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Lake Merced

Skyline Boulevard and Harding Road
San Francisco, CA 94132

Hours

Park Hours 5 a.m. to Midnight
Restroom hours 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Spring/Summer) and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Fall/Winter)

Parks and Facilities

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Lake Merced

Features

  1. Natural Area
  2. Off-Leash Dog Play Area
  3. Outdoor Fitness Equipment
  4. Picnic Area
  5. Restrooms

Lake Merced, a large freshwater lake in San Francisco’s southwestern corner, is the heart of a 614-acre park that is popular with boaters, hikers, bicyclists, and birdwatchers. A 4.5-mile paved trail circles the lake’s perimeter; facilities include many picnic areas and a boathouse, fishing pier, and boat launch. The park is bounded by three golf courses, including City-owned Harding Park.

Lake Merced is major water, recreational, and natural resource for the City and County of San Francisco and the surrounding area. It is also an important stop for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. More than half of the park is managed by the Recreation and Parks Department’s Natural Areas Program, which works to restore and protect habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as to maintain and improve trails.
 
Lake Merced Trails
 
Lake Merced Dog Play Area

Lake Merced West: Potential Site Development and Request for Proposals (RFP) process
 
Report a Maintenance Issue
To report a maintenance or vandalism issue at this site, call 311, or click here.

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