Stow Lake San Francisco

Paddle the afternoon away

Brooke from San Francisco

"I never hear anyone going to "Stow Lake" in San Francisco, yet it's one of the neatest little nooks in town! Time just seems to slip by there..."

Do you want to go somewhere different in the city? There is a place that I never hear anybody going to, yet it is one of the neatest little nooks in town. In Golden Gate Park, there is a wee lake called Stow Lake. When you go, you’ll find people sitting in their cars on their lunch breaks, or elderly couples walking hand in hand, or couples strolling their kids around. I think what makes this little haven special is not only the beauty of the lake and the island in the middle of it, but how time just tends to slip by when you're there.

I love renting a paddleboat with a friend or date and just enjoying people watching and checking out the birds. You can cruise by and find adorable turtles sunbathing on rocks. Be sure to name them all, like I do. Ha! Bonus points if you can do voices along with it. If you’re looking for something different to do in the city, this is it. It’s relaxing and easy.

Oh, and are you into ghost stories? I’ve heard that there is a famous story (from the early 1900s) of a couple who fell asleep next to the lake on a warm afternoon, only to wake up and find their baby missing! Some say they have encountered a frantic woman who screams “Where is my baby?!” I hope that doesn’t scare you away from visiting Stow Lake. It’s full of charm and summer vibes.

Relaxing

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San Francisco Spotter Brooke

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’ve met so many interesting characters over the years. I was a former film student many moons ago. And while that didn’t pan out, I naturally found photography as my go-to creative outlet. It pleases me...

About this spot

50 Stow Lake Dr.

Boat rental:

US$

Website

4153862531

Nov 13, 2025

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