Used to come here often growing up and watching the motorized boats zoom across the Lake. In my teens, I would bring bags of grass clippings from our yard and dump them in the lake to watch the Mud Hens aka the American Coot scurrying to eat the clippings. There was no such thing as compost bins back then and the houses had one large round metal garbage can to dump everything. The Lake is still maintained really nice and was able to go inside the Spreckeks Lake Clubhouse where members who race their boats come to gather. read more

I took a side quest stroll around Spreckles lake today, and though the weather didn't permit the best photos, it was nevertheless a peaceful and pleasant experience. There are exercise bars for stretching and a few beautiful massive eucalyptus trees. The only area for improvement here is the pavement is too uneven. This is definitely not a safe place to roller skate. read more

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Nice lake inside Golden Gate Park. I read that it was created for the Model Yacht Club back in the early 1900s and I still sometimes see people sailing these model boats here. But what I have seen more often are all those ducks and seagulls circling around. I also saw some turtles and I'm sure there are fishes. I don't know how deep this lake is, so when I walk my pup around it, I make sure he doesn't chase the birds and jump in. It is kind of cute to see families and nannies bringing their kids to admire the birds, too. It's also a lot bigger than what I originally thought with some slight elevation. Located inside GG Park on Spreckles Dr. with entrance on Fulton and 36th Ave. read more

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The Spreckels Lake is located in the west side of the Golden Gate Park. It's a great habitat for many birds and other animals. The water view is very beautiful to walk long the bank, although it could smell bad here. read more

Spreckels Lake - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Golden Gate Park has a lot of lakes. It has this one which was man made and is one of the oldest. Spreckels Lake is known for the boating among other stuff found here. Also the bison are on the west side of this. The shore is one of the most popular points to get views. A lot to do around. It's an artificial, clay lined reservoir. This lies behind an earthen dam that's on the western side. A concrete walkway replaced the earthen one when the lake was upgraded in the 1930s and improvements have continued. On the west side of the lake is the Bison Paddock. Boating is the main thing to do here. This is the only lake in San Francisco that allows model boating without a permit. It's home to the San Francisco Model Yacht Club. This organization was founded in 1902 and construction of the lake began the next year. Also serves a purpose to firefighters. The water is used in emergencies by tapping into a few hydrants on Fulton Street. Has a lot of features to appreciate even if not on a boat and just on the edge looking at it. It's a very popular location for boating and gets crowds of onlookers. This may seem to be one of the park's many natural features but it's man made though. read more

Spreckels Lake - Lake - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

"My, she was yar." That was how Katharine Hepburn described the model yacht designed by her ex-husband Cary Grant in the 1940 classic, "The Philadelphia Story". In her trademark haughty tone, Kate explained that "yar" meant "easy to handle, quick to the helm, fast, right." This artificial lake was apparently built specifically for model yachts that strive to be yar, and I've seen a few such boats powered by electric motors on the lake. Central Park in NYC has a similar cement pond, Conservatory Water, with the same intent, model yacht sailing, so I guess it's a long-standing hobby among people I sure don't know. However, the most dominant inhabitants of Spreckels Lake are all the geese and ducks that parade in and out of the water. RELATED - Exploring Golden Gate Park? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/37IV1wZ read more

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Spreckels Lake is a concrete lake located in Golden Gate Park. It probably takes about 20 minutes or so to walk around. And there are almost always plenty of birds here, along with people operating their remote control mini boats and yachts in the water. This is one of those scenic places where you just want to sit back and take it all in. It seems to be a place people gravitate to when walking through the park. For years, this was the starting line for the 2nd Half of the SF Marathon, so I got to know this lake pretty well. Another great Golden Gate Park landmark!! read more

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A nice refuge from all the noise in the city. Easy to get to off of 36th and lots of parking. It seems that pollution is running off what's left of the wildlife. Sad. read more

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"...But despite their differences, they had one important thing in common... they were crazy about each other." - The Notebook Location: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA. Spreckels Lake aka "my second favorite lake" in Golden Gate Park. Of course, Stow Lake (the Lady in the Lake lore) is my all time park favorite. And although I don't feel like Noah serenading Allie at Spreckels... it still has it's own romantic charm. Spreckels Lake not as handsome and with the lack of wandering ghosts stories still has a spot in my heart. What it lacks in Stow Lake lore it sure makes it up with a perfect paved walking path and abundance of green wooden benches. I do enjoy watching the "On Golden Pond" crowd and the Russian grandpas talking war stories at the picnic tables. You can also admire the Tai Chi club in the mornings or catch the Yacht Model club sailing a Grace 1935 in the late afternoons. Yet, maybe my fav pastime is just laying on the grass doing nada. In the end, I recommend Spreckels Lake to anyone visiting Golden Gate Park. She's a solid 4.5-stars, so bring a camera. Again, first check Stow Lake and discover the story of the Lady in the Lake - a true lake with rowboats. Hey, you might not find Allie Hamilton at Spreckels, but I promise you a smile, turtle sightings, and a chance to fall in love... read more

