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Stow Lake

Lake and Park

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

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Stow Lake

9.2^/10

287

ratings

"Climb up Strawberry Hill"(5 Tips)
"Ocean Beach and The GG Bridge atop Strawberry Hill."(2 Tips)
"Great view overlooking the city at top of hill."(2 Tips)
"fun to rent a rowboat on a sunny afternoon."(2 Tips)

47 Tips and reviews

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climb
scenic views
picnics
strawberry hill
trails
hiking
rowboat
biking
quiet
wildlife
bird watching
park
waterfalls
paddle boats
city
lakes
bridge
trees
binoculars
island
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Danielle FOctober 26, 2014
Such a pretty spot in the park. Climb to the top of the stone stairs and look out at the view and waterfall. Sneak down the dirty path and go left to find a little Japanese inspired hut on the water
WhiskeyAvengerJune 15, 2018
Been here 100+ times
There are plenty of park benches to stop along the way through your hike for a picnic or watch the geese.
Maggie MasonJune 12, 2015
Take lunch from the Boat House across the footbridge to Strawberry Island. Eat at the picnic tables near the waterfall, then climb stairs for a bridge view. Afterward, paddle boats! $25 for an hour.
Upvoted Feb 18
Justin WebsterJanuary 24, 2015
Saw this on a list of San Francisco hikes.. Although it's not much of a hike it is beautiful and a nice way to escape the city.
Jerry CollinsApril 27, 2014
Lots to see in this beautiful intracity park. I spent 3 hours and barely scratched the surface of seeing all there is to enjoy in the park.
Claudine CoMarch 17, 2019
Been here 100+ times
Bring some binoculars or a telescope and peek at the magic heronry atop the island tree.
PaulMay 18, 2015
Great walk, beautiful waterfalls. Great view overlooking the city at top of hill. Worth the hike.
Jinnie LOctober 23, 2014
ahhh.. so beautiful♥n absolutely love the rental boats! if u pay more u can get paddle boat with a propeller.. never asked for it but that's what i heard ;)
WhiskeyAvengerJune 15, 2018
Been here 100+ times
Don’t paddle too hard on the boats. The paddle boats work best when you peddle slower. The harder you push the slower you’ll go.
Caitlin SalzbergDecember 23, 2014
So beautiful and quiet! Perfect place for a walk... With your lovah!
T.K. HoreisApril 22, 2012
You could spend all day on foot and only see a fraction of the park. My advice is rent a bike or take the Segway tour.
BV MeyerSeptember 26, 2012
Dog friendly, but has to be on leash around lake due to wild life, however, they can be off leach when climbing hill to top. Great trails.
Zack ThompsonApril 17, 2016
The park, birds, trees, footpath. I really enjoy coming here.
PeggyApril 27, 2017
One of the prettiest spots in Golden Gate Park and quite possibly all of San Francisco.
Alper CengizApril 22, 2016
Find the waterfall. Climb the top. And take a deep breath.
Goth AestheticFebruary 29, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Great place to walk your dog, gorgeous view of the city, Ocean Beach and The GG Bridge atop Strawberry Hill. Very romantic.
Pavan KulkarniMay 7, 2018
Such a beautiful calm place in middle of the city.
Guy NorenApril 13, 2016
You can paddle around on a boat for some hours. Recommended on a nice Sunday with some portable beverages ;-)
AvaJune 21, 2016
rent a pedal boat on a sunny day! great snacks, too :)
John RichardsOctober 5, 2013
Renovations have really improved this place. Boats available to take on lake. Concession stand available.
Thomas MHMay 1, 2012
Been here 10+ times
If you're a lamb or duck, then you may drink from Stow Lake. If you're a human, drink from the water fountain.
DoraJune 30, 2010
Head around to the back of the concession stand and you’ll see the bike rental stand. Pile the whole family into a 4-or-6-seater surrey. Yep, with the fringe on top. Powered by ParentsConnect.com Read more
Dan Spiegle IIIJanuary 30, 2016
The wildlife, the views, great running and walking trails.
Luc DoanMay 23, 2016
Pretty cool waterfall here now
Raj S.October 18, 2014
Bring food for a picnic. So many beautiful spots to camp out and enjoy the park.
Sherri NashFebruary 2, 2017
Been here 10+ times
Walking, birdwatching, bicycling, relaxing, boating, smiling ☺
KC StarDecember 22, 2014
Beautiful sunset.
WhiskeyAvengerJune 26, 2018
Been here 100+ times
If you see people trying to grab the geese to steal call 311 to report it.
hill billySeptember 2, 2014
Been here 5+ times
fun to rent a rowboat on a sunny afternoon.
Alex BaldwinAugust 22, 2015
Choose the hand paddles.
David UyMay 8, 2013
Beware the white lady searching for her kids (they drowned).
James GoochMarch 13, 2020
Grab a rowboat and explore!
Eric WuebbenMarch 27, 2013
Let your row-boating inner-child get the best of you.
SharonJuly 28, 2009
Climb up Strawberry Hill and relax among the man-made waterfalls and the grassy clearings. Admire the view of SF.
Benjamin RoodmanSeptember 20, 2010
Run to the top of hill in the middle of the lake and view the Golden Gate Bridge.
Michelle BaumertFebruary 22, 2012
Don't let your 6 year old steer the boat - you'll never make it in an hour
Fernando Freitas AlvesDecember 1, 2014
Nice to relax
Tim Van loanOctober 3, 2009
Been here 25+ times
the cherry icee is king of the lake- own it before it owns you!
m dFebruary 16, 2016
Want to paddle.
Paulette StancilMarch 23, 2010
Been here 5+ times
bring nuts for the squirrels... they don't respond to duck food.
725December 12, 2010
Tell the statue of the lady that you got her kids...
Robbie WhitingFebruary 18, 2010
Rent a row boat and try not to get wet
Martin AtkinsDecember 24, 2010
Go pedalboating on christmas eve.
Bilbo DildoSeptember 30, 2010
I LOVE THIS PLACE
patrickNovember 10, 2009
Check out the Great Blue Herons.
Angel ZhangFebruary 16, 2010
Paddleboating on Valentine's Day
Disappearing KindSeptember 26, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Очень красивое и живописное место

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