A great place for a long walk in La Mesa. It's closer to 5 stars except that the portapotties along the route are filthy. It does get warm on the asphalt so come earlier for longer walks if you (or your dog) is sensitive to heat. The trail isn't strenuous or anything, so it's doable for just about anyone, as long as you bring water. Lots of dogs, and unlike other places, it seems like everyone follows leash rules, so that's a plus. Dogs are not supposed to go in the water but I'm not sure that rule is followed as much. It's a nice little Oasis in the urban sprawl. There are tons of water fowl, and be careful cause the geese are mean as heck and will hiss at you (and your dog) with or without goslings. read more

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I've literally never been here and wow I'm super impressed. Lake is medium sized with fish and ducks/birds. You can also rent boats and what not. Plenty of bench's and tables. What I didn't know was that the trail around the lake is not a loop--- so it's about a 5.5 or 6 mile walk/run total. Plenty of parking inside lots and on the streets. Overall very peaceful. read more

Lake Murray has been a staple for outdoor recreation for La Mesa and it's surrounding communities for as long as I can remember. A well managed lake that is close to youth baseball fields, parks and a golf course. The area is a buzz of activity all year long. It's a place my whole family has enjoyed for the last three decades. From a paved multi-use path that surrounds the majority of the lake to the small piers. The activities are numerous. One of my favorite things to do is feed the ducks with my wife and grandson. It is so relaxing as the ducks gather as we throw pieces of bread for the ducks to eat. The lake itself on most days are peaceful. The water itself is calm. Perfect for a small rowboat or kayak to maneuver around. There is also fishing at the lake as you will always see people with fishing poles and there is even a concession stand on site that sells fishing permits. Many stone benches and picnic tables are throughout the lake area. Some in the shade and some not. It always a good idea though to bring your own folding chair. If you do. You will always have a place to sit in the shade. The paved path that I mentioned earlier is three plus miles that ends at a chain linked fence and then another three miles on a return trip. Having multiple entry points. Sharing the path are people walking, jogging, bicycling, rollerblading or skateboarding, dogs and strollers. At times, it can get real busy so being alert and courteous goes a long way. Dog poop bag dispensers are also located at certain points on the path. Don't be that guy. Clean up after your dog. Lake Murray is a great part of La Mesa that my family loves to go to. It's a place you go to relax in the outdoors. Be it on the water in a boat, or on the shore enjoying a sandwich or having nice jog around the lake. The lake is different activities for different people but everyone enjoying the same thing at the same time. Lake Murray is a jewel. read more

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You can rent bikes boats and other water vehicles at the concession stand. A boat pulled up to launch at the ramp close by. Conditions of the lake are also posted daily at the entrance of the small shop. What fish is spotted where on the lake and suggestions for bait. There's a walking and biking path to get some exercise in. Lots of birds and ducks. If a Covid cop rucked up loads of people would be cited for not wearing masks and having gatherings larger than 10 people. The people all around did excellent on social distancing but they failed brilliantly on holding large gatherings of groups of more than 10 people and not wearing masks. When I came only 2 people besides myself was rocking the fashion trend of 2020 that being a face mask. Other than that there are designated parking spots for large vehicles like RV's that were blocked off possibly to discourage large groups. Dogs were running around and most were minding their business and some were cutting others in line at the concession stand. Your time here is really what you make it. The lake is good for exercise, bird watching and fishing. Mel M Yelp 20:50 read more

