Stow Lake
About This Spot
A peaceful lake in the heart of Golden Gate Park where you can rent pedal boats, rowboats, or electric boats. Strawberry Hill island in the center has a waterfall and trails. Turtles, ducks, and herons are everywhere. The boathouse café serves snacks and coffee.
What to Expect
Parent Tips
Pedal boats are the best value and easiest with kids. Life jackets provided for all ages. The walk around the lake is about 1 mile and stroller-friendly. Feed the turtles from the bridge — they'll swarm.
Complete Golden Gate Park Guide
Discover 20+ secret spots, insider timing tips, and parent-tested adventures in SF's 1,000-acre wonderland.
Get Complete GuideQuick Info
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (boat rentals)
Golden Gate Park
Playgrounds & Parks
(415) 386-2531
Nearby in Golden Gate Park
The oldest public playground in the US, recently renovated with a massive climbi...
A natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest all under one li...
SF's premier fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with a great family programs. ...