Mar 10, 2025

Mountain Lake Park San Francisco

Your Neighborhood Park

"My neighborhood park is San Francisco is "Mountain Lake Park." It's one of our last remaining natural lakes,"

There are some pleasant things about living in San Francisco.  For some, it’s experiencing that new trendy restaurant, going to a Giants game, or heading out to that concert.  But what everyone has in common, is that they all have a go-to neighborhood park.  I think generally most people hunker down in their neighborhoods.  It’s almost like we know when we’re exiting our bubbles.  There’s something comforting  and relaxing about enjoying your neighborhood park.  It’s so nice knowing you don’t have to go far to get in some nature.

One neighborhood park I’m fond of that’s close to me is Mountain Lake Park.  It’s a bit tucked away and you wouldn’t know it’s there.  Where Presidio ends, Mountain Lake begins.  The lake itself is supposed to be one of San Francisco’s last remaining natural lakes.  I’ve heard that over the years, nomadic families would leave their children’s pet fish and turtles in the lake—that they got so big! Not many years ago, a five foot sturgeon was found in the lake! Holy moly, right? I often wonder what  monstrous creature is in there now. :Cue Jaws theme song: People need parks, they need a nature outlet.  It can be healing and allows you a space  to shake off that bad day at work, or that awkward date, or that rude person in the checkout line.  Every person needs a space like this.  Get outside.  Enjoy your parks!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Park Presidio and Lake St.

US$

free

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

Coffee in the Park

Coffee and park goers

I love coming to Alamo Square in San Francisco and getting a yummy park coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club and their converted 1940s bread truck!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

The Spire

The Presidio’s natural skyscraper

"The Spire" in The Presidio in San Francisco is one of the many reasons to come visit. A natural skyscraper, it reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

Stable Cafe

SF or Italian Countryside?

I've never been to a cafe that made me feel as if I had been teleported to another place than "Stable Cafe" in San Francisco... Felt like I was in Italy!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

Saint Frank Coffee

Modern coffee vibes

"Saint Frank Coffee" in San Francisco feels like an airy museum on the inside. I always leave with a few bags of coffee and an iced latte in hand...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
64
Filters