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Thankful Thursday: Here is where I voice thanks for business and other places that helped me through the pandemic. Lake Murray was, unfortunately, closed for at least a month during the pandemic. Luckily, about six weeks ago, they opened to pedestrians, then the lot opened halfway to cars, and now, is fully operating. Since they reopened, Lake Murray has been my once-a-week place to go walking with a friend. Last we had a picnic to celebrate her birthday. I have been going to Lake Murray for many years, as I work nearby. There is a 3-mile trail around the lake, but it stops, and be prepared to take the 3-mile trail back. It's good for walking, running, and leisurely biking. Lots of families come by with their dogs. It's also a great spot to take in the sunset. You can go fishing, or make a picnic and sit at one of the many tables by the lake. There are lots of ducks, geese, rabbits, and squirrels. If you look high in the trees, you can see hawks. Next time, we will take out a canoe or paddle boat. Sometimes it does get a bit crowded and it can be tough to run around people, but for the most part, I really enjoy it there! read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've been in San Diego for 42yrs. First time here at Lake Murray. It's an amazing place to enjoy a little jog. Parked my car along the street before the entrance. Ran from my car and back round trip clocked 7.25m. What a great work out with my new friend! Enjoy the lake! read more

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Lake Murray is a family friendly area, there is no cost to park, enjoy beautiful sunsets, picnics with lots of trees for shade, duck watching, fishing in the lake and is pet friendly. There is small concession store to buy snacks, fishing license and clean bathrooms available. Walk, jog or bike along the flat paved path, it doesn't go all the way around the lake, at the fence you have to turn around, is about 5.5 miles round trip and at some point there is some eucalyptus trees for shade and some porta potties along the way. read more

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Tbh this place is really nice but docking a star for lack of maps/markers/signage regarding the walk distance. We haven't been in years and -thought- the path went around the lake- WRONG. We were about to hit three miles and all of a sudden see a tall gated fence and had to turn around to do another three miles- doh! It would have been nice to see ONE sign that said "not a through street/path" or some type of markers other lakes have to document where you are in the trail. Lots of people on bikes not going too fast (there's a speed limit which is nice) and all seemed pretty courteous. There were also many dogs but most seemed well behaved. About half the people weren't wearing masks but no ones really enforcing it here so does it matter? Overall nice! But be warned! read more

I came here for the first time today. It was a cloudy day where I live and thought I would go for a nice walk. Silly me I always forget inland temps are different then where I live. So I get out of the car there isn't a cloud in the sky, the sun is shining and the lake looks beautiful. So I hit the trail with my dog. First this trail is nice because it's 100 percent paved. My dog is currently injured so I have to push her in a stroller and this made it so nice for us to walk on. There is a variety of plants to look at wetland plants and upland plants with lots of birds chirping and squirrels playing. I didn't even use my headphones I just enjoyed the sounds of nature. Also the people were really friendly I received a bunch of hellos and hi's which is super nice! Plus my dog Blossom received a lot of attention in her stroller. We were so excited we even found a turtle. I fortunately did remember reading how the trail didn't go all the way around but while I was walking I kept thinking to myself when does it end? I was not used to the heat! I also came around 1 pm. Also there were a lot of portable potty's, benches, and trash cans along the trail and I didn't see any litter! It was just so nice seeing no trash! I will definitely be coming back to walk on this trail but next time I will come a little earlier and bring more water! read more

Lake Murray - Photo opportunity with me and my best bud Blossom. - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I love Lake Murray. Always a nice spot to get out and get some sunlight and exercise. We went out yesterday to do just that and enjoy a beautiful Sunday morning in sunny San Diego. Parking can be difficult to find as it gets packed pretty quickly but there seemed to be a good amount of spaces when we arrived around 11:00am yesterday. There were so many fur babies out as well, jogging with their owners. Great place to bring pets if you have them. read more

Bring your pups and your walking shoes to this decades-old reservoir. Lake Murray is a lovely, relaxing space away from the city's density. You'll feel like you have. been jettison to a different location once you arrive. Yes, there are nearby apartment complexes and homes, but you still get a tiny bit of that feeling of seclusion. It may have been a perfect campground one day. In addition to a multi-mile paved road, you have access to picnic tables with grills (for some of them), quiet seating areas along the edge of the lake and ample opportunity to hang with the. ducks. So many ducks. Like, a lot of ducks here! Bring the kids! Apparently, the reservoir is nearly 100 feet deep at its max. There is also recreation, such as kayaking fishing, floating (on tubes) and boating. I feel so grateful that we have set aside places like this close to the city's center. read more

