Southwest SF · Running route
Lake Merced Running Route
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Route
- Lake loop
- Area
- Southwest SF
Run it, connect Strava or upload your run — your medal unlocks automatically. Free.
Lake Merced is San Francisco's quiet loop: a traffic-free 4.5-mile path around the lake, with windswept cypress trees and the ocean fog rolling in.
The route
- Distance: about 4.5 miles around the lake.
- Terrain: flat paved path.
- Extend it: add Fort Funston and the ocean bluffs.
Tips
- Great for steady runs with no traffic lights.
- Often foggy and cool — perfect running weather.
- Popular with local run clubs.
How to unlock the Lake Merced medal
- Run the route above — any pace counts, walk breaks included.
- Copy your Strava activity link (or a link to a screenshot of your watch or phone).
- Submit it on the Park Mile Passport page. Once approved, the Lake Merced medal unlocks in your passport. It's free.
Running with a crew? Join the Park Mile club on Strava and share your park runs.
Looking for your next park?
All San Francisco park running routes →