May 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!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

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

William Stout Books

Architecture & design

"William Stout Books" in SF is a bookstore that specializes in architecture and design books - a true candy store for the serious building porn fan...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Byron

Beach

Jun 6, 2025

San Francisco Brewing Co.

Nice place to relax

Good beer, starters, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts. Where do I start? "San Francisco Brewing Co." on Fisherman's Wharf has it all...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Jun 6, 2025

Kara's Cupcakes

Cupcake bakery to die for

"Kara's Cupcakes" in SF's Marina will soothe your sweet tooth like little else can. You'll want to gobble up everything with a big glass of milk...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Jun 6, 2025

Mrs. Doubtfire House

'90s film gem

The "Mrs. Doubtfire House" in San Francisco is yes, the one from the 1993 movie. It reminds me of my discovery of Robin Williams...

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

Tunnels in Golden Gate Park

Love in the park

When walking in the Tunnels in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, keep your eyes peeled for the human element residing in the city and its surprises...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

Cafe Zoetrope

A director's haven

"Cafe Zoetrope" in San Francisco isn't just in a beautiful building that used to house Francis Ford Coppola's production company; it's a fun place to dine!

002-building
Art & culture
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

Radhaus

German eats

"Radhaus" in San Francisco promises an indulgent experience with German food and German-inspired dishes. This is so much more than a beer garden, however.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

Devil's Teeth Bakery Company

Devilish eats

"Devil's Teeth Bakery Company" in San Francisco makes the best breakfast sandwiches in town, hands down. It's the simple pleasures that matter!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

Mollusk Surf Shop

Surfer vibes and fun apparel

"Mollusk Surf Shop" in SF makes you want to wear the threads they sell for the rest of your life. Such relaxed and comfortable style!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jun 6, 2025

The Sword and the Rose

Metaphysical supply shop

"The Sword and the Rose" in San Francisco is a shop that's out of a fairy tale -- it's really a full-on magic store for all your magical supply needs!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Jun 6, 2025

Toyose

Korean food in a garage

"Toyose" in San Francisco is a Korean restaurant in a garage! Curious yet? It's very intimate and the portions are very generous.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Marcus

D'Avignon

Jun 5, 2025

Papalote Mexican Grill

Toda la familia

"Papalote Mexican Grill" is proof that in San Francisco we take our burritos seriously. As my taste matures, it's become my favorite restaurant for it.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nadine

Johnson

Jun 5, 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

Our team loves San Francisco

Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco

As featured on:

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