One of my favorite places to take a stroll. Great scenery and lots of people always around so I feel safe there. You can rent paddle boats on site. There are lots of ducks and animals to keep kids occupied during an afternoon picnic. read more

Beautiful and big! Lots of spots w tables to sit and eat. Plenty of ducks and birds to look at. Unfortunately, the Porta potties were kinda full. We had to leave earlier than planned and went up the road to Starbucks to use the restroom. read more

To the person who found my AirPod pros by the bullseye on 5/22/2021 and to the people who saw those air pod pros and left them there. There's still good people in the world. When I walked Lake Murray on 5/21 my air pod pros fell out of the front pocket of my hoody. I didn't know until 5/22 in the morning when I was about to head out to Torrey Pines to go hike. Upset and ticked off at myself for being a dingbat I decided I would go to lake Murray on 5/22 at 6am even with the unlikelihood that they would even still be there. Well wouldnt you know, at the end of the walk where the bullseye is...someone had placed the air pods on the bench at the dead end. Seriously made my day and I am wishing a lot of good karma on the person who put it there and ALL the people walking Lake Murray this morning that saw them and left them there. That was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for me. Lesson learned and faith in humanity restored. Those air pods have been through a lot. Each time I had to bring my mom to chemo and radiation-the air pod pros drowned out everything around me and I was able to listen to music or laugh at stupid tik tok videos. I didn't know how to go about letting the person who found them know, the air pod pros got back to their owner so I decided to write a Yelp review. Again, thank you so much. read more

Lake Murray is a quiet and peaceful oasis in the heart of San Diego. Our favorite thing to do here is bring some bread and crackers and feed all of the birds running around. They are friendly and love to see you walking up to the banks with a bag of treats. It's a good size lake so bring your bike as there is a paved trail you can walk, jog, or ride your bike around it.. This time of year there are beautiful flowers everywhere so bring your camera and take some fun family portraits while you are here. There is ample parking in the center of the park and there are several boat docks if you have an urge to go fishing. This park is dog friendly and there are plenty of pups frolicking around. Sunset at the park is especially beautiful and relaxing. Keep in mind that the park closes at dusk so you will need to leave soon after the sun sets. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Stunning sunset over the lake. I love walking Lake Murray particularly during the cool summer nights. My kids enjoy feeding the ducks. The walking/running trail is incredibly clean and free of debris and trash. This lake is incredibly peaceful as well as reserve. I enjoy every single opportunity I have to visit. Another golden sanctuary in San Diego. The parking is great. There is always an abundance of parking, even on the weekends. The lake always offer kayak and small boat rentals. Take advantage of that, if you can. read more

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Love coming here to ride my bike or for a run. The scenery is perfect. Little to no shade so bring sunnies or a hat. Perfect for families and pets. Black top, no sand or gravel. You can rent fishing boating items from the shop. read more

Our family loves going to Lake Murray. There is always plenty of space, and the fishing is great. The bait shop on the lake also rents boats; they are the perfect affordable price. read more

It was super crowded when we went here and the place was a little dirty. We ended up going to mission park which we thought was a lot nicer than this place. This place would be a cute bike spot though read more

A great place to run, walk, grill, birdwatch, and overall just be outside. I wish there weren't so many invasive plants everywhere, it would be great to get a neighborhood "friends" group to tackle these. One of the best parts about Lake Murray is that for the most part people always have their dog on a leash, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. I love going for a simple run along the water and listening to the birds. It is great to see so many folks enjoying this park in different ways. read more

