Lake Merced Park — Attraction in San Francisco

Love coming to Lake Merced to run! It's such a nice accomplishment to be able to conquer its 4.5 miles. It's not a super easy route with its slight inclines but it's a step towards a good challenge. (If you tackle O'Shaugnessey, Lake Merced will feel like a breeeeeze!)

If 4.5 miles seems a bit too much for now, there are two places to cut through to make the trip shorter: Bridge across the lake on the southern end Golf course in the middle (sometimes blocked for events, such as a golf tournament so be aware).

There are three lots and street parking available: Largest lot is where Lake Merced Blvd meets Sunset Blvd Smaller, half dirt half concrete lot is along Lake Merced Blvd and south of Brotherhood Way Smallest lot near the eastern end of the southern bridge Street parking along the southeast end of the lake

Morning runs here are the best. Less people and awesome air. I like running in a cooler environment and morning is the best time for it. I advise against night running along here since there's very few street lamps.

Never, ever run around the lake around sunset. I did it once and got 12 insanely itchy bites all over my calves! I rarely get bites (bugs don't like me much) so I can only imagine the horror for those who do. The bites were inflamed for a month and I had to get the strong itch relief cream to help me get...

Went Kayaking in the North Lake, used the North Lake Boat Dock to put in and tie off. A few groups of people were also using the dock for Dragon Boat practice.

The last third of the dock is absolutely inundated by goose droppings, so definitely be aware of that.

Going under the North Lake Bridge we found that the east side of the lake was completely deserted and we were the only three crafts in the water.

In the east part of North Lake there’s nowhere to tie off or beach if you need to use the restroom or want to picnic, so keep that in mind.

In the west part of North the only places to disembark are either the boat launch where you put in or two staircases that lead directly into the water along the south shore on either side of the North Lake Mini Fishing Pier.

Overall a nice day on the water looking at nesting birds and jumping fish and...

Lake Merced is my to go place for a variety of reasons, exercise of course but not always...very relaxing place to just sit in your car and relax or anytime you want to take a stroll. Lake Merced has alot goin on..there's the bridge in between 2 parking lots on either side. Some nights you will see a few men on the bridge fishing with their gear & flashlights very approachable and always friendly.. Daytime the lake is inhabited by several species of ducks, seagulls, pelicans, which people just love to feed. Which is totally fine! ONE ALERT I MUST SHARE PLEASE NEVER LEAVE VALUEABLES IN PLAIN SIGHT OR TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE HIDING IN YOUR TRUNK..ETC.. BREAK INS DO HAPPEN EVEN IF YOU USE THE BATHROOM AT THE BOATHOUSE LOCK UP YOUR CAR AT ALL TIMES IF YOU FOLLOW THESE WORDS YOU'LL B ALRIGHT!! WELL ANY Q'S ASK & I'LL...