McLaren Recreation Activities
Discover all of the exciting activities McLaren Park has to offer, including a bike park, sports facilities, natural areas and playgrounds.
Bike Park
2287 Sunnydale Avenue | Map It
The McLaren Bike Park in McLaren Park is the first Bicycle Motocross (BMX) and Mountain Biking Park in San Francisco. Designed by Alpine Bike Parks and opened in Fall 2017, the $1,131,921 project features a beginner bikes skills trail, youth BMX and mountain biking pump park, and multi-use plaza and lawn among other features. Funded by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Parks Bonds, in-kind gift from the McLaren Bike Park Founders through the San Francisco Parks Alliance, and the City’s general fund, the Bike Park, formerly an underutilized space, introduces people of all ages to biking and mountain biking. Experienced recreation staff is on site to offer free skills training to all.
Gleneagles Golf Course
2100 Sunnydale Avenue | Map It
Gleneagles Golf Course is a nine-hole facility located in McLaren Park. Designed by Jack Fleming in 1962, this full-length, par-36 course is 3,195 yards long and widely considered a hidden jewel for its beautiful bay vistas and challenging layout. It can be played as 18 holes from different tee locations and will test even the most astute golfer. Tilted terrain, fast greens and tight fairways make for a golf challenge unlike any other in the area. Gleneagles also allows FootGolfers. Make a tee time and enjoy a unique San Francisco golf experience today!
Crocker Amazon Playground
799 Moscow Street | Map It
Located at the southwestern tip of McLaren Park, Crocker Amazon is much more than a playground, it’s a sports complex. Five full-size, lighted soccer fields are now available for year-round play, along with baseball and softball fields, tennis, basketball and bocce courts. There’s a skatepark, a clubhouse, a community garden and dog-friendly areas. There’s plenty of room for everyone to play at Crocker Amazon! Visit our Crocker Amazon main page
Louis Sutter Playground and McNab Lake
Wayland and University streets | Map It
A favorite picnic spot, this recently improved playground is also the perfect place to watch ducks and birds on nearby McNab Lake. Choose from dozens of picnic areas , or rent the clubhouse for your private event. Sports fans will be happy to find two tennis courts, a full basketball court, a soccer pitch and two baseball fields. Dogs are welcome, too! Louis Sutter Playground main page
Herz Playground
1701 Visitacion Avenue | Map It
Located at the southern end of McLaren, this spacious park in Visitacion Valley offers activities for all ages. Join a class or program at the community clubhouse. Find swimming lessons, Tiny Tots and Open Swim hours at the renovated Coffman Pool. Sports fans can choose from tennis, basketball, soccer and baseball. The baseball diamond was renovated in 2014, thanks to a grant from TLC for Kids Sports and OC Jones Construction. Herz Playground main page
Coffman Swimming Pool
1700 Visitacion Avenue | Map It
The 10,000-square-foot Coffman Pool, originally built in 1957, was refreshed in 2008, and is located on Visitacion Avenue and Hahn Streets at Herz Playground at the southeastern entrance of McLaren Park. A hidden gem for city swimmers, Coffman offers a variety of swim programs for all ages, including recreational swim, learn-to-swim classes, water aerobics, underwater hockey and lap swim. Coffman Pool main page
La Grande Tank Water Tower
Off of Ina Court and John F. Shelley Dr. | Map It
Built in 1956, this 80-foot-tall, 350,000-gallon water tower is hard to miss. Visible from the Excelsior neighborhood below and nearby 280 Freeway, the bright blue water tower is perched high on a hill on the northwest corner of McLaren Park. Though seemingly out of place in a park setting, visitors soon find that the water tower offers its own unique charm, as its quirky existence is truly an only-in-San Francisco thing. Take a hike up the hill, and you’ll find stunning 270-degree views of the city below.
Peru Playground
Peru and Burrows streets | Map It
Peru Playground is a charming little play area tucked away on the north side of the park. It features a small play structure, swings and a basketball half-court. Just steps away is a picnic area that’s available for rent, making this area a perfect little spot for a small get together.
McLaren Natural Area
Bacon and Oxford streets | Map It
The Natural Area at McLaren Park, including Yosemite Marsh, is composed of grassland, scrub and forests. As one of the largest Natural Areas in the City, McLaren Park has high natural resource and recreation values for San Franciscans, including over 11 miles of trails, scenic views, a population of sensitive plants and wildlife, including the Mission blue butterfly, the San Francisco forktail damselfly, raptors and the California quail.
Volunteer Opportunities
21 John F. Shelley Drive | Map It
Come join the Natural Resource Division in a monthly recurring habitat restoration volunteer project at John McLaren Park. Explore the biological diversity of San Francisco’s second largest park. Get to know one of our favorite gems in the city. Volunteer activities include weeding restoration sites and planting maintenance.
McLaren Tennis Courts
1398 Mansell Street | Map It
Tennis, anyone? Stop by for a game or two on these beautiful courts, which were recently resurfaced thanks to a grant from San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation. Want to reserve one of these courts? Visit our tennis reservation system to book a court for up to 1.5 hours!
Labyrinth
Off of John F. Shelley Drive | Map It
Take a hike up to McLaren Park’s highest point and experience this interesting and quirky labyrinth rock formation. With its basis in Greek mythology, the labyrinth is an elaborate maze-like structure that is sure to both delight and confound its visitors.
Ropes Course
Wilde Overlook Tower area | Map It
Experience the challenge ropes course at McLaren Park! The course has five separate structures, tucked into the tree line or landscape whenever possible. The course provides solo and team climbing opportunities and focuses on balance, trust, communication, leadership and teamwork. A few highlights include The Challenge Course: A ten-pole traditional high ropes course with eight aerial challenges; The Discovery Tower: A two-pole, four-person aerial adventure; and The Leap: A three-pole solo challenge that asks participants to take a leap of faith into open air. Schedule a ropes course program with Outward Bound California .