This is an absolutely beautiful gem nestled in a quaint neighborhood. It gets pretty busy here, even on weekdays. I normally go here to run around the loop (or lake). I think that one lap is a little under a mile, so it's very useful if you're just beginning to get into a regular running routine or starting to train for a race. If you go up the path on the hill, you will see a delightful overview of the city. I usually do this at the end of my run or go to chill with the ducks near the pier by the lake. Parking isn't bad at all. There's always street parking. Overall, a solid place to unwind and be one with nature. read more

View was beautiful! Wasn't a very strenuous walk and had to do two laps around the entire park to get to my 10,000 steps. Parking wasn't too bad and there are picnic tables and a playing area read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Nice neighborhood park amidst a suburban housing tract. Family friendly. There is a small parking lot with a playground and a trailhead. There is a paved trail that goes around the little pond. Well maintained and picturesque. The ground is level so it's good for easy biking for kids. Good for a short quick walk. I love the little floating dock. Closes at dusk and there aren't many lights. read more

This is a great multifaceted set of hiking trails. The actual check in is only a section of the available trails. This trail is a very easy circle around a lake which is paved so even strollers could tag along. Lots of wildlife in spite of lots of human activity, including giant bull frogs, geese, ducks, rabbits, geckos, squirrels, fish, and much more. There's also a small park that's set up for birthday parties or anything similar. I'm an avid trail hiker so normally this wouldn't excite me too much but the cool thing about this location is that it connects to several other completely different trails that even sprawl out to more and each of these pose a different type each varying in difficulty. This is why it's 5 stars for me. I've learned that when I'm tired and don't want to hike is...when I should actually go. Which makes this perfect because usually, once I do push over that little hump of getting myself out to exercise, I'll get thirsty for more. This has got it, if I've got the time. From just a little more difficult to climbing up a considerably big hill which also sprawls out into an entirely different map of trails which can be pretty challenging from the steepness. But, the views up there are unmatched for this area. This is all around a great place for all to enjoy. read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Nice hidden gem of North County. Small lake with lots of water and ducks. So many trails around the lake and headed in all directions. The lake trail is short and all paved. It is also very wide with a dirt track along side the paved road. Fishing is allowed, just not sure if there are any fish? They have a nice new playground set. Very nice little place to spend a few hours. read more

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Been here several times to walk around the lake. We like it here ~~ it's nice. *Family & fishing friendly with one dock avail. Others go to fish around by the rocks. It's cute to see the ducks splash and hang around. Today we saw a hawk up close..that was cool! *Bikers and hikers can choose the pebble/sandy trails or the asphalt ones. If you want a flat surface or an incline you can get it here too. *Dog friendly with some poopoo bag posts around. (Use those :-) *Clean neighborhood. (Yet the public bathroom there needs better upkeep. PeeeYeeew!) *Tranquil Vibe There is a playground for the youngsters and the paths are great to teach the little ones how to ride their bikes for their first times. Like times before we will be back. read more

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Been coming here for years! Great park with a sweet little lake with a dock. Perfect for walking or jogging the lake loop or lots of off shoot trails to talk and run too! My kids loved the play structure and now it's new and even better. They keep it very clean. Also if your into birds great location with lots of ducks, quail, doves and more read more

I love this park. One lap around the lake is .75 miles. There are a lot of people out exercising. There is access to a small dock where people are feeding the ducks. The parking lot is small but street parking is available. I took my dog on a short walk here. They had bags available for dog waste. I recommend checking this place out if you're looking for a place to walk or run. read more

This is a super cute little park. It has a little pond ("lake") with a well maintained path around it, seating, a dock area, and a private little parking lot. I've been here two actually start the path up to Double Peak, which is a killer for the first mile as some of it seems practically straight up. I'm not a health nut that can fly up this hill like most of the regulars, but I do enjoy this trail, and I hope to get better at it so at least that first mile (or .95 of a mile, actually) doesn't make me want to die every time. From the parking lot to the peak and back again is about 4.5 miles, so it's definitely a great place to hit up after work. There are lots of families and hikers here (both at the park and on the trail), and also a fair amount of mountain bikers. Being alone, I feel safe; the park is well lit and everyone is always friendly. Even though this park is situated next to a quarry, it doesn't feel so remote that you get nervous about your surroundings, it's a nice place away from the crowds, even though it's in the middle of San Marcos. read more

