Stow Lake

"A walk around Stow Lake in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is a delightful escape into nature's embrace, right in the heart of the city. The trail encircling the lake is an easy, picturesque path that invites visitors of all ages to enjoy its tranquil beauty. As you meander along the water's edge, the reflections of surrounding trees and the iconic Chinese Pavilion dance on the lake's surface, creating a mesmerizing, almost ethereal effect. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chorus of birdsong provide a serene soundtrack to your journey. Crossing charming stone bridges, you'll discover hidden nooks and panoramic views of Strawberry Hill, the island at the lake's center, accessible by footbridges. The path is dotted with benches where you can pause to admire the local wildlife, including ducks, geese, and perhaps even the resident turtles sunning themselves on logs. Whether enveloped in the morning mist or basking in the golden afternoon light, Stow Lake offers a peaceful retreat, a momentary respite from the bustling city life beyond the park's borders."

"Beautiful lake at the center of Golden Gate park, functioning as a moat around Strawberry Hill. It’s a great place for a walk, and a truly beautiful place to catch a sunrise. It’s also got a creepy, haunted feeling in a deep, sunmertime fog."

"A lovely, picturesque place to stroll. There are many trails to explore, plus paddle boats available to rent, to tour the hillside lake. There are maintained restrooms on-site."

"Beautiful lake to spend time. The ducks here are so cute and adorable, it is always fun to watch them dive and swim. The lake is a good place to walk and jog and also there is beautiful waterfall which is not quite visible to the average eye."

"A great spot for a short hike, there can be a considerable line for the boats, but this is partially due to the extra time needed to disinfect them between rentals. Unfortunately my group didn't go to the top of the island, but there can be some great views of the park from there."