Outgoing
Lake Merced Park 1
Parks & Gardens
Lake Merced Park 2
Lake Merced Park 3
Lake Merced Park 4
Lake Merced Park 5

Lake Merced Park

Lakeshore

San Francisco's only freshwater lake sits at the city's southwestern edge, wrapped in a 4.5-mile paved loop perfect for runners, walkers, and cyclists. Eucalyptus trees line the trail while migratory birds stop to rest on the protected waters.

birdwatching spot
jogging loop
family-friendly
freshwater lake

Tips

🚶"Beautiful place for a peaceful walk!"
🦅protected stop for migratory birds
⛳three golf courses border the park

Lake Merced Park

Skyline Blvd & Harding Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA

www.sfparksalliance.org

Upcoming at Lake Merced Park

Thursday, Jun 18
Lake Merced 4.5M Summer Series

Lake Merced 4.5M Summer Series

June 18 at 6:30pm

Race a scenic 4.5-mile loop around Lake Merced every Thursday evening this summer. It's just $2, no pre-registration needed, and the low-key atmosphere makes it perfect for runners of all paces chasing PRs or just chasing the sunset.

Saturday, Jun 20
SF Dragon Boat Festival: Friendship Races

SF Dragon Boat Festival: Friendship Races

June 20 at 8am

Dragon boat teams race on Lake Merced in this celebration of competition, culture, and community. Watch rowers paddle traditional boats while exploring cultural activities, local vendors, and family-friendly programming that honors the dragon boat tradition.

Saturday, Aug 1
Lake Merced Half Marathon

Lake Merced Half Marathon

August 1

Lake Merced serves up a 4.5-mile loop where runners, golfers, and kayakers all share the same waterfront real estate. The flat, paved perimeter makes for an easy training run with lake views the whole way.

Directions