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I have been to Spreckels at Golden Gate Park quite a bit. People visit and it's for old people who like to play with toy boats in the lake. It's a fake park lake, but it's cute. This year at Hardly Strictly..I stepped out of the festival and wandered by the park and sat at the bench. They have an entrance near Spreckels Lake..is that like German(Spreckels)? HAH https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claus_Spreckels Claus Spreckels was a German immigrant who built his fortune with the sugar trade! read more

Spreckels Lake - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Where the Richmond district natives at?! Anyone else grow up thinking Spreckles Lake was actually Stow Lake until middle school? I remember going to check out the bison at GGP and reading on a map that Spreckles lake was around the corner...first mind blown at 12 years old. Anyways, I love this lake. It's a super nostalgic place for me. Used to walk around here (and dare I say roller skate? 90s baby!) as a kid, used to feed the birds (because I didn't know any better, don't do it now folks.. it's not good for them!), and used to watch duo matches of elderly, but youthful senior citizens play board games and people with mini remote control boats take their toys out for a spin on the lake. Fast forward to 2021.. everything is pretty much the same! How cool is that. Even the green "monkey bar" polls are just where I left 'em, some odd 20+ years ago. The main change is no duo board games of chess or checkers because of covid, but the nostalgia is still real. The birds seem to have never left either . The ducks, the geese, the -every kind of bird- seem to be here! They're just chillin', waiting for someone to throw 'em sourdough bread crumbs or a child to drop their bag of Cheerios. Looking for a nice photo opp at golden hour? This is perfect. The way the sun hits the lake, the tall trees, and with barely that many people around--it's a good spot. Parking galore, a couple of picnic tables, and many seated benches along the lake in case you need to take all the breaks. Still, a very easy stroll and an access point to the rest of the GGP. Don't forget to get that fresh air! Just a lap or 2 around Spreckles will do wonders. read more

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I grabbed some food from the neighborhood, wandered off to the park and ended up at Spreckels Lake. A simple, man-made lake within the park. There are plenty of well-spaced benches and tables around the lake, which was exactly what I was looking for. The walk around the lake post-meal was also really nice and peaceful. It's easy to appreciate the nature around you...I even ran into a mama goose and her baby gooselings! Had a great experience with my first visit to this lake, looking forward to my next take-out meal in the area! read more

Spreckels Lake - Mama goose w her gooslings - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It is easier to spend time in the more eastern areas of Golden Gate Park. Everyone goes there. The more western part has fewer people and more foliage. We were off, unsuccessfully, to see the baby bison in the padfocks and started our walk maybe around 40th street and Fulton. We walked through nice forested areas, some even felt like you were in a leaf tunnel. We saw someone carrying a large 2-3 foot toy sailboat but as we passed Spreckles Lake, only saw people like us, out for a nice walk. Continue your walk and you will pass waterfalls and babbling brooks. Obviously you can keep walking but we exited the park at Park Presidio and took Muni 5. All in all a good day without dodging hordes of people. read more

Nice calm lake, quiet. Good for reading a book or laying in the grass without distractions. read more

Spreckels Lake - Toy boat instructions ! - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

I SAW A FISH JUMP UP LIKE FREE WILLY TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was silvery grayish with an orange striped stomach? It must have been about 20inches long. IT WAS CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I said "DANGGG" & everyone around looked at me as if I was crazy. I saw/heard it jump like 4 times. I also saw a bird dive under water and came up with 1 fish like 20 times. Buffet of fish down in the lake. Someone had a hotdog stand. What is this??? Central Park? I've NEVER in my life seen it before. Squirrels eating popcorn. Turtles floating and sun bathing with no sun. People racing their boats on this lake. I've always wanted to do that. Who needs the zoo when I've got a lake?!?!?!?! read more

The lake has a lot of birds. There were also men with remote controlled boats, so that was kind of cool. The best part was seeing a turtle sitting atop the concrete turtle in the water. read more

Spreckels Lake - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

This lake is gorgeous; definitely something of a local secret. I always get surprised to see how few people are hanging around this lake whenever I get to it.. I guess this would not be such a big deal for people who just cab over right to the lake. Its definitely a big deal to people like me who typically pass by it on their hike from Nob Hill to Ocean Beach!! This is probably the nicest lake to just sit next to. (Stow has a lot of paddle boaters and runners hovering around it, and North feels like its inside a forest!) Also this is right at the edge of the park, so you can hop onto the 5 Fulton anytime you want to quickly get back downtown! read more

