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Golden Gate Park Lakes

Picturesque view of Alvord Lake near the Haight Street entrance

Alvord Lake

Stanyan Street at Haight | Map It

Created in 1882, this small lakelet features a bronze frog that spouts water. It was named for William Alvord, a former San Francisco mayor and park commission president who helped fund its improvements in 1894.

A family enjoying a rowboat on the calm waters of Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake Drive and JFK Drive | Map It

Surrounding Strawberry Hill, Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake) is the park’s largest body of water. Visitors can enjoy boating , wildlife viewing, and the scenic Golden Gate Pavilion. The summit of Strawberry Hill offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city.

The rustic, wooded shoreline of North Lake

Chain of Lakes

Chain of Lakes Drive | Map It

Consisting of North, Middle, and South Lakes, this chain was designed by John McLaren in a rustic style. North Lake features a pedestrian-only roadway and diverse birdlife.

Danger Warning for North Lake: Toxins from algae can harm people and animals. Stay out of the water and avoid scum. See SFPUC info: English | Spanish | Chinese | Filipino

Elk Glen Lake surrounded by reeds and trees

Elk Glen Lake

MLK Jr. Drive and 25th Avenue | Map It

This artificial lake mirrors a wild setting and was named for the original elk enclosure nearby. Built in 1936, it serves as a serene spot for reflection in the western part of the park.

Water cascading down the rocky Huntington Falls

Huntington Falls

Stow Lake Drive East | Map It

Inspired by the High Sierra waterfalls described by John Muir, this cascade was funded by railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington. It tumbles down the slopes of Strawberry Hill into the lake below.

The tranquil Lily Pond with its steep rock escarpment backdrop

Lily Pond

Off of Nancy Pelosi Drive | Map It

What was once a 19th-century quarry is now a peaceful pond. Known historically as “Cook’s Lake” and “Hobo Lake,” the area features a dramatic rock escarpment and lush greenery.

The Portals of the Past Greek-style monument on the edge of Lloyd Lake

Lloyd Lake

800 John F. Kennedy Drive | Map It

Home to the iconic “Portals of the Past”—the remains of a mansion entrance from the 1906 earthquake—Lloyd Lake is a symbol of San Francisco’s perseverance. The clay-lined lake offers a quiet, mirror-like surface for reflection.

Densely wooded shoreline of Mallard Lake

Mallard Lake

MLK Jr. Drive near 28th Avenue | Map It

One of the park’s few natural bodies of water, Mallard Lake is a sanctuary for waterfowl. A small artificial waterfall and stepping-stones on the south side add to its idyllic charm.

The calm waters of Metson Lake near the Polo Fields

Metson Lake

Middle Drive West | Map It

Dedicated in 1908, this lake originally served as an irrigation reservoir powered by the Murphy Windmill. Today, a babbling stream and resident turtles make it a popular stop near the Polo Fields.

The gushing waters of Rainbow Falls along JFK Drive

Rainbow Falls

JFK Drive near Crossover | Map It

Named for the colored lights that once illuminated it, this artificial cascade transformed a former quarry dump into a park highlight. It draws its water supply directly from Lloyd Lake.

Model sail boats on Spreckels Lake

Spreckels Lake

JFK Drive and 36th Avenue | Map It

A hub for model yachting since 1904, Spreckels Lake is the park’s second-largest lake. It features a concrete turtle island and serves as a favorite spot for testing sailboats and powerboats.