Explore Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park
In this post we share a visit to Stow Lake located in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The man-made lake is beautiful and a local favorite spot to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, biking or even rowing around the lake area. We highlight all the landmarks, views and unique places to explore around the lake area below.
A Visit and Tour of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park to walk, stroll, boat and enjoy this man-made lake
- Turtle enjoying the afternoon light
- Today, we are taking a walk around one of my favorite parks, Stow lake in Golden Gate Park – San Francisco. In early fall this lake is filled with many blooming California natives planted along the river banks and walkways. It’s a pleasant and easy walk around the lake with a boat house and row-boat facilities for rent. Along the many pathways you can find yellow Hypericum, nasturtium, fuchsia, flannel bush and California Lilacs or Ceanothus completely flushed with purple blue flowers.
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Some geese prefer to stay here year round
Outside of people walking their pets, there’s some wildlife to be found around the lake with turtles, geese and other fowl nesting in the area. It’s very quiet and the solitude is a real break from the urban jungle of San Francisco. Most of the time you almost have this area to yourself to enjoy some peace and contemplate nature.
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Enjoying a walk around the lake
The park is filled with native flowers, let’s take a look….
Large shrubs of hebes in bloom
Wildflowers bloom around the lake area
California native flowers and summer annuals dot the area around the lake from spring to late summer season and add color to the landscape without any additional maintenance with these hardy specimens that bloom constantly throughout the season.
Afternoon light with nasturtiums
It’s a perfect spot to paint and study nature….
Painting au plein air in the park
Yellow native hypericum in bloom
- A summer show of blooms in the park
History
Stow lake originally started in 1893 as a man-made lake built-in Golden Gate park as a respite from the crowded urban streets of San Francisco. A boathouse and rental boats were added for leisurely outings on the lake and were very popular with locals wanting an easy afternoon activity in the park. To learn more about Stow Lake visit their website here.
Autumn colors just starting to show
Thanks so much for coming to visit Travel Photo Mondays and visiting this beautiful Stow Lake in San Francisco. Come and enjoy some of these other bloggers from around that world showing you some beautiful imagery. (Just click on any of the links below to take you to another destination)
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We’re going to be in the Bay area in September and now I’m eager to revisit the park with my family. Great photos!
Wow, I haven’t been to Golden Gate park in years. The pictures of the autumn colors with the water in the background and also especially the elderly couple walking were my favorites! 🙂
An interesting post. Thanks for asking me to join your travel photos challenge. Here’s the link to my post http://artifactsandfictions.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/travelling-through-time/
What a difference it makes when someone has a great camera and knows how to use it. You do an excellent job on your photos. Enjoyed my visit very much.
What a lovely park! The flowers and the lake are beautiful. Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing and the invite.
Beautiful! I love parks like these and exploring the hidden corners. I’m especially drawn to those flower shots. It’s been many years since I’ve been to Golden Gate Park so thanks for taking me on a virtual walk with you.
Fantastic post of a very inviting place ~ Very professional photography ~ thanks, carol, xo
What a lovely spot. I love that stone bridge.
What a pretty spot. I love that stone bridge
Thanks for commenting on my post Bisect and your invite to participate in Travel Photo Monday. You have such a beautiful blog and the images are stunning. I am now following your blog. When I have a suitable post, I’ll definitely submit to it. 🙂
I never heard of this lake and I went to college in the Bay Area! I’ll have to add this park to my list when I head back to Frisco next year.
Love the photo with the turtle.
Thanks for hosting, Noel! Your photos are beautiful (I especially like the fluffy hebes). San Francisco is such a fun place to visit!
wonderful tribute to this park!
I love fuschias! The park is beautiful.
I didn’t know about this lake! I love the contrast of the bustling city and the great parks in San Fran.
Beautiful photos of Stow Lake, Noel. Especially like the geese.
Beautiful…
I just found your blog via a link back to your Monday party. WOW! Spectacular photos that have me wanting to book the next flight to San Fran!
I just don’t get up to Golden Gate Park often enough. Stow Lake is lovely and I’ve taken the same walk. Great pics — cool shot of the turtle.
what a lovely park – it certainly looks a gorgeous peaceful respite from the city. Thank you for taking us there and for hosting Travel Photo Monday.
Noel,
So happy to find your blog and enthusiastically following along-I have linked up a little trip to the fabulous city of New Orleans!
Jemma
How forward-thinking of the people of the area way-back-when! I imagine that the lake and its surrounds are even more of a respite not than they were 120 years ago.
Noel, thanks for hosting and for informing me of your party!
-Shelley
Gorgeous! So happy to see these nature photos, since I’m moving to SF soon!
Hi Noel,
Your images of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park are truly breathtaking! From the the fall foliage to the delicate and pretty petaled wonders, and the beauty of wildlife, it’s all phenomenal!! Thank you so much for all the gorgeous inspiration!! And, for hosting!
Poppy
Thank You for dropping by to say hello.I enjoyed Your tour of the park and all the photos.My fave was the old couple strolling.
The pictures were so relaxing that I thought I was taking a walk in the park with you!:-)