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John McLaren Park in San Francisco | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Dog friendly · Forest · Reservoir

4.9 (611 ratings)

Experience the natural beauty of San Francisco at John McLaren Park, a sprawling 356.8-acre urban oasis that offers a rejuvenating escape for walkers and runners. As you explore the park, ...

Experience the natural beauty of San Francisco at John McLaren Park, a sprawling 356.8-acre urban oasis that offers a rejuvenating escape for walkers and runners. As you explore the park, you'll be greeted by lush greenery, tranquil meadows, and stunning views that create the ideal backdrop for an invigorating walking or running session. The park's serene ambiance and expansive open spaces make it the perfect destination for those seeking an active outdoor experience in the heart of the city. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, John McLaren Park has something for everyone. With its diverse network of trails, visitors can embark on scenic walks or challenging hikes while immersing themselves in the diverse flora and fauna. The park's mild and temperate climate makes it an excellent year-round destination for outdoor activities, providing an inviting environment for walkers and runners to enjoy the park's natural splendor. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the countless possibilities for outdoor recreation at John McLaren Park. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll amidst nature's tranquility or a heart-pumping trail run, this park has it all. Plan your visit today and discover the allure of this hidden gem within San Francisco. For more information on park trails and routes, download Pacer Pedometer and unlock a world of outdoor adventure.

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Photos (76)

Walking and Running in John McLaren Park

Looking for a fantastic place to walk or run in San Francisco? Look no further than John McLaren Park, a hidden gem that offers a range of amenities and attractions tailored to meet the needs of both walkers and runners. With its extensive network of walking paths, lush greenery, and ...

Looking for a fantastic place to walk or run in San Francisco? Look no further than John McLaren Park, a hidden gem that offers a range of amenities and attractions tailored to meet the needs of both walkers and runners. With its extensive network of walking paths, lush greenery, and diverse amenities, John McLaren Park provides the ideal setting for outdoor activity enthusiasts. Whether you're a casual walker or a dedicated runner, this park has something for everyone. From dog-friendly areas and picnic sites to sports facilities such as tennis courts and basketball courts, the park caters to a wide range of interests. The park's accessibility features, including wheelchair-friendly paths, ensure that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities it offers. Additionally, visitors can take in the park's stunning viewpoints and attractions, such as the Wilde Overlook Tower and Lover's Rock, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to their walking or running experience. Whether you're seeking a scenic route for a leisurely stroll or a challenging path for a vigorous run, John McLaren Park in San Francisco is the perfect destination for walkers and runners alike.

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Other Info about John McLaren Park

Essential Amenities in John McLaren Park

Playground
Picnic Site
BBQ
Drinking water
Dog friendly
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

John McLaren Park Sport Facilities

Soccer field
Basketball court
Tennis court
Baseball field
Bike path
Sports center
Golf course

Accessibility in John McLaren Park

Dogs allowed
Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in John McLaren Park

Attraction

Lover's Rock

Attraction

Philosopher's Hill and Labyrinth

Attraction

Gambier Plaza

Attraction

Hidden Bridge

Artwork

Animal Mural

Artwork

Porpoise

Artwork

Porpoise, Turtle, and Abstract

Artwork

Peter Richards Rock Art

Viewpoint

Wilde Overlook Tower

Viewpoint

Watertower View

Memorial

In memory of...

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Reviews of John McLaren Park

4.9/5
611 ratings
HardWorkJan 26, 2025
5

Many, many trails…❤️

dangermanMay 11, 2025
5
ErasmoFeb 9, 2025
5
See All Reviews (5)
See All Reviews (5)

John McLaren Park Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Erasmo
92
PacerPal
78
DJ
40
4dannaJ
39
5derrick
29
6dleung
24
7Juan
24
8加州阳光
20
9Mai
18
10HardWork
16
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Crocker Amazon Playground
Visitacion Valley Playground
Kelloch-Velasco Park
Mansell Parkway
Excelsior Playground
Portola Recreation Center
Saint Mary's Park
David R. Rowe Park
Bayshore Heights Park

FAQs About John McLaren Park

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in John McLaren Park?

Yes, there are several amenities for walkers/runners in John McLaren Park, including picnic sites, drinking water stations, restroom facilities, and wheelchair-friendly paths.

How accessible is John McLaren Park?

John McLaren Park is accessible and dog-friendly, with wheelchair-friendly paths and various attractions and viewpoints for visitors to explore.

What kind of sports can I do in John McLaren Park?

John McLaren Park offers a variety of sports facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball courts, soccer courts, and bike paths for biking and other recreational activities.

What is the best season to walk in John McLaren Park?

The best season to walk in John McLaren Park is typically during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer and the park's flora is in full bloom.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in John McLaren Park?

In John McLaren Park, it is important to prepare for the typical foggy and cool weather conditions that are common in San Francisco. Layers and a windbreaker are recommended, as the weather can change throughout the day.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in John McLaren Park?

In John McLaren Park, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds such as hawks and owls, as well as small mammals like raccoons and squirrels. It's important to respect the wildlife and observe from a distance.

Last updated: Dec 14, 2025

Parks Near John McLaren Park

Crocker Amazon Playground
Visitacion Valley Playground
Kelloch-Velasco Park
Mansell Parkway
Excelsior Playground
Portola Recreation Center
Saint Mary's Park
David R. Rowe Park
Bayshore Heights Park

Latest Check-ins at John McLaren Park

HardWorkDec 14, 2025
Dec 14, 2025Manual
DJDec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025Walking
DJNov 17, 2025
Nov 17, 2025Walking
dannaJNov 17, 2025
Nov 17, 2025Walking
DJNov 16, 2025
Nov 16, 2025Walking
dannaJNov 16, 2025
Nov 16, 2025Walking
ErasmoNov 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025Walking
dannaJNov 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025Walking
dannaJNov 12, 2025
Nov 12, 2025Walking
DJNov 12, 2025
Nov 12, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at John McLaren Park

RankingCheck-ins
Erasmo
92
PacerPal
78
DJ
40
4dannaJ
39
5derrick
29
6dleung
24
7Juan
24
8加州阳光
20
9Mai
18
10HardWork
16
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Reviews of John McLaren Park

HardWorkJan 26, 2025
5

Many, many trails…❤️

dangermanMay 11, 2025
5
ErasmoFeb 9, 2025
5
JuneJul 25, 2024
5
VirgoSep 8, 2024
4
4.9/5
611 ratings

Photos of John McLaren Park

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