Top 20 Lakes around Brisbane
Lakes around Brisbane, California, offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities within San Mateo County. This region, located near San Francisco Bay, features a mix of natural and man-made water bodies. The area's geography includes coastal features and urban parklands, providing varied settings for outdoor activities. These lakes serve as significant habitats and recreational hubs for visitors.
Best lakes around Brisbane
- The most popular lakes is Lake Merced, a lake that is a large freshwater lake in San Francisco's…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Stow Lake - Golden Gate Park
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Brisbane Lagoon
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Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake
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Lake Merced
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Botanical Garden North (Friends) Entrance 🌺
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Tips from the Community
The headwind when riding north can be brutal some days. The bike lane on both sides is wide and expansive. It's a really safe place to ride with beautiful views.
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Hellman Meadow is hosting the annual "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival, on the first long weekend of October on some 5 stages of free live music in Golden Gate Park, financed since 20 years before his death with a foundation grant by angel investor Warren Hellman, who loved music.
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Quaint small lake fed by a stream pumped uphill and descending as an artificial waterfall. Across the street from Hellman's Hollow, the meadow hosting the annual "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival, on the first long weekend of October on some 5 stages of free live music in Golden Gate Park, financed with a foundation grant by Warren Hellman, who loved music.
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Great alternate exit/entrance for a run through the beautiful and fragrant biomes https://www.sfbg.org/visit
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Stow Lake is a manmade lake in Golden Gate Park with a rich history that dates back to 1893. Offering hiking and bike trails, Stow Lake is a popular destination for visitors looking to engage in active pursuits in the park, boat rides, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and even ghost hunting. Row boats, electric boats or pedal boats are for rent from the Stow Lake Boathouse 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week, and a Surrey Quadricycle photo op at the rental center. There are eight picnic tables and two BBQ grills, some people also rent the picnic area for family celebrations, parties, and other gatherings. Restrooms are close to the Boathouse. The café at the Boathouse provides coffee and snacks. The surrounding bridges, feathered residents, meandering turtles, and other bursts of nature create a wealth of photo opportunities. Some trails are not for biking, consider walking around the lake and crossing over the bridges to venture throughout Strawberry Hill in the center of the lake or visit the historic Pioneer Log Cabin located near John F. Kennedy Drive. Other sights of Stow Lake include endless wildlife, many birds, and the bright red colors of the round Chinese pagoda – a gift given to the park from San Francisco’s ‘sister city’ of Taipei. Stow Lake is located between John F. Kennedy Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive – west of the Japanese Tea Gardens. Weekends are bike friendly: no cars are allowed on John F. Kennedy Drive on Saturdays (April to September) or Sundays (year-round) – but cars are always on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. https://goldengatepark.com/stow-lake.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities can I enjoy at the lakes around Brisbane, California?
The lakes in the Brisbane, California area offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Lake Merced is particularly popular for boating, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, and golfing on its extended courses. You can also find pleasant areas for strolls and enjoying nature around Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake and Brisbane Lagoon.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Brisbane, California region?
Yes, several lakes around Brisbane, California are considered family-friendly. Lake Merced, Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake, and Brisbane Lagoon are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible environments for visitors of all ages to enjoy the outdoors.
Where can I go hiking or walking near the lakes in Brisbane, California?
For hiking and walking, Lake Merced is an excellent choice, featuring trails popular with hikers and bicyclists. The area around Brisbane Lagoon also offers opportunities for walks, including sections of the San Francisco Bay Trail. For more extensive running trails in the broader region, you can explore options in the Running Trails around Brisbane guide.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Brisbane's lakes?
The lakes around Brisbane, California, offer diverse natural features. Lake Merced is a large freshwater lake surrounded by a 614-acre park. Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake features a quaint small lake with an artificial waterfall. Brisbane Lagoon is a remnant of San Francisco Bay, offering views of the bay's edge.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in the Brisbane, California area?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity around the lakes. Lake Merced's park is well-suited for bicyclists. Additionally, the San Francisco Bay Trail runs along the eastern side of Brisbane Lagoon 🌊 North Shore, providing a scenic route. For more cycling options, check out the Cycling around Brisbane guide.
Are there opportunities for boating or kayaking on the lakes near Brisbane, California?
Yes, Lake Merced is a prime location for boating and kayaking. The larger south portion of the lake is open to boating and even has a free public boat dock for launching kayaks and canoes.
What makes Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake a unique spot?
Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake is unique for its quaint small lake fed by a stream that creates an artificial waterfall. It's also located across from Hellman's Hollow, known for hosting the annual 'Hardly Strictly Bluegrass' festival, making it a place with both natural charm and cultural significance.
What is the history behind Brisbane Lagoon?
Brisbane Lagoon is a remnant of San Francisco Bay. It was formed by the construction of the U. S. Highway 101 causeway and later diminished as much of its northern and central portions were filled with landfill. It offers a glimpse into the region's past interaction with the bay.
Are there mountain biking trails near the lakes around Brisbane, California?
While the immediate lake areas might be more suited for walking and cycling, the broader region around Brisbane, California, offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find various routes and trails in the MTB Trails around Brisbane guide, which includes options like the Marincello Trail loop.
What do visitors enjoy most about Lake Merced?
Visitors highly appreciate Lake Merced for its versatility as a 614-acre park. It's a popular spot for boaters, hikers, bicyclists, and golfers, offering a wide range of activities within a large freshwater lake setting. The free public boat dock is also a valued feature for water sports enthusiasts.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic spots around the lakes?
Yes, many of the lakes offer scenic viewpoints. Lake Merced, Hellman Meadow and Lloyd Lake, and Brisbane Lagoon are all noted for their scenic views, providing pleasant settings to enjoy the natural surroundings.
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Still not found your perfect lake around Brisbane? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