I've been walking at LM for years and we love it. took my two 30 pound dogs there this morning (Mothers Day 2024) and one of my dogs was attacked by a German shepherd that wiggled out of its collar and ran to my dog. the owner stepped in immediately but the dog slipped out of her grasp and got my dog again. drew blood the second time. collar on the Shepard was too LOOSE and the owner should not have been using a retractable leash either. I drove around trying to find the owner to tell her my dog was bleeding but I couldn't find her. my dog will be ok but please please collar and leash your dogs appropriately and TRAIN them properly too!!! read more

Came here on a weekday around 11am. The area wasn't too crowded, but there were people scattered throughout. A nice, mellow park with lots of grassy areas centered around the lake. There were benches and picnic tables here and there. The park itself was pretty clean, I don't recall seeing any trash or mess. There's a little shop by the parking lot selling fishing supplies, picnic items, snacks, etc. Beware of ducks, they are EVERYWHERE. I know you're not usually encouraged to feed ducks/animals at Parks, but there were several people around with full loaves of bread for the ducks. They were actually pretty cool to watch and generally stay out of your way unless they think you'll Feed them! Perfect water for skipping rocks! A nice amount place to go for a walk/jog on their gravel/dirt paths. We didn't venture too far though, and just stayed around the vicinity of the parking lot. There's also a small floating pier for fishing. I have to admit it made me a little whooZy because of the subtle swaying, just by walking on it. A nice laid back park. read more

Lake Murray - Pretty - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Sunshine, gentle breeze, nice temperature, humans bringing you food....what more could a duck ask for? The ducks do their happy quack and fluffy rear end wiggle, you know the one. A pair of geese swim by eyeing us for possible food donations. Bikes, paddle boats, small power boats and kayaks are available for rent here. Each one is appealing, however I'd definitely want some sort of canvas shading for the boats on a particularly sunny day like today. I see a few small dogs going for walks.....hmmm....my dog? Not sure if this would be a good place for him to take a walk as he is a 'bird dog' loves to chase birds, the one time he did 'catch' a bird he just kinda sat there and looked at it, not sure what to do next. Guess he figures the only fun part is the chase, once he has them the fun ends. Think the geese would probably love to chase him! That would be entertaining. Guess Bear will have to stay home. At least 149 species of birds have been observed and recorded at Lake Murray. Among other species, the lake supports flocks of the endangered tricolored blackbird. Must bring camera! The City of San Diego took over operation of the Murray Reservoir in 1950 from the Helix Irrigation District. The City purchased the reservoir from Helix 10 years later. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 95 feet and 3.2 shoreline miles. Murray Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 4,684.2-acre feet. People can walk on a paved road only as far as the dam gate (approximately 3.2 miles) and then must return, making it a 6.4-mile round trip. There are 10 barbecues and 64 picnic tables located around the lake. City of San Diego, Murray Reservoir. read more

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For my 100th review, I figured I'd write about a place I feel like I've been 100 times, and that is Lake Murray. I've been running around here since February and it has been good to me. In the summer, you may experience men running with no shirts on. This is sometimes bad and sometimes not so bad, if you ladies know what I mean...hehe The trail around the lake has a few inclines & dips which makes the running here a little more interesting than Lake Miramar, which is pretty flat. According to my various GPS apps, the entire distance of the trail is about 5.6 miles, which means from the poles by the main parking lot to the gate & back. However, you can always challenge yourself by running up and down the dirt trails and/or adding distance by starting in the street. TIPS: - Don't listen to heartthrobs on your iPod whilst running. This can cause sudden, irregular heartbeats &/or weakness in the knees which may cause serious injury. Yea, so ladies, I'm talking no Usher/Ne-Yo/Trey Songz/BSB/JT!!! Trust. I may or may not know this from a recent personal experience... - Don't attempt to "race" groups of men wearing NAVY/SDPD/FIRE RESCUE shirts... - Hold your breath to avoid smelling delicious BBQing whilst you're running to keep focused and motivated. - Watch out for bikers and don't get run over. - Watch out for small children and don't run them over. - Do not stare at people pushing puppies in doggie strollers (yes that is a real thing). PROS: +On certain days, you will see Navy or Fire squad members training! Oops, did I already mention that? +Sometimes, you can enjoy live music from a guy playing guitar from his truck. +Port-a-potties available along trail. +There are usually a fair amount of other ppl on trail at all times of day, which makes it a pretty safe environment. +Ample parking. +Clean. +Ideal for training for 5Ks & 10Ks, but you can easily add distance by beginning your run in the street/running the dirt trails off the main trail. With that being said, it's not too difficult to get in a 7 or 8+ mile run. Just be creative! +To stay afterhours, you can always park your car in the street just outside of the entrance. CONS: +The mile markers aren't accurate, at least from where the starting point is. +No loop; the trail is blocked off at the dam. +I've never seen any vending machines/food/drinks available for purchase here. read more

