Everything to know about San Francisco's Lake Merced

Though less famous than bigger San Francisco parks, Lake Merced, located on the city's southernmost edge near Daly City, is a local favorite.

Surrounded by San Francisco State University to the east and Fort Funston to the west, here 614 acres of green wrap around one of the few freshwater lakes in San Francisco. While the park's large lake doesn't allow swimming—you can boat and fish though—it does offer one of the best running trails in San Francisco, as well as golf courses and birdwatching.

If you haven't visited Lake Merced before or it's been a minute, read on for the best things to see and do at this beloved spot.

History of Lake Merced 

Back in 1859, the area was the site of the last major duel in California; the city later acquired the land around the lake, gradually turning it into the park. The area was also once connected to the Pacific Ocean, until a dam was built in 1895 to create the freshwater reservoir that's there today. 

The park is run by San Francisco Recreation and Parks, with a section devoted to the restoration and protection of habitat for birds. (Lake Merced is a key stopping spot for migratory birds.) The lake itself is encircled by a paved walking path and is stocked for fishing. There's also a Lake Merced Boathouse between its north and south sections. 

The city also recently approved (finally!) plans to move forward with opening a new section of Lake Merced Park, extending the area to include the former Pacific Rod and Gun Club, which shut down in 2015. The former public shooting range, which sits across the water from the city-owned golf course, will be renovated and expanded. This new section is expected to include more walking paths, another boathouse and pier, bird watching areas, a skateboard park and a community building and restaurant. Park officials will begin to seek development proposals in 2023, with the plan to start construction by 2026. (Although the public shooting range shut down, don't be surprised if you still hear shots. The police department maintains a private practice range here.)

How to best enjoy Lake Merced

Although Lake Merced is a freshwater lake, fed by an underground spring, it's maintained by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission as a non-potable water source in the event of an emergency. The lake itself is actually made up of four sections: North Lake and East Lake (even though these two are connected by a small inlet and a bridge), the large main South Lake and the smaller Impound Lake at the south end, which is a popular spot to look for birds. 

The depth of Lake Merced has varied over the years: levels dropped to as low as 14 feet in the 1990s due to pumping and droughts. Today, the lake has nearly returned to its original depth of 30 feet.

The city now stocks Lake Merced with fish and allows fishing from its docks and piers in both the North Lake and South Lake. A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 years old; call 415-831-5500.

A number of local rowing clubs use the Lake Merced boathouse on Harding Road — primarily the Pacific Rowing Club, which offers adult and youth lessons, and the California Dragon Boat Association. Anyone, though, can launch their own kayak, sailboat or rowboat from the boat launch off the Harding Road entrance into North Lake Merced. Permits are required for motorized boats. Just remember, you can not swim in Lake Merced.

What else is there to do at Lake Merced?

The park path surrounding the lake is considered one of the best running trails in San Francisco. The 4.5-mile paved Lake Merced Loop (technically more like 4.55 miles) is typically crowded with runners and dog walkers. There are even a number of races staged regularly at Lake Merced, including the Lake Merced Half-Marathon and the popular Christmas Relays —of course, running a competitive 4.55 miles as fast as you can in a Santa costume around the biggest lake in San Francisco is only some people's idea of fun.

You can also bike along the paved loop path, though many road cyclists instead enjoy taking the route along Skyline Boulevard on the west edge of the park up to the Great Highway and then through Golden Gate Park.

If you want to make it a bigger adventure, the Lake Merced trail is also part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail, with a connection to gorgeous, tree-filled Stern Grove. 

What golf courses are at Lake Merced?

There are three golf courses at Lake Merced: TPC Harding Park, a city-owned golf course just past the boathouse; the private San Francisco Golf Club to the east of Lake Merced Drive; and the Olympic Club's golf course on the south end of the lake. (Strangely enough, the Lake Merced Golf Club is actually south of the park, in Daly City.)

Parking at Lake Merced 

You can park at the large lot at the north end of the park, where Sunset Boulevard meets Lake Merced Boulevard — this is also where you can see a statue of Colonel Don Juan Bautista de Anza. The parking lots on Harding Road, within the park, offer easy access to the boathouse, fishing docks and bathrooms. And on the south end there's a parking lot by the concrete bridge and near the southern fishing pier.  You can also find parking on the surrounding streets, or take public transit (Muni #18 or #29).

One word of warning: Lake Merced Boulevard, which forms the eastern border of the park, can have heavy traffic.

Find it: Lake Merced, Skyline Boulevard & Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at kristina.moy@hearst.com.