Park

Lake Merced

Sunset and Ocean Beach, San Francisco

Address
Skyline Boulevard and Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132

Source: sfrecpark.org, checked 12 Nov 2026.

Freshwater lake in the southwest corner of the city, part of a 614-acre park. A 4.5-mile paved trail circles it, with a boathouse, fishing pier and picnic areas.

Time needed 1 to 2 hours
Best time Morning

Insider tip

The Recreation and Parks page has the trail PDF.

View on the interactive map Google Maps directions

Nearby

Fort Funston Park · 13 min walk Bluffs about 200 feet high on the western edge of San Francisco, a known hang-gliding spot. San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Park · 14 min walk Zoo with more than 1,500 animals across nearly 100 acres of oceanfront gardens at Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway. Sunset Dunes Park · 15 min walk A 2-mile, 50-acre oceanfront park from Sloat Boulevard to Lincoln Way, opened April 12, 2025. Pine Lake Park Park · 16 min walk Valley with a natural lake next to Stern Grove, fed by the same aquifer as Lake Merced. Stern Grove Park · 24 min walk Wooded grove at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard that hosts the Stern Grove Festival, which calls itself the nation's longest-running free music... Andytown Coffee Roasters Cafe · 3.3 km away The original Andytown cafe and bakery in the Outer Sunset, on Lawton Street.

Around Sunset and Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach, Fort Funston, Sunset Dunes, the zoo, Stern Grove and the tiled steps

Sunset and Ocean Beach has 13 places on the map. It runs from the Golden Gate Heights hills down to Ocean Beach, Sunset Dunes, the zoo and Fort Funston, with Lake Merced at the southwest corner.

Sunset and Ocean Beach has 13 places on the Roam San Francisco map: 7 parks and gardens, 2 viewpoints, 1 beach, 1 landmark, 1 restaurant and 1 cafe. Read the Sunset and Ocean Beach guide.

Good to know

What is the address of Lake Merced?
Skyline Boulevard and Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132.
How long do you need at Lake Merced?
Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit Lake Merced?
Morning.

Stay near Lake Merced

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