Lake Murray - #nofilter - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

I came here for the first time last month with my roommate for a stroll. It's not my usual go-to place for taking a walk but Lake Miramar was closed. We were confused where the walking trail started, we parked near the entrance close to the Starbucks and it seemed like we entered in the middle? Lake Murray isn't bad but I do prefer Lake Miramar because it's less crowded and I like how they have poles that let you know how far you've walked every half mile or so. There's a concession stand and boat rentals, but it's closed at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There's 64 picnic tables and 10 barbecues according to their site. Not bad, it's closed for the time being but check back again after the quarantine lockdown. read more

Today I took my mother on a walk around Lake Murray. She enjoys watching the ducks and the pets people bring. I like this place because they have some designated walking paths that smartly border parts of the perimeter of the lake. They have launches for boaters who wish to fish and small piers for shore lake fishers. The place, for the most part is well maintained, but I was amazed how many pockets of what I think are prairie dog holes were spread through out the park. I mean watch your step or you will twist an ankle. Other than that, it s a great place to go walk, run, or ride. Many people in this day were having picnics, birthday events, or simply hanging out with a love one. Watch for them holes! read more

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Very peaceful & serene place as you take time to reflect on life. Great walk around the lake gives you a little more than 6 miles and I've always found everyone to be pleasant with not having excessive load music on conversations going. Enjoying the various wildlife has always been a plus, squirrels, ducks, geese with many other fowl to watch in the trees. And although I'm not in to fishing, I do see lots of those who are enjoying the lake as well. I think my next visit, my wife and I will rent one of the cute paddle boats and cruise the lakes shoreline which will give us a whole new perspective of its beauty. read more

Both the County-Park-Ranger; and the Staff, at the "Bate & Tackle and The Bicycle & Boat -Rental-Establishment, have ALWAYS BEEN SUPERB! ; Far Exceeding their Peers in other City and County Parks! If You"ve NEVER Taken a Bike-Ride around The Lake, You're in for a Treat! read more

This is one of my favorite spots in San Diego. There is a variety of things you can do. You can take a walk, ride your bike, bring your kayak and go on the lake! You can also rent boats and kayaks. I have my own kayak and I was here today, you just pay a $2 day fee. It was so relaxing. I would definitely recommend coming here read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

O.k., nothing to eat here but is you are in the mood for running this is the place to be. It is not a loop but six miles from one end to the other isn't too bad. You can always increase your mileage by simple heading out the streets towards Starbucks and to the freeway and back (no lights to wait for). Enjoy your run! read more

This lake is beautiful and there's a paved trail that goes about 6 miles. There's plenty of port-o-potty's, and there's a regular restroom with flushing toilets and running water next to the parking lot. There's also plenty of parking in the parking lot. Great place for walking, jogging, biking, or taking your dog. read more

Such a nice spot to just hangout, walk around, or fish. Dogs welcome! Plenty of spots to setup for the day and bbq/picnic. Jogging, biking, etc!! Small boat launch, boat and bike rentals also! Great for a family day! read more

