San Francisco is a hilly city in Northern California. San Francisco is a place that has got a little of most touristy things. The city is set along the ocean which gives the city a beautiful setting. San Francisco is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. The city is rich in history, parks, museums, and loads of other fun things that you can do.
There are many harbor tours that you can take, or you can experience performing arts in the city in the form of various music and theatre programs. Apart from the sites there are a host of events that take place in San Francisco. The landscape of the city is breathtaking and what adds to the beauty are the lakes in San Francisco. San Francisco is a gem of a city in Northern California. It should be in the bucket list of all the travelers!
Lakes In And Around San Francisco
Lakes add to the beauty of nature and make a great place to spend some quality time in the fresh air and peaceful environment. There are many activities that you can do at a lake. While you can just laze around and look at the stunning views in front of you, you can even go for long walks here. Whatever your choice of recreation may be, lakes are always a good option. So here we are listing some of the lakes in and around San Francisco that you can visit and enjoy some time there.
1. Lake Merced Park
Lake Merced is a freshwater lake that is located in the southwest area of San Francisco. The place is surrounded by residential areas and three golf courses. The interesting thing about the river is that the river’s salt level is always fluctuating, so the fishes that are found here are saltwater adaptive. There is also a provision of fishing at the lake. The park is a great way to to outdoorsy things like, walking, hiking and biking. The view that you get here is indeed spectacular.
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2. Lloyd Lake
The Lloyd Lake is also known as the mirror lake. The lake is situated at the Golden Gate Park. The park is a treat for bird watchers and enthusiasts as you will find a lot of migratory and nonmigratory birds present in the park. Some of the birds that can be found in the area of the lake are gulls, geese ducks, and a host of other birds. You will even spot a waterfall at the entrance of the lake. It is a very serene and beautiful lake that deserves a visit.
3. Spreckels Lake
The Spreckels Lake is an artificial lake that is located behind the earthen dam and the club houses of the Golden Gate Bridge Park. The lake was initially constructed as a place for the boaters of all types to go operate different types of boats in the lake. The lake is appreciated as one of the most finely manmade lakes with exceptional facilities of boating that is provided here. Everyone is welcome to enjoy boating at this lake. Even if you are not interested in boating, you can always sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views that you get here. You can even take a stroll here, but the winds in this area are particularly strong.
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4. Lake Merritt
Lake Merritt is the largest tidal lagoon that is located at the center of Oakland. The historical significance that the place holds is that it is the first wildlife refuge site of the United States which was designated in 1870. People who love to walk will be happy to know that there are jogging and walking tracks that run around its perimeter. This is a great place to relax in a tranquil atmosphere. You can sit under one of the many trees that are present here and watch some of the beautiful birds that are present here.
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5. Lake Berryessa
The Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County. If you are looking for a nice long day at a lake then Lake Berryessa should be on top of your list. There are a host of activities that you can do here at Lake Berryessa. You can pack your picnic basket and go for a fun picnic with your family. Or you can even go camping or fishing here. The entire vibe that you will get here is pretty relaxed. It makes for a great place to unwind and chill.
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6. Lake Anza
Your dreams of swimming in a lake have come true in the form of Lake Anza. The lake is open to the public for swimming in the months of May till September. The swimming here is quite safe as there are designated lifeguards on duty all the time. There is even a separate adult swimming area that is provided here. So this place is great for taking a dip in the scorching heat and spending some great time in the water with one’s partner or family.
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7. San Pablo Reservoir
The San Pablo reservoir has scenic landscapes that make the place very appealing. It is a perfect picnic spot with a view. You can even sail boats in the waters of the reservoirs. What makes the place even more interesting is that they have a café near the reservoir which shows movies. Fishing is also allowed in the area. So this is a great spot for a full day picnic that you can enjoy and try the host of activities that the place offers.
8. Lake Del Valle
The lake Del Valle is a lake located in the Alameda County in California. The place is extremely beautiful and you can go swimming here in the summers. The lake is also a great spot for finishing or starting your hike along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. You can even choose to camp here at the beautiful backdrop of the lake. Kayaking is also allowed at the Lake Del Valle.
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9. Lake Tahoe
The Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You are going to find many hiking trails here which have breathtaking scenic views. The place is great for an overnight stay and you can choose to stay at one of the many hotels that you will find here. The Lake Tahoe has crystal clear water and has many activities that can be done here. If you are someone who loves photography then you are going to love this place because the view that you get from here is photo worthy.
10. San Andreas Lake
The scenery that you get here is absolutely stunning. There are trails around the lake that you can choose and go hiking. The atmosphere is quite pleasant and you can enjoy a peaceful time here. There are birds also in the area so if you are a bird watcher, you can also choose to sit back and do some bird watching. Have an adventurous time exploring around the lake or a peaceful one watching the birds, here at this lake.
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Lakes provide an array of recreational activities to indulge in. It is a great place to appreciate the beauty of nature and spend some time with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. We hope that the list compiled by us helps you in getting familiarized with the lakes that are located in and around San Francisco. Book your trip with TravelTriangle and have a great time exploring the lakes in San Francisco.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes In San Francisco
How many lakes are in San Francisco?
In the present times, there are only three natural freshwater lakes that you can find in San Francisco and these are the Pine Lake, Mountain Lake as well as the Lake Merced.
Can you swim in Lake Merced?
Most of the shoreline near Lake Merced is occupied with the tule reeds and you will find no shore access from here but you can visit it via a boat. Also, you will find the beaches at the entrance of the Harding Park and you will be enchanted to find various minnows swimming around in the shallows.
How far is Lake Tahoe from San Francisco?
Lake Tahoe is about 189 miles away from San Francisco. So, you can easily take a day’s trip from here and enjoy the magnificent Lake Tahoe from San Francisco.
What is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?
The most ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe is from the month of March to the month of May. As well as, you can plan a trip to Lake Tahoe from the month of September to the month of November. Though people visit this lake all through the year and enjoy being here at this lake.
What is the best time to visit San Francisco?
The most ideal time to visit Lake Tahoe is from the month of September to November. It is the time when it is warmer because of the fall season. The crowd here at this time is also lesser than that during the summers. Also, spring is another great time to visit this place as it is the time when the temperature is mild and you will have lesser rainfall in San Francisco.
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