Park

Chain of Lakes

Address

Chain of Lakes Drive and John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121

Source: sfrecpark.org, checked 12 Nov 2026.

Three lakes (North, Middle and South) in the western part of Golden Gate Park, left from the 14 marshy lakes that once sat among the dunes. A paved path follows North Lake.

Time needed 1 hour

Best time Spring morning

Insider tip

The Recreation and Parks page describes each lake and its birds.

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

Nearby

Beach Chalet Food · 8 min walk 1925 Spanish Revival building by Willis Polk at the western end of Golden Gate Park, facing Ocean Beach. Park Chalet Food · 8 min walk Restaurant and garden behind the Beach Chalet, a few steps from Ocean Beach. Bison Paddock Park · 8 min walk Meadow in the western end of Golden Gate Park, just west of Spreckels Lake, where a small herd of American bison has lived since 1899. Sutro Heights Park Park · 12 min walk Gardens beside the Sutro Baths site, listed on the Park Service page with the Camera Obscura that has been part of Sutro Heights since 1946. Lands End Park · 14 min walk Trail along rocky cliffs at the northwest corner of San Francisco, through cypress and eucalyptus to views of the shore, the headlands and the Golden... Cliff House Landmark · 15 min walk Site above Ocean Beach where Geary Boulevard and the Great Highway meet.

Around Golden Gate Park

Museums, gardens, a bandshell, bison and the beach chalets

Golden Gate Park has 13 places on the map. It runs from the Music Concourse and the Conservatory of Flowers in the east to the Beach Chalet and Park Chalet at Ocean Beach in the west.

Golden Gate Park has 13 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 8 parks and gardens, 2 museums, 2 restaurants and 1 landmark. Read the Golden Gate Park guide.

Golden Gate Park Park · 24 min walk
Japanese Tea Garden Park · 2.9 km away
de Young Museum Museum · 3.0 km away
Golden Gate Bandshell Landmark · 3.1 km away
San Francisco Botanical Garden Park · 3.2 km away
California Academy of Sciences Museum · 3.3 km away
National AIDS Memorial Grove Park · 3.6 km away
Conservatory of Flowers Park · 3.8 km away

Good to know

What is the address of Chain of Lakes?: Chain of Lakes Drive and John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121.
How long do you need at Chain of Lakes?: Plan for 1 hour.
When is the best time to visit Chain of Lakes?: Spring morning.

Stay near Chain of Lakes

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