Took the mile track around the pond with my kids this weekend. There is a private parking area, but not big enough for the amount of people that were there. There is still quite a bit of street parking that is available. At the beginning of the trail there is the lake where you can see ducks. We saw butterflies and lizards on the trail, which the kids had much fun with. Saw a few bikes as well, which we might try with the kids next time. There was also a small playground with a splash pad area. read more

Peaceful, easy walk around the lake that comes out to about 3/4 of a mile. I went on a Saturday at dusk and it wasn't crowded, a few people here and there walking their dogs and/or little humans. I was going to do 4 laps around the lake but the gnats were overwhelming by the end of lap 2, getting to the point where I had to walk with my hand over my nose & mouth. For this reason I was going to only give 3 stars, but the neighborhood next to the park is pretty and quiet, so I was able to finish my walk there (undisturbed by gnats :), hence the 4 stars. read more

Great little park located next to the lake. The lake has a trail wrapped around it that I use as my running track. It's almost 1 mile just around the lake. If you want to bring your kids to the park- 11am-2pm is when most of the moms bring theirs. Play dates? read more

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On this soggy morning I felt in the mood for a little nature connection! Too cold for a beach walk and craving some forestY fun and this little inland oasis is perfect! It's small and just a few loops around the main lake but a few nice hills to get a bit more cardio and resistance for that booty! There are lots of lovely birds, squirrel and duck playing around for your viewing pleasure. My fav thing to do it bring a few pieces of old bread to feed them. FYI: There are two public bathrooms at the entrance but aren't too well maintained so I suggested your wiz before you come! Haha Also, be cautious of snakes in the hotter months! They tend to want to cross your trail path when you least expect it! That's all for now...off to my second loop around this serene lake! read more

Lakeview Park - Gloomy weather BUT I LOVE IT! - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Great park! Pet friendly and child friendly, also seems like a good place to go for an evening jog, 1.5 miles if you do 2 laps. read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Great place for a walk or a run. Flat paved path plenty wide enough to keep your social distancing during these times. Parking is a little challenging, so plan your trip early or late. Also great place to watch the ducks from the docks or fish from the rocks. read more

Overall this park is super simple and has a nice easy playground for the kids to play at. There's a beautiful lake here with some ducks swimming around and a nice running/walking track that is about a mile long. This is a nice place to come for a simple walk or if you want to just enjoy Discovery Lake. read more

They said on their website that the small splash pad goes off at certain times for 15 minutes. All lies. We waited and waited and no water ever came on. Such a shame since the city says that's part of their amenities and would be nice to enjoy in the hot, summer month. read more

After growing up in Coastal North County, I'd never been to Discovery Lake or Lakeview Park. I didn't even put two and two together that there was actually a lake there. Coincidentally, my toddler loves feeding ducks, so after a quick bfast at Tom's No. 22, I checked Yelp looking for a playground and stumbled upon Lakeview Park. It ended up being perfect. Lakeview Park is tucked into a residential neighborhood and features a small playground, a lake with a floating platform to feed the ducks, and a short loop to walk, jog or push a stroller around. We brought leftover Tom's french toast to toss into the water, and after briefly debating whether we were encouraging cannibalism by feeding the ducks egg-soaked bread, we ended up just doing it. My daughter loved the experience, and got super excited when she realized there were fish that she was feeding also. The playground is simple and small, but provided enough entertainment for the kid. Lakeview Park is a hidden gem, likely only known to locals and Yelpers that happen to stumble upon it. read more

Let's get one thing straight, this is NOT a lake. It is more like a large pond. If you are expecting an actual lake you will be disappointed. Now, if you expect a large pond you will be fine. So this lake/pond is not that impressive but is kinda cute and has ducks and turtles that you can throw bread to. There is this tiny little dock where you can sit and relax, feed the ducks or fish. The path around the water is less than a mile, flat, wide and very easy. Lot's of people are walking, running, jogging and walking dogs but there is plenty of room. If you want something more difficult take the path up the hill, its pretty steep and will take you on a longer journey. read more

