South Lake is a little lake that is less known than Discovery Lake. Hidden in neighborhoods off Twin Oaks, it's truly a hidden gem. It's on the map but it's not busy or have many kids. This is due to it being primal still. There's no playground or bathroom. It's a parking lot, then you walk down on the dirt path to the lake, which is also a dirt path around the lake. There lake is bigger than Discovery and it's a good loop. There's no shade. And since it's a dirt path, it's harder for kids to bike or walking. You can access the lake by driving or by a trail that connects the lake with Discovery Lake. The elevation is flat, and good walking loop. You can rent out some space for picnics and parties but not sure if you want to as it's all dirt and there's really no tables or seating area. Solely for a nice peaceful walking path with you, a friend, a stroller or a dog. read more

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A one mile dirt walking loop around a small reservoir. Small amount of hills. Pretty safe but always be aware of your surroundings. * Parking lot is small. *A lot of illegal fishing going on. read more

South Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

A fantastic light hearted walk, about a mile loop around the small lake. It's great for families and friends of all ages to walk. There are just a few minor steep parts in the beginning and end of the loop, but nothing crazy. When there is a super bloom in SoCal, this trail loop will have beautiful purple Flowers all over! It's wonderful to see. Even without a super bloom, the flowers still bloom in the spring into early summer. It's so pleasant to walk on a nice day! They do have a parking lot for the trail but it's quite small and crowded, but if you visit early in the day, there usually isn't a problem finding parking. You can even fish at the lake at the bottom of the loop! read more

South Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

My favorite local park. The loop is a perfect distance for a daily walk or a run (it's roughly 1.5 miles) It's an all dirt trail with so many different plants to look at. I love the scenery: the sky, the horizon, the water, the greenery, the hills, it's all so amazing. There is a very tiny parking lot and street parking along the hill. read more

South Lake Park - Summer sunset view - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

A friend told me about this place....went this morning with my best friend Rudi. We walked around the trail.....seems like the flowering season has not hit just yet....only a few plants blooming. I'm sure that's not the best description but the best I can do haha. The walk is great and the views are beautiful no matter what time of year it is. I'll definitely add this to my weekly trail walks! Super cool spot right here in San Marcos! read more

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Easy 1.4 miles of beautiful surroundings around the lake. My babies had an awesome time doing this walk and yes! Do go when full in bloom. Beautiful view all around the trail and pet friendly. Parking is tough but have a little patience and it'll all be worth it ! read more

Perfect place to go trail running. Goes around the lake in laps with minimal incline but just enough to be a little challenge when doing a few laps at a time. One of the few places I can take my off road double stroller and both toddlers on the whole trail. With that being said... it is NOT the place to take a million photos and selfies to post to your narcissistic social media accounts. Fools be lining up like it's Disneyland to see a few wildflowers in the distance. "Lilacers" STAY AWAY. The parking lot is not equipped for your extended family reunion portraits. Go find some flowers elsewhere. The locals despise you. It's sad we dread spring now because of the obnoxious influencers who are ruining it for everyone. No one cares to see your dog dressed to match you while you wear high heels and a prom gown on a hiking trail. Go use your photoshop and AI to make it look like you have purple lilacs in the background and please stay far away from here. read more

A must hike area, has various flowers, a lake and ducks. The trail was easy and had multiple routes. Loved the bench by the lake to chill and soak up the beauty of the place. Parking was a little limited but people come and go so if you just wait in the lot you will get a spot, there is also more parking further down if you willing to walk more. During this month and spring the lilac plants bloom beautifully. read more

South Lake Park - Entrance - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Beautiful trail with more wild animals and flowers. It is a level up from the Discovery Lake trail with more elevation and non paved walkways. I spotted a coyote close by on the trail, but that's what you get when you go on a nature walk It was just as scared as I was when we ran into each other read more

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The park is not very old, and is a nice little area to walk around. The parking lot is small and is usually crowded, this appears to be a popular spot. There were people fishing, walking, hiking, exploring, riding bikes, walking their dogs and enjoying a nice sunny day. There is 1 main path around the top that is about a 1.2 miles loop. There are some other trails that lead you to the water or dead ends, but they are short. The trail is dirt and rocks, but not too bad or uncomfortable and if you stay on the top path, the hills / ascent are not too bad at all. If you need a new walking spot, give it a try. read more

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This is a great walking or jogging trail! Very pretty and an easy mile with some inclines and declines! Took my kids in a stroller and wasn't the easiest push, but doable. If bringing a stroller, I would recommend a jogging stroller due to the rocky path! read more

South Lake Park - Would've been better with a jogging stroller! But doable either way! - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

Came here to see the lilacs on this year's bloom. This is a pretty nice area especially for an easy 1.5-2 mile hike. Parking lot gets really full and there were a long line of cars waiting. You can find parking in the neighboring streets and walk in. Nice area to bring your puppers! read more

