John McLaren Park

This is one of the best parks I've ever been to. Spread over 300 acres there is something for everyone whether you love nature or like to take the pet dog out for a walk on a trail surrounded by cypress, pine, and eucalyptus trees. There are paved and unpaved trails for walking where you can get a stunning view of parts of the Bay area. There are a couple of duck ponds where you can see the ducks waddling away as well as the Jerry Garcia amphitheatre used to stage plays by school kids and to have other community events. There is also a separate play area for small children as well as space for family picnics. On the perimeter of the park you have the wonderfully named paved looped trail called the Philosopher's Way where people can rest and take in the view. There are several tennis courts, a large baseball practice area, and a nine hole golf course. Toilets are clean and conveniently located.
People living in the area may complain about the amount of local and community taxes they have to pay but when you have places like the John McLaren park in your neighborhood you should count your blessings. A daily walk or jog here is a real joy that you'll be hard pressed to find in other urban environments.
It's a well kept secret for the neighborhood residents who probably want to keep it that way instead of having crowds come and spoil the rustic charm of this park.

This park is two blocks away from my children’s school. They spend a good portion of their educational time in and around this park. My oldest class has often built TP like structures, so that they can have classroom instruction outdoors in their own little space. Even when they’re not in school, they ask to come here and explore. My children are amazing little hikers and have shown me much more of the park than I ever would’ve discovered on my own. There are numerous playgrounds. Our favorite is the newly refurnished Redwood Playground. But there are several ideal for all ages of kids. In addition to decent picnic areas you may reserve with Rec and Parks.

While we are there, one of our favorite activities, if we are not hiking or playing, at one of the several playgrounds is to construct fairy houses out of found fallen limbs, leaves, moss, eucalyptus leaves, and other found things. When my youngest gets especially creative, he asks me to bring my bow saw, hatchet, and mallet so we can manufacture the pieces we need for his grand ideas.
So between the little teepees the classes build together, and my children’s thoughtfully built færie houses, you will find little structures throughout the park. Be careful! They are færie houses after all!
Also great for doggos and finding peace.
Drive slowly and enjoy.

Adding this to the list of dog friendliest favorite places in San Francisco! So many well behaved dogs off leash. There is a nice sized pond/reservoir that other dogs were swimming in, but the color was a very bright greenish-blue, which was concerning enough for us to not let our dog go in or try to drink it.

One of the best hills to breathe some air in sf nice view and easy parking 🅿 looks a bit empty so don’t know if it’s safe to be around or not
Will go back and update this comment

One of my favorite dog friendly parks in the city. Never too busy and big enough to feel in nature

Great park! Lovely place to take your dog on a walk along the pavement or on the trail. When it’s clear, there’s gorgeous views of the city on one side and the water on the other. They also have free tennis courts that are available to book online!

McLaren Park is a hidden gem. I am a little concerned about making this review. I really don’t want it to change - a place in SF with lots of parking, views of downtown, Twin Peaks, the bay and several neighborhoods. Walking trails in the woods - you will forget you are in the city. Golfing, dog park and tennis courts!

Please don’t come here.

A very beautiful and secluded place for a leisurely trail walk. Loved it esp the view from the cliff

Just a really wonderful park to take a stroll through, jog, take your dogs, picnic and BBQ. Has some of the best views in the neighborhood (blue tower). Lots of great little gems throughout such as Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre, Hidden Bridges, McNab Lake (pond), and others. It's really a beautiful and underrated park in the city, very fortunate to have this park so close to me.

Beautiful and expansive park. Never realized how big it was. To explore all parts of the park will take a good half of the day. Highlights include the blue tower with views to downtown, lakes with ducks and coots, a mini labyrinth with curious objects, tall eucalyptus and pine forests, an amphitheater and grassy hills overlooking the bay.

In my humble opinion, this part, like Portola neighborhood itself where the park is located, is a hidden gem and underrated.

This park is huge! It made up of different kind of terrines through tour the park. This place also include quite a few nicely built lakes, children’s play ground area. It even has a amphitheater inside the park which serves many free concerts in the summer! It even has a designated area to unleash dogs to play freely!

Last but not least, it has this amazing Birdseye view of downtown SF right at the entrance side of the park where you can simply enjoy a quick picnic with this amazing view!

There is so much more this park has to offer. Just go enjoy its beauty!

This is a great park to explore and get some steps in. The climb to the blue water tower is worth the steps 360 views all around. Great for dogs but please always remember to be polite and curb your dog.

The park is well maintained, and a very nice place to enjoy a family gathering.

3rd largest park in San Francisco with a wide variety of terrain and trails.

Has: multiple playgrounds (one is still in construction), picnic areas with tables and bbq, Jerry Garcia amphitheater, the 2.7mile Philosophers Way trail, look outs at the East Bay, views of Downtown SF, an observation deck, hills, grasslands, forest trees, tennis courts, a dog park, parking within the park or along it, a pond/lake, wooden bridges, trees with steps to climb up, huts made of fallen branches, and more!

One of the nice and quiet public parks . Perfect for dogs and family and friends get together. Great place for workout as well.

Fantastic park that is the second largest in the city. Stunning views and closed off roads for additional walking/riding during quarantine. Lots of paths to explore.

Great place to take a well-trained dog off leash. Spacious and not too busy.

The park is well maintained with a lot of activities available. Bikes are able to use the trails. There is good hiking as well. Fantastic views galore.

Often in the shadow of SF’s Golden Gate Park, this huge park had great hiking and biking trails, playgrounds and vistas with incredible views of the Southern neighborhoods of SF. Jerry Garcia Amphitheater is currently undergoing renovation.

John McClaren park has breathtaking views trails. You can hike not to mention the Jerry Garcia amphitheater.
Dedicated bike riding lane Off to cool courses playground upon with ducks swans Baseball diamonds
Tennis courts pickleball. I'm john mcclaren park is a must see And don't forget your camera cause you will regret it.