Lake Merced Park in south-west San Francisco offers a 4.4 mile loop along paved trails encircling Lake Merced. The trails are next to streets, some of which have heavy traffic. A nice city trail for local residents. For those seeking a more natural setting, there is Fort Funston nearby.

Best Months to Visit: Any time of the year.

Notes: Review by Joseph Stubbs has plenty of details. A nice article on the cultural history of Lake Merced. ParkScan article.

Parking Locations (free parking everywhere):

1. South Entrance 1: Google Map for parking lot on John Muir Drive, San Francisco, CA 94132 near the southern tip of Lake Merced.
2. South Entrance 2: Google Map for parking lot on Lake Merced Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132. Picnic tables and restrooms here.
3. North: Google Map for parking lot on intersection of Sunset Blvd and Lake Merced Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132. Restrooms available here.
4. West: Parking lot on Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132. Picnic tables and restrooms here.