Sure, we’re already surrounded by water, but who doesn’t love a good trip to any one of the lovely lakes near San Francisco, especially during the summer season. Swimmable San Francisco lakes are far and few between, so for a refreshing dip or just a serene waterfront getaway, check out the most beautiful lakes near the city.
- Phoenix Lake
Flickr/Bennett Honson One of the lesser known lakes in San Francisco, Phoenix Lake is a small, serene oasis in Marin County. Phoenix Lake, California 94904, USA
- Bass Lake
Flickr/Niall Kennedy A good spot to go for a dip on your way to Alamere Falls. And there’s a rope swing, only adding to the reasons it’s among the best of all San Francisco lakes. Bass Lake, CA, USA
- Loch Lomond Reservoir
Flickr/Don DeBold Nestled in a redwood canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Loch Lomond Reservoir is an ideal destination for fishing (but no swimming allowed)! Loch Lomond Recreation Area, 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA 95018, USA
- Lake Merritt
Flickr/Daniel Ramirez One of the most beautiful of all San Francisco lakes, Lake Merritt is Oakland’s glistening centerpiece. It is the perfect spot for a lakeside run or a romantic gondola ride. Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA, USA
- Lake Anza
Flickr/josh s Jackson An East Bay gem with a beach, Lake Anza is one of the best swim spots near San Francisco. Lake Anza, California 94708, USA
- Lake Del Valle
Yelp/Molly M. When it comes to bodies of water, Lake Del Valle is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, and that’s because it’s an ideal locale to swim, fish, windsurf, or start (or end) your 28-mile backcountry hike along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. Lake Del Valle, California 94550, USA
- Lake Berryessa
Yelp/Tiffany D. Not just one of the most beautiful lakes near San Francisco, Lake Berryessa is also Napa’s largest lake. It’s a perfect retreat after all all that wine tasting. Lake Berryessa, California 94558, USA
- Lake Merced
Yelp/Geraldine R. You don’t even need to leave the city to admire the lovely Lake Merced. Lake Merced, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
- Lake Chabot
Yelp/Hazel C. An ideal East Bay escape for kayaking, fishing, or paddleboating, Lake Chabot is easily one of the best lakes in San Francisco. Lake Chabot, California, USA
- Lake Tahoe
Flickr/Mirza Asad Baig When it comes to lakes around San Francisco, this one is a bit further of a drive, but if you want the idyllic lake experience, this is it. But do beware: the water is frigid! Lake Tahoe, United States
So, what do you think? Did you know about these lovely lakes near San Francisco? Ever visited any (or all) of them? Which of all the bodies of water in and around the city are your favorites? Where else should we be heading to this summer? Let us know!
Flickr/Bennett Honson
One of the lesser known lakes in San Francisco, Phoenix Lake is a small, serene oasis in Marin County.
Phoenix Lake, California 94904, USA
Flickr/Niall Kennedy
A good spot to go for a dip on your way to Alamere Falls. And there’s a rope swing, only adding to the reasons it’s among the best of all San Francisco lakes.
Bass Lake, CA, USA
Flickr/Don DeBold
Nestled in a redwood canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Loch Lomond Reservoir is an ideal destination for fishing (but no swimming allowed)!
Loch Lomond Recreation Area, 100 Loch Lomond Way, Felton, CA 95018, USA
Flickr/Daniel Ramirez
One of the most beautiful of all San Francisco lakes, Lake Merritt is Oakland’s glistening centerpiece. It is the perfect spot for a lakeside run or a romantic gondola ride.
Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA, USA
Flickr/josh s Jackson
An East Bay gem with a beach, Lake Anza is one of the best swim spots near San Francisco.
Lake Anza, California 94708, USA
Yelp/Molly M.
When it comes to bodies of water, Lake Del Valle is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, and that’s because it’s an ideal locale to swim, fish, windsurf, or start (or end) your 28-mile backcountry hike along the Ohlone Wilderness Trail.
Lake Del Valle, California 94550, USA
Yelp/Tiffany D.
Not just one of the most beautiful lakes near San Francisco, Lake Berryessa is also Napa’s largest lake. It’s a perfect retreat after all all that wine tasting.
Lake Berryessa, California 94558, USA
Yelp/Geraldine R.
You don’t even need to leave the city to admire the lovely Lake Merced.
Lake Merced, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
Yelp/Hazel C.
An ideal East Bay escape for kayaking, fishing, or paddleboating, Lake Chabot is easily one of the best lakes in San Francisco.
Lake Chabot, California, USA
Flickr/Mirza Asad Baig
When it comes to lakes around San Francisco, this one is a bit further of a drive, but if you want the idyllic lake experience, this is it. But do beware: the water is frigid!
Lake Tahoe, United States
Of course, lakes aren’t the only option for water-related fun. There are so many others, including going for a dip in the best swimming holes in San Francisco.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes Near San Francisco July 07, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo What are the most beautiful beaches in San Francisco? When it comes to beautiful beaches in San Francisco, Baker Beach ranks pretty high up there. Truly stunning, it boasts a setting like no other – and that’s because the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands form the beach’s backdrop. The beach’s beautiful features don’t end there, though. Serpentine-rock cliffs, Mediterranean shrubs, native flowers, and a grove of Monterey cypress also adorn the beach, only adding to its breathtaking beauty. Can I camp right on the water in San Francisco? If beachfront camping sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re in luck: there are lots of places to camp right on the water around San Francisco. One of the best, though, is the Kirby Cove Campground. Located in Sausalito, it’s just a 20-30 minute drive from San Francisco. Worth every mile it takes to reach, the campground boasts awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ruggedly beautiful Pacific Coast of northern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Lakes Near San Francisco
July 07, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the most beautiful beaches in San Francisco? When it comes to beautiful beaches in San Francisco, Baker Beach ranks pretty high up there. Truly stunning, it boasts a setting like no other – and that’s because the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands form the beach’s backdrop. The beach’s beautiful features don’t end there, though. Serpentine-rock cliffs, Mediterranean shrubs, native flowers, and a grove of Monterey cypress also adorn the beach, only adding to its breathtaking beauty. Can I camp right on the water in San Francisco? If beachfront camping sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re in luck: there are lots of places to camp right on the water around San Francisco. One of the best, though, is the Kirby Cove Campground. Located in Sausalito, it’s just a 20-30 minute drive from San Francisco. Worth every mile it takes to reach, the campground boasts awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ruggedly beautiful Pacific Coast of northern California.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to beautiful beaches in San Francisco, Baker Beach ranks pretty high up there. Truly stunning, it boasts a setting like no other – and that’s because the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands form the beach’s backdrop. The beach’s beautiful features don’t end there, though. Serpentine-rock cliffs, Mediterranean shrubs, native flowers, and a grove of Monterey cypress also adorn the beach, only adding to its breathtaking beauty.
Can I camp right on the water in San Francisco?
If beachfront camping sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re in luck: there are lots of places to camp right on the water around San Francisco. One of the best, though, is the Kirby Cove Campground. Located in Sausalito, it’s just a 20-30 minute drive from San Francisco. Worth every mile it takes to reach, the campground boasts awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ruggedly beautiful Pacific Coast of northern California.
