Brooke from San Francisco

About me Hello there! I work for a non-profit that supports the Golden Gate National Parks. In this role, I often come across visitors and love to encourage them to explore, not only parts of San Francisco, but our well-known park sites that offer so much beauty and history as well! I love engaging with visitors and locals, seeing what interests them. You can learn a lot about people and I’v...

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!

Relaxing

About this spot

Park Presidio and Lake St.

US$

free

Website

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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!

Coffee & tea

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Brooke

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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...

Art & culture

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Brooke

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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!

"Pearl 6161" is a restaurant in San Francisco in an old laundromat. Its Mediterranean-meets-California vibe, the high ceiling and the tiles... I'm in love!

Bars

Restaurants

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

Park Life

Fun gallery and unique store

"Park Life" in San Francisco is an art gallery space with fun arts & crafts supplies and home décor that will jazz up your home! So much to enjoy here...

Art & culture

Shopping

Brooke

Ekdahl

May 2, 2025

May 1, 2025

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