While it s called Lakeview Park, most people know it as Discovery Lake too. Close to work, so I come here somewhat frequently. The lake also has a paved path that covers 0.8 miles around, and also has a dirt path along with the paved road that you can use to walk along the perimeter of the lake. I see a lot of people walking after work, as the lake is surrounded by residential homes. But there is plenty of space for everyone. I see people fish, but to tell you the truth I haven't seen anyone catch anything yet. I have seen fish cruising near the rocks though. They have a set of public restrooms, and a playground for kids to play in. Looks fun...if I had kids. I usually come here to start the 4.25 round trip hike up to Double Peak Park from here. There is a main paved trail that goes up through residential area, then turns into a wide dirt trail that is easily seen about a 1/3 of the way up. Good beginner to intermediate day hike for those that want to get into it. Yes, you will break a sweat and wear hiking/trail shoes or you may slip. There is only a small parking lot, but there is plenty of street and residential parking available, so don't fret. You'll find parking somewhere. There is a sign that says they close the gates at sundown, so park outside if you are going to be hiking and coming back late. Fun place to spend a morning or afternoon. read more

Lakeview Park is amazing! It has about a 0.45 mile loop around discovery lake. It is gorgeous. There is a small park for the kids to play in and a small splashing pool for them too. There are two huge shaded picnic tables by the kids play area. The lake is beautiful and some people even fish at the lake. Yes it does have some fish in it. The ducks are there too and they are very beautiful to watch. Recently, I roller bladed on the loop around the lake. There are a few runners, bikers, and people who walk alone/ as a group/ with their dog. Aside from the loop around the lake there are other trails around the lake towards some houses. I would recommend this place for everyone of all ages! :] read more

A cool little area with a small playground, small lake with a .75 mile loop around it and a trail that heads up the hill to Double Peak Mtn.

A quaint community lake with some off street parking, a playground and flat trail that loops around.

Nice park. There is a playground for children 2-5 yrs old, a shade shelter that can be booked for parties and a "water feature" for kids to play with. The water feature is a fountain that comes up for 15 minutes a few times a day (12:30 PM, then 2 PM while we were there) and the kids can splash in it. There is also a lake with a paved trail that goes around it. This trail is quite short. Took us about 30 minutes to go around it. There is a also a small pier where people were fishing and feeding ducks. There's also bathrooms with running water. Not much parking in the lot at the park, but there is also street parking close by. read more

I enjoy this park, but mostly during the early mornings before the sun starts to intensify. It is a very picturesque lake setting with the lake in the middle and the off shooting trails. What is enjoy the most is having the trails run alongside the houses making it feel both urban but allowing nature to be at ones doorsteps a the same time. These side trails are gems and I am absolutely in love with the diverse local flora one is exposed to while enjoying the trails (not so much the totally uninspired yards one comes across as well...with too much reliance on stock nurseries items totally inappropriate for our climate and planting zone). People really should take a look at the plants they see along these trails a few feet from their houses for their gardening inspirations. (As you probably notice, this is a sore point for me). I can't believe the beauty found within these hiking trails yet a few feet away, human beings continue with our clueless and destructive existence. read more

Small little park locate few hundred feet from kaiser hospital, locate in a neighborhood area. Parking is free, but is very small maybe only for 20 cars. Great for a walk on a pond view or fishing. It does has a kids play area for a small park. read more

Lakeview Park - Pond for fishing. - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Great easy park to take a walk or jog at, especially since going around the whole thing is only 3/4 of a mile. It was the perfect location to bring my boyfriend's dog for a walk considering he is a bit overweight. I am so used to going to Miramar Lake where you are either forced to do the whole 5 miles or go part way and turn around that it was a really nice change to be able to go around a whole lake easily. Not only is is perfect for bringing your pets and jogging/running, but there is a little area for kids to play and the view of the lake and surroundings is beautiful for a nice little stroll. read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Good playground (can get a bit crowded though) and nice to have a lake and dock to enjoy nearby.

