Stow Lake

San Francisco, California

5.0/5

based on 3 reviews

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Added by Jennifer Heifferon

Chill in a rowboat. On a lake. In SF.Perfect for families, couples, and anybody else.A really fun, outdoorsy date idea.Duration: 1-2 hours

Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! This is one of my favorite ways to spend a few hours on a beautiful day in San Francisco.

Grab your loved one, your favorite bottle of wine, some snacks, and hop in a rowboat. You’ll float under a couple of bridges, past the waterfall on Strawberry Hill, and along shore where you’ll see turtles and other wildlife. It’s a fun little adventure that’s exciting, romantic, and scenic.

Boats are available for rent at Stow Lake, from the Stow Lake Boathouse . You have the option of renting pedal boats and electric boats, but I prefer the classic rowboat. Besides, it’s fun and challenging to figure out how to row backwards without hitting anything.

When you’re done on the water, unfurl a blanket for a picnic in the park, or head over to the California Academy of Sciences, which is a quick 10-minute walk away.

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Stow Lake Reviews

Angela Dair

Stow Lake

02/28/23

Go paddling here. Ducks are aplenty. It’s a really cute area for a date. There is parking but best way to get into GG park is with a bike!

5.0

Team

Brian Heifferon

Team

Stow Lake

08/04/15

Looking for a fun/alternative date idea? You can't really go wrong renting a row boat on Stow Lake. You'll have a blast goofing around and awkwardly trying to figure out how to row a boat in a straight line. Pack some snacks and bring a few of your favorite beverages and it will definitely be a day to remember.

5.0

Tony DeAngelo

Stow Lake

05/25/15

A great romantic place to take the girlfriend. The lake is a pretty good size so you can easily spend a few hours paddling or rowing around the lake. There's a bunch of fish, turtles and birds that also call stow lake home. I recommend visiting the center island as there are some cool waterfalls and views.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Stow Lake

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Stow Lake Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Stow Lake And Strawberry Hill

Hidden Garden Steps

Visit the Conservatory of Flowers

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")

Golden Gate Angling & Casting Club

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