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What a beautiful hike among the blooming lilacs! We saw this park/hiking trail on Instagram after reading more into which flowers are currently in Super Bloom, and these lilacs are just gorgeous. The park has limited parking and a couple of handicap spots that share an entrance to the trails. There are a couple of different dirt paths you can take, the most scenic being on the upper trail so you can see the whole lake and so many flowers. People today were taking photos and locals going to their daily walks. Overall, the bloom brought us here, but this is also a great spot for an easy/moderate hike that's kid friendly. read more

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This is such a pretty new spot. The parking lot is small but it was relatively empty when I went. In the lot you can't see the entrance but if you walk to the end where the handicapped spaces are, there is a trail. Walking down the entrance trail there are so many flowers. It's so pretty. When you pass through the gate you see the lake ahead and trails to the right or left. You can go either way to walk all the way around the lake. The trail is a dirt road with gradual inclines and declines. I'm out of shape and I didn't find it hard at all. It was a pretty day with a cool breeze. There really isn't shade so wear a hat and sunscreen if you don't want to burn. Also bringing water would be advisable if its hot. There quite a few people fishing around the lake which was fun to watch but we didn't see anyone catch anything. This is a great new spot to walk, run or bike.!! read more

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Fun spot for a hike or fishing. Perfect up and down trail, not too difficult. Very quiet and not many people when we went. Good place for a weekend morning walk read more

Went yesterday around 4 pm on a Tuesday. Like many reviews say, parking is very limited but people are coming in and out constantly so you can either choose to wait for parking or drive a lil bit further down for street parking and walk a little bit more. The trail is pretty explanatory; it's a big loop circling the lake. The trail was pretty clean considering how many dogs there were; people were also super friendly as well. There wasn't too much incline walking and I read somewhere that it was about a 2 mile hike. We were able to see the lilac bloom and it was absolutely beautiful. We took multiple breaks and were able to work up a good sweat. It was a very scenic and easy-paced trail. Overall, would recommend coming on a weekday! read more

South Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

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This hike is very nice and in a nice neighborhood. The trail is easy and clean. Many beautiful flowers all around, very pretty. The air smells so fresh. Lots of shade. There is a lake in the middle and mountains all around. Very peaceful. I take my dog with me and he loves it too. There was many people so parking is not be easy. But still, very good place for walk. I like it very much! read more

South Lake Park - Parks Near Me - San Marcos, California

A nice loop walk to do! We came here early on a Monday morning and there were only 2 or 3 cars at 8am. We took our dog and there were many other dogs out on the trail too. Very cold in the shade but very nice in the sun. The loop is a good walk around the reservoir and during the summer I bet the shade is great to have as there is lots of it all the way around. Parking is a little tight but theres street parking too. Took us about 30 mins to leisurely walk this. read more

Take a quick stroll around a lake and see all the pretty blooming purple bushes ! Parking lot is fairly small so you make have to walk up from the bottoms of the street parking . Wear sneakers as it is a dirt trail . Not too difficult, the whole family would be able to do this loop ! read more

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Beautiful lilacs blooming in Spring. Easy, walkable, groomed, mile long trail around a small, quiet lake. Dog friendly (must be on leash). Fishing allowed. Limited parking. read more

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How can you have only 25 parking spots and no street parking?! We were really disappointed but walking miles to the hike is not feasible with two littles. I hear it's beautiful though! If you get a chance to check it out please do! read more

Cool easy hike but a mountain lion bit my ween off. Dogs are welcome, clean up your poooooooop!

This is a beautiful, brand new park that opened this week in San Marcos! The parking lot is a small one, but it has a few wheelchair accessible parking spots at the start of the trail. The trail itself is a mile around the lake, flat ground, tightly packed dirt/gravel. There isn't too much shade on the trail, so come prepared for the sun and heat. You can bring your dog but keep them on a leash, and please do not bring them when it's hot outside...the ground gets hot and burns their paws. It's very quiet and peaceful out here. I really love it. You can also fish if you want! It's legal! read more

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A hidden gem nestled in between the mountains in San Marcos. Perfect for walking, running , fishing, meditating and connecting with nature. Love that it's less crowded than Discovery Lake but it isn't paved and as smooth of a walk run it's all dirt terrain. The views as you walk will definitely give you your nature fix. Love that you can walk down to the lake and sit on the bench and meditate or stretch or just be still with nature and enjoy the view. You can also bring your littles and enjoy the ducks, tadpoles and lily pads that cover the shore of the lake. It's absolutely beautiful. Come by and get rays of sunshine and a breath of fresh air. read more

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South Lake Park is a great nature trail walk around a serene lake view. Very beautiful and our dogs love to walk it with us.

Yes, opened. A safe place to walk with your family or dog. Wide trail for easy passing. Cameras for protection and parking lot on site.

No need to come here. Lilac bloom is over and no parking. Plenty of other parks and areas to see nature instead of waiting in lines for parking and a loop around a water reservoir. read more

It was a pleasant 1.5 miles around the lake. They need to add some benches for the older folks. I would suggest wearing a visor. I can't imagine someone taking a wheelchair on this trail. I would be cautious if I was walking with a group of rambunctious small children---there is a steep drop off on one side of the trail. read more