One of the best parks in San Marcos for biking, hiking or just relaxing. Very chill atmosphere, and usually a friendly bunch of people here. The park has a play set for kids that's in and surrounded by sand, with grass areas for sitting all around. Nearby is a water fountain that comes on hourly for 15 minutes for the kids to splash around, cool off and remove sand. A nice gazebo sits in the corner for party rental or just having lunch at if it's not in use (if you're a party of people however, you must reserve it). There are several trails connecting here as well. You can get over to the college, across to discovery elementary, or head up to double peak if you're feeling like a workout. If course more trails connect to these as well. San Marcos had an extensive trail system all over town ! Overall a beautiful, relaxing park! read more

Beautiful place for a short walk. I would definitely go back, but would try to go a bit earlier in the day. The blacktop gets hot. We couldn't find a public restroom. read more

This park is super cute with lots of trail options varying in length and grade. My husband and I discovered this Little gem right now our backyard. It's nice to see wildlife still frying in San Marcos. Ducks and lots of other wildlife too. Parking lot is typically full so suggest parking on street. Just a new nice place to get some exercise and take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. read more

Love this park! New play structure is awesome and we love walking down to see the ducks. The splash pad is also fun - bring a change of clothes for the kids just in case! read more

I really love this place, and my pup does too. A friend introduced us. It has a variety of moderation for exercise. There are hills for walking or trails for hiking, or a flat paved path with an optional dirt path for running/ walking around the man made lake. If you have small children there is a small park and water feature to play in when it is warm. Clean bathrooms, and shaded areas to picnic. Plenty of parking. Hope I don't regret posting, causing larger crowds as it is only slightly populated as of now. read more

When I first went to this park I was in awe of this place. After going to this little place for years the initial impression has faded but I can still appreciate this place for it's beauty. The park is clean, and well maintained. In the center there is a the lake, a good sized little lake the has a small wooden pier that juts out into the water a little bit. The pier seems to always be occupied with people: a small group of fishermen, families taking photos or just children playing. It makes for good photo ops. The lake is home to ducks, which swim and waddle around the lake's edges. Around the lake there is a well paved concrete and dirt path that is good for jogging or walking around. One portion of the park has a little play area for kids. It looks pretty nice; not too familiar with it because I haven't brought any children there but families seem to enjoy it. Overall, a nice park. read more

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A gorgeous lake, and a solid run around for a run with a great view. Lots of hiking trails around, and I hope to hike some soon! read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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Very pretty park, loved the playground. I don't think you can take a double stroller through that area though? Little confused on that, I didn't see anyone else with a stroller. Looked like a great place to run some laps, and even had a great big hill to walk up! EDIT: I was informed you can take a stroller! read more

Beautiful area, well maintained, great park for kids and trail around lake. Picnic area with covered tables and little amphitheater. Perfect for families, kids, dogs, bikes, walking, etc. Great find! Feed the ducks too! read more

Lakeview Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

This is a hidden gem in San Marcos! We really enjoy the trails for walking and biking. There is plenty for the kids to do and a nice sized dock on the little pond. We try to get over there when visiting the grandson, he likes the nature and the wildlife. Not too wild though , birds small fish and some varmints as he calls them. read more

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What a great hidden gem. I love this place to come and walk or hike. I have also hosted two birthday parties here and both have been a success. They do not allow bouncing houses but that is actually great because the children have fun using the playground or other activities planned. The playground is designed for preschool age kids (2-5 year olds). The little loop around the lake is great to teach children to ride their bikes or to skate, ride your bike or jog. Finish your visit by going to the dock and looking for the water turtles and admiring the ducks. read more

Awesome little park nestled right in the center of the Discovery housing area and adjacent to Discovery Lake. A few jogging paths and a connected path to Double Peak Park via the dam. There is a small little pier to feed ducks from and view an enjoyable sunset . I'm not sure how long the loop is around the lake, if I had to guess I'd say 3/4 of a mile read more

Lakeview Park - Traded a run at the beach for a run at the lake. - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California