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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Lloyd Lake

A serene clay-lined lake in Golden Gate Park, featuring the regal Portals of the Past marble columns and serving as a peaceful sanctuary for non-native birds.

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Lloyd Lake
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Where is Lloyd Lake located?

Lloyd Lake is a clay-lined lake located in Golden Gate Park at J.F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue, across from Hellman Hollow.

What is Lloyd Lake known for?

The lake is known as a habitat for a wide variety of non-native, non-migratory birds and is a visual landmark in the park. It is also associated with the Portals of the Past, a set of white Greek-inspired pillars that serve as a popular wedding setting.

Is it free to visit?

General admission to Lloyd Lake is free.

Can I hold a wedding at Lloyd Lake?

Yes, the Portals of the Past site at Lloyd Lake can be used for weddings with a maximum capacity of 100 people. This requires a reservation fee of $341, an hourly rate of $85 (2-hour minimum), and a refundable cleaning/damage deposit of $500.

What are the Portals of the Past?

The Portals of the Past are white marble columns and an archway that originally served as the entry to an 1891 Nob Hill mansion. After the building was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire, the portico was donated to the park in 1909 as a remembrance of the disaster.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Lloyd Lake, also known as Mirror Lake or Kissane Lake, is a clay-lined body of water located at J.F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Avenue in Golden Gate Park. The lake was named in memory of Reuben Hedley Lloyd, a former park commissioner. It serves as a quiet retreat within the park and acts as a reservoir for the nearby Rainbow Falls. The most striking feature of the site is the Portals of the Past. These white Greek-inspired pillars were originally the entry of an 1891 Nob Hill mansion owned by Alban Nelson Towne. After the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed the original building, Towne's wife donated the portico to the park in 1909 as a remembrance of the city's disaster. Today, these marble columns stand in front of the man-made lake and are a popular setting for weddings, though such events require paid reservation fees and deposits. Beyond the architecture, the lake is a significant habitat for non-native, non-migratory birds. Visitors often come to the water's edge to watch ducks or spot local wildlife. The area between JFK Drive and Crossover Drive even contains the remains of Alban Nelson Towne's former Nob Hill house, adding a layer of historical depth to the landscape. The atmosphere at Lloyd Lake varies by the day. While often described as one of the quieter areas of the park, it can become a social hub on Sundays when parties occur. The visual contrast of the white marble reflecting in the smooth water creates a regal atmosphere that makes it a lasting landmark for many families.

Visitor tips

  • Visit on a weekday if you prefer a quiet environment, as Sundays often host parties.
  • Look for the small green-colored waterfall that cascades into the lake for a peaceful spot to rest.
  • Bring binoculars to better observe the non-native and migratory birds that frequent the lake.

Nearby context

Lloyd Lake is situated along the John F. Kennedy Promenade in Golden Gate Park, positioned across from Hellman Hollow and within walking distance of Stow Lake.

Sources

Evidence and links