Great place to go but sometimes they lock the gates for no reason. It's stated at the moment to close at 4:30 pm and closed on 3 holidays Christmas, thanksgiving, and one more I forgot. We came all the way to lake Murray, it was yesterday December 12 at around 230-3pm; we came and the gates were locked. We had to walk all the way down and just while letting my dog sniff around the gate for about 10-20 mins over 15 cars had come all the way to lake Murray to turn just around because the gates were locked. Disappointing for many people yesterday as I got the only open parking space on the street available. If they're going to be closed they should have a clear reason posted! read more

I'm a regular now! The walk is over six miles if you walk up to the fence( where there used to be a bullseye) and back from the parking lot. The reason you can't walk around it is because the water treatment plant is at the far end where you turn around. I went yesterday, which was on Thanksgiving, to reduce the amount I gained from the huge meal I had. There are bathrooms all along the walking trail, as well as picnic tables and benches. If the main lot is closed, you can park on Lake Shore Drive. There are softball fields which you walk past and on weekends you can get food and drinks at a concession stand that is about 2 and 3/4 mile in to the end point, where you turn around. You can't see it from the trail but it is close to some of the softball fields and you'll see a parking lot and just walk to the right and you will find it. Oh yeah, of course bring your dog too! Many people bring dogs! Others come to fish and there is a store that sells some snack food and bait, as well as rents boats. That is located in the main parking lot. read more

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There's a great running trail, very smooth and flat, about 6 miles long both ways. It's nice to run along the lake, beautiful views. It's safe to take a stroller, walk your dog or just simply spend some time alone. There's a big parking lot, lots of bio-toilets and it's always open except night hours. Good Local Park! read more

Lake Murray is so super close to me so I enjoy coming here to get a walk in with a view. There is a large amount of parking but when the weather is nice, the lot can fill up quickly. It is free to park and free to get in as well. The path to walk is paved making it a very easy walk. You can also ride your bike on the path. The path is a decent length. My only complaint about it is that it isn't looped so you have to turn back to get to the beginning. There is a little sandy area in front of the water but it is a bit rocky. You also can't swim in the water but you can fish and you can rent a canoe and go out in the water. There are some picnic tables and grills so it is awesome to come here with your family and friends to hang for a day and get out. read more

This is one of my favorite places in the San Diego area. I love the 6 mile out and back walk! I also incorporate it into my weekly bike rides! It's also great because there's options to fish, kayak, and bbq. It's nice to have a place to escape from the city and just enjoy being outside. The only down side are the bathroom facilities. There are several along the route, but many are dirty and seem unkept. I wish they were a bit cleaner and that hand sanitizer was provided. read more

Cool little place to go jog or hang out at.. ducks and geese are running about.. quiet most of the time.. they do have a concession stand a bit more expensive then other places and you can rent boats there and buy a fishing license by day there. read more

Did another hike on another part of the Mission Trails area. Flat loop around the lake. Doesn't go all the way around as at some point you hit a fence (roughly 3 miles in). Turn back around to head back to the parking lot. Overall a nice 6 mile walk around. Clean pavement, port-o-potties are also located during this walk. Seemed like a family friendly spot as every kind of weekend warrior was here on a Saturday walking, running, skating, and biking. read more

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I have mixed opinions about Lake Murray. My initial impression was that this lake was a peaceful oasis in the middle of a crowded city, but after a short time, I realized how dirty and dilapidated the lake facilities are. It is still a nice place to visit if you are gong fishing, exercising or just looking for a place to have lunch. There are about 25 + picnic tables scattered around the lake but they tend to be dirty and decorated with fresh bird shit! Oh the birds, plenty of ducks, geese and native and migratory birds. There is a small concession store where you can rent paddle boats, small boats with small outboard engines, buy fishing licenses, bait and snacks. Customer service experience was nonexistent at best! There is a boat ramp for launching personal watercraft. Picnic table are ok, mostly lave side but dirty, nasty is a better description. The City of San Diego has really let the facility's go. Some much potential yet beat to hell park. I can honestly barely give a weak two star rating. read more

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