This was the start of the 2nd half marathon. SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm glad this location was chosen to beginning this leg of the race. It was very serene and peaceful. With the lake in the background, I was able to meditate and stretch while waiting for our corrals to line up. There are benches, a couple walkways, and gorgeous trees that surround the lake. Great place to stop in Golden Gate Park. read more

Nice place for a stroll! Great place to stop by while you're in Golden Gate Park. There are a lot of geese and turtles to see. It's best to come here on a sunny day! read more

Spreckels Lake - Turtles - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

A peaceful little oasis in the city, Spreckels Lake skirts the edge of Golden Gate park but seems a world away from the bustle and noise of San Francisco. I found it quite by accident after visting the bison paddock. Driving through the park, on my way out, I noticed the lake and felt compelled to park and take a stroll around it. There were lots of birds and turtles to see, and the path itself around the lake is short, but perfect for just meandering and taking it all in. It's quite a peaceful spot and wasn't crowded on a sunny Saturday. Plenty of benches and grassy spots to sit and relax, read or picnic. So glad I found this quiet little happy spot. read more

On a warm windless day, at the beginning of Indian Summer, we visited Spreckels Lake in Golden Gate Park, one of the finest manmade model boating facilities in the world. As if they were creating wind out of thin air, model yachtsmen raced their crafts back-and-forth past ducks and gulls on the opaque green water. At lake edge, we met two friendly gentlemen sailing their elegant model boats. With ease and grace, they trimmed the tall sails by remote control. In between tacks, they kindly educated us about their specialized hobby and extraordinary club. We were told the story of Adolph "the original sugar daddy" Spreckels, himself a model yachtsmen, who built the lake specifically for model sailing. Established in 1898, the SF Model Yacht Club is now the oldest in the Americas. We peeked into the stylish WPA era clubhouse, and were welcomed by enthusiastic club members eager to show us the world's largest collection of model yachts. Arranged by class, the boats are intricately hand crafted, and immaculately maintained. Boating season runs from March to October and regattas are held on the weekends. Every day, powerboats run in the morning, and sailboats run in the afternoon when the west winds usually pick up. We were charmed by the friendliness of the model yachtsmen, and impressed by the skills required to sail a boat by remote control, on a warm windless day, at the beginning of Indian Summer. read more

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The little lake is quite beautiful, and a safe, favorite venue for elders and young families that stroll the paved perimeter. The reason I docked 2 stars is that the paved perimeter pathway is in horrible condition, especially at the N/NE portion, where old, lumpy pavement makes for difficult passage for elders on foot, wheelchairs, and strollers. SF can and should do better. Larry read more

Fun in the sun! Or fog, or maybe even rain. There are lots of trees and birds, restrooms nearby, and easy access from the street. I am in a group that meets here once a month to practice our radio skills, not the least of which is playing with equipment that reminds me of walkie-talkies. It's fun to learn how to use the equipment, to share insights and accomplishments, and to help new friends get more grounded on the air. There's another group that meets here when we do, the RC boat people. It's fun watching their speedboats racing around a course they have set up, or watching their sailboats lazily float around the lake. Today one of them broke out a tugboat and pushed a disabled speedboat back ashore! Adults have great toys, don't they? If you want to play with us, check out http://2metercriticalmass.com/ for details. It's a fairly idyllic setting. Benches and walkways surrounded by trees and many species of waterbirds remind me to enjoy nature itself. So do the walkers and the tai chi class that share the lakefront with us. Golden Gate Park has so many things to enjoy, sometimes I forget it's surrounded by a city. read more

Less crowded than stow lake but larger lake! Maybe a bit less dramatic. Yet its ideal for a nice walk and people watching on a Sunday morning! Well I love everything about golden gate park except the idea of finding a parking here! Sometimes the roads are closed when there are festive going on! read more

My family and I had a picnic here on a nice sunny day and it was great! There's lots of different birds to watch and feed. There was also a little rock with a ton of turtles on it and it was amazing (pictured) read more

Spreckels Lake - Lakes Near Me - San Francisco, California

A ten minute stroll from my cozy little sunset home brings me to one of the most serene settings in the middle of an urban suburb. Spreckels Lake is THE place to float your little remote control boats, ride your bike, jog, or simply relax with a hot dog and a lemonade from the hot dog stand. After taking a nice jog on the Polo field, trot past the abandoned horse stables to Spreckels Lake. There are always enough green chairs to plop your booty on, so don't worry. The Monterey Cypress trees paint a beautiful silhouette against the sunlight, especially at dusk and dawn. The little turtles poke their heads up every now and then.. Many fish here occasionally flop up and out of the water to scare you. I remember coming here a few years back only to find hundreds, and I mean HUNDREDS, of dead fish simply laying on the circumference of the lake. It was a record hot day, so maybe that was the cause. But to this day, I do not really know what happened to prompt such an occurrence. read more

