break, or if you wanted to do a nature walk. The view here is absolutely beautiful. It's one of the many places where, the Bay Area's beauty shines through, without all the buildings distracting you. It's also very convenient since it is near Stonestown Galleria, Westlake, and SF State. So if you live nearby, Lake Merced is easily accessible or if you just want to stop by to get something to eat after a run, you can do so very easily. After about every 2 miles or so, there's a portable bathrooms and water fountains located. The parking here is ok. There are sidewalk parking throughout the park. There's also parking inside Harding Park, as well as 3 small areas to park at each end of the park and middle of the park. Not only that, but I love the little health boards that remind you about breathing, and proper stretches exercise located near the park. Also, the little wooden marks reminding you how many bikes you've ran. One of the cons about this place is the traffic surrounding the area. Lake Merced is next to the highway and school. So there's a lot of ongoing traffic around the afternoon and early morning as well. It can be a little off putting hearing all the cars rush by and a little dangerous at time since the sidewalk is close by the highway. As of recently, the bushes and trees have not been trimmed around here, so the lake is a bit hidden nowadays. It's a great park when it's all said and done. Great for a quick run and nature walks. read more

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This review is meant to appeal to the runners out in Yelp-land. If one looks at Lake Merced as the face of a clock, where 12 o'clock is Sloat Blvd. & 6 o'clock is Westlake Shopping Center, then running around the lake in a clockwise direction (where we all observe the 'walk on the right rule') means you'll often have a non-paved path under foot. My guess is that one can run the unpaved path, varying from smooth and wide to narrow and uneven, for seemingly well over half the way 'round the lake. One lake loop is just under 4.5 miles, the short-cut over the wee bridge is approx. 4 miles. There are four lots in which to park. The, sort of, most official parking area is off Skyline Blvd. & also doubles as the entrance to the golf course. A proper toilet, benches & a grassy park area are found here as well. Another decent-sized parking area with at least one bench, some work-out bars, and an icky port-a-potty is to be found at Lake Merced & Sunset Blvds. The third parking area, if memory serves, is unpaved, and found at Lake Merced Blvd., just south of Brotherhood Way. The smallest lot is on John Muir Dr. just at the bridge where benches, a few picnic tables, a water fountain, and a super manky port-a-potty are located. Car exhaust is an issue when running the lake. The super early bird catches the least amount of cars, so 'bravo!' to those up at the crack of dawn for an undisturbed run. I've had luck running the odd weekday just after noon when there seems to be less cars on the road. Early evening on a weekday may see a less traveled jog path, but Lake Merced & Skyline will have a decent amount of traffic flowing. Normally, however, we're all here--walkers, joggers, cyclists--at the weekend & it can be a bit of a full house both on the path & in the street. Pros: lovely views of the lake & attendant golf course; the smell of eucalyptus; toilets at the Skyline entrance. Cons: car exhaust; unpaved footpath, while fairly decent, really isn't wide enough for 'two-way' traffic; the occassional four-legged ankle nipper/sniffer read more

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Picnic with my beautiful Persian girlfriend Parand and her dog Luna (Moon in Spanish, as she was adopted in Spain:). Initially we went to SF for a concert and got so frustrated with the lack of parking that decided to be more on the sporty/picnic side and also the dog would be happier hanging around and breathing nature. We absolutely loved it! Easy to park, free parking, nice easy trails and our cute picnic in one of the many tables and benches you can find around the lake. We were so lucky that it was a fantastic sunny day and we took plenty of pics to create memories. This lake is awesome, if i was living closer, that would be my place to go for strolling, running or just be quiet in nature. read more

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I used to walk this area with my father way back in the mid-80s. It was a great place to enjoy a peaceful and quiet area of the city. I was always struck by the beauty and silence of it. After over 30 years, I decided to bring my camera to shoot the area and see how much has changed. Thankfully, not much. It is still the wonderful locale of my youth. There's ample parking along perimeter and a small lot if you get there at the right time. I went there mid-morning on a Sunday and the lot was full. But there was plenty of parking on the street. There are a number of joggers, walkers and families moving about, but it definitely wasn't crowded. The day was perfect and I expected it to be a little more crowded. Anyway, this is an idyllic little gem on the southerwestern corner of the city. It's definitely worth a visit. read more

Lake Merced - Sunday morning - Parks Near Me

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Visit this scenic lake, as it is well-maintained and make you feel like you're away from the City. Getting there from Hwy 1 or Sunset Blvd or Sloat and 19th Aves are easy. Dogs are allowed. Worthy of a visit by visitors or locals. There are four parking lots: - Sunset and Lake Merced Blvds meet - Lake Merced Blvd and Brotherhood Way meets - one end of the crossover bridge meeting Lake Merced Blvd. - other end of the crossover bridge meeting John Muir Dr. It is also worthy for a stroll or jog, as the lake is encircled with a wide paved route and a narrow dirt path running alongside it (pun intended). Also, the air is cooler in this area of the City so you're less likely to get overheated. Watch out on those sunny days. Better yet, go early in the morning when it is cooler and less crowded. Note, run around the lake in a clock-wise direction as it is a gradual uphill with a few flat areas in between (with one downhill slope by SF State). The total distance around the lake is about 4.5 miles. Cutting across the crossover bridge cuts it down to 4.1 miles. Either way it is quite a workout run. Then, try the route again on one of the many windy days! read more