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Lakeshore
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Lake Merced, SF State, Stonestown, the San Francisco Zoo and the cliffs of Fort Funston.
Lakeshore covers San Francisco’s southwestern corner around Lake Merced, a large freshwater lake inside a 614-acre park. A 4.5-mile paved trail circles the lake, and the park has a boathouse and a fishing pier. The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is at Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway, with nearly 100 acres of oceanfront gardens. Fort Funston has 200-foot bluffs at the western edge of the city, and the National Park Service calls it one of the premier hang-gliding spots in the country.
Muni’s M Ocean View light rail serves the area, with stops at 19th Avenue and Holloway Avenue for SF State and at 19th Avenue and Winston Drive for Stonestown. The L Taraval stops at Wawona Street and 46th Avenue for the zoo, and the 29 Sunset runs along Lake Merced Boulevard. At Fort Funston, park in the lot off Skyline Boulevard. The park service warns that the surf and undertow are extremely dangerous and that the hike down to the beach is steep and strenuous, so plan carefully with young children.
Sources: SF Rec & Park, Lake Merced, San Francisco Zoo, NPS Fort Funston, SFMTA M Ocean View, SFMTA L Taraval.
About Lakeshore
Lakeshore wraps around Lake Merced in the southwest corner of the city.
It takes in San Francisco State University, Stonestown Galleria, the San Francisco Zoo, TPC Harding Park golf course and the ocean cliffs of Fort Funston.
Our neighborhood lines are based on DataSF's Analysis Neighborhoods, adjusted where visitors use a smaller area or a different name: Dogpatch and Fisherman's Wharf stand on their own, and the Richmond and the Sunset are each kept whole.
What to See
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Open daily, with last entry at 4 pm. Children under 2 are free, and the Elinor Friend Playground is included with admission. Check the zoo’s ticket page for current prices and San Francisco resident rates.
Fort Funston
Sandy bluffs about 200 feet above the ocean where hang gliders launch, with paved, wheelchair-accessible loop trails. The beach trail is steep and the surf and undertow are dangerous, so keep a close eye on children.
Lake Merced Park
A freshwater lake with a paved loop of about 4.4 miles for walking, biking and running, plus picnic areas, a fishing pier and a boathouse. The flat paved path suits bikes, scooters and strollers.
Things to Do
Little Puffer Train and Dentzel Carousel
The miniature steam train runs in dry weather, and children under 3 ride free with a paying adult. The restored 1921 Dentzel carousel charges per rider, and an adult riding with a paid child is free.
Stonestown Farmers Market
Year-round Sunday market in the Stonestown lot with produce stands and prepared food such as pizza, kimchi and pastries. It runs rain or shine and closes only December 25 and January 1.
Merced Branch Library Storytimes
Library near Stonestown with baby and family storytimes on weekday mornings and afternoons, plus occasional family author events. Closed Mondays; check the branch calendar.
Where to Eat
Java Beach Café
Coffee shop near the zoo with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, bagels and soft serve cups and cones.
Leaping Lemur Café
One of four food spots at the zoo, with The Station Café, Café Playfield and a Dippin' Dots cart. The zoo says the menu includes kid-friendly and vegetarian dishes. Prices are not published on its dining page.
Upcoming in Lakeshore
This Weekend in LakeshoreAll Neighborhoods This Weekend
ZooLights at the SF Zoo (Wed–Sun Nights, Through Jan 3)
Volti Vocal Ensemble with SF State and SOTA
Places We Rate in Lakeshore
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