I love Spreckels Lake. I don't want to. It's surrounded by concrete, and it's not terribly lakey, but it has turtles! And old Russian men playing a crazy game! And my cousin (who lives in the Ukraine) once observed these old Russian men and then just sat down and joined their game! It loses a star for all the pigeons and another for all the concrete, but it gets that star back for having a weird stone turtle in the lake that the turtles sit on. How odd is that? read more

This lake is calming and serene. I love spending a nice afternoon here with my dog. While walking around the lake, you see turtles and ducks in the lake and squirrels by the trees. This place is a nice break from a busy day. The weekends can be a bit more crowded where people play with their remote control boats, which is a lot of fun to watch. If you need a snack, there's a hotdog stand. Cute, cute, cute! read more

Duck duck turtle. Not a goose to be found but there are turtles climbing on top of a submerged artificial turtle. It's quite meta and quite awesome. Racing around the turtles are model yachts: http://www.yelp.com/biz/s-f-model-yacht-club-san-francisco?hrid=wRnqFcwiDvikiax1dbQILw There are numerous benches to sit and enjoy the peaceful and beautiful scene. Grab one as you won't want to duck out anytime soon. read more

Took my 2 month old puppy here on a walk after her vet appointment. Catch: she hadn't gotten all her shots yet, so I did all the walking for her (read: walked around and held her in my arms like a fluffy white baby). Spreckels is basically a medium sized lake teeming with fish (that apparently leap out of the water like Free Willy) turtles, ducks, and seagulls. The lake is surrounded by a concrete path that is home to many seagulls and pigeons (rats with wings). There are many green benches for lake go-ers to sit, but be careful because many of them are covered in bird poop. I took a leisurely stroll around the entire perimeter and encountered many characters. There was a homeless man playing his banjo, old Chinese ladies on a walk, a group of Eastern European men playing some sort of dominoes game, and some dog walkers who fawned over my puppy with her bunny pink ears. Only in San Francisco! P.S. I walked by a grassy patch and caught some movement out of the corner of my eye. You know how you always see holes in the ground, but never the thing that makes those holes? I SAW IT! It was a brown chubby little gopher in the process of enlarging his hole. Dirt would fly out of the hole as he dug and every couple of seconds, he'd pop his head out and repeatedly smush his chin onto the dirt at lightning speed (in order to compact it, I guess). Cutest thing I ever did see. read more

Spreckels Lake is a beautiful, scenic area of Golden Gate Park that I definitely recommend everyone visit if in the area. The lake in the middle is large and there's always plenty of things going on when you're there. It's a nice place to go walking around the lake, and you can soak in the feel of the park. Also, there are many birds, so you can enjoy viewing both wildlife as well as other people running, walking, playing with their kids, etc. But one really cool thing about this lake is that there is a section where many people go to sail their remote controlled boats. It is very enjoyable to watch and fun to see those experienced at it, as well as children excited to learn about this hobby too. read more

I don't know how this area could get 4 and a half stars...it's a really beautiful place... People, ...please find me a beautiful place like this one in another big city... read more

I take every visitor from out of town for a walk around speckles lake when they come by to visit. It's so luxurious, you gotta just spoil yourself with it as much as possible. Plus, the turtles are super sweet read more

This is a lake with dichotomous charm! While u enjoy an idyllic morning looking @ the lake n the ducks, you will see a remote controlled boat race by! It's fun to enjoy both- nature's bounty and games man made :) read more

Like sweet miniature boats? Then go here... and just stare at grown men play with boats.

Definitely a pretty spot in Golden Gate Park. It's a place to come and likely see kids and their parents playing with their toy motor boat. For ones in the exercising mood, there's a good trail circling the lake for strolling on (probably quarter mile distance). read more

Great little lake for an afternoon walk! Every once in a while you even see model boat races. Just a hop skip and a jump away from the polo fields! read more

Nice place to relax. The squirrels are friendly and will comes up close for peanuts. Annoying aggressive seagulls are everywhere too. Wear a hat is good idea. Watching people playing different type of boats is kind of cool. Good to bring kids but always keep your eyes on them because the water level are still deep. read more

Jaw dropping views and clean crisp air. The trees are An inspiring place to ponder life. This is a resort of untouched Mother Nature. This place reminds me of my childhood in the woods. read more

Nice and relaxing lake to sit and walk by year round. Check out the live turtles on the the larger turtle statue inside the lake. Nice trails adjacent to the lake. I have enjoyed this area of the parks for several years now. read more