What is Stow Lake known for?

Now officially renamed Blue Heron Lake, it is the largest body of water in Golden Gate Park and is a popular spot for picnicking, strolling, and boating.

Can I rent boats at the lake?

Yes, the Blue Heron Boathouse on the lake's north shore offers hourly rentals for rowboats and pedal boats.

Is there food available at the lake?

Yes, the boathouse on the north shore has a snack bar.

What is the history of the lake?

Created in 1893, the lake was originally designed as a reservoir for park irrigation, a promenade for horse-drawn carriages, and for leisure boating.

What are the physical characteristics of the lake?

The lake is 12 acres and doughnut-shaped, surrounding a wooded area known as Strawberry Hill Island.

What should I check before going?

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

Stow Lake in San Francisco

What to know

Stow Lake, now officially renamed Blue Heron Lake, is the largest body of water in Golden Gate Park. Created in 1893, it was originally designed for leisure boating, as a promenade for horse-drawn carriages, and as a reservoir for park irrigation. The lake's unique doughnut-shaped layout surrounds Strawberry Hill Island, a wooded hill named for the wild strawberries that once flourished on its flanks. Visitors can explore the water via the Blue Heron Boathouse, located on the lake's north shore. The current boathouse building was constructed in 1946 to replace the original 1893 structure. This facility provides hourly rentals for pedal boats and rowboats, allowing guests to navigate the 12-acre expanse of water. Beyond boating, the lake is a popular recreation spot for picnicking and strolling. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission approved the name change to Blue Heron Lake following a public suggestion and a 4-3 vote. This transition reflects the lake's role as a natural sanctuary for local wildlife within the city's easternmost side of Golden Gate Park.

Visitor tips

Rent a pedal boat or rowboat from the Blue Heron Boathouse on the north shore.
Walk the perimeter of the lake to see the views of Strawberry Hill Island.
Allow at least an hour for a boat rental to fully explore the lake's doughnut-shaped layout.

Nearby context

Located on the easternmost side of Golden Gate Park, Blue Heron Lake provides a tranquil escape from the city's bustle, serving as a centerpiece for the eastern section of the park's vast greenery.

Quick facts