Lake Murray is so beautiful and I enjoy coming here! I've been here a few times to walk the trail and also sit by the lake and read on a nice sunny morning. The birds can be a bit annoying, but guess that comes with the great outdoors. Definitely a nice spot to chill, take a walk and get those steps in. This area feels safe and well maintained. When I went, there weren't too many people, so it was pretty peaceful. The trail can get busy and there are bathrooms along the way (I didn't use them though) There's plenty of parking here, but just be sure you leave on time for closing. I've heard they lock up and it can be an issue with getting out. (not sure how true this is but I won't chance it) There is more parking elsewhere with trail access too, I just personally haven't found it. read more

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Lake Murray Service road walking trail is one of my go-to workouts--about 5.5 miles to the locked gate and back. After entering the main entrance, follow the road and turn right where you will see a yellow locked gate. This is the beginning of the paved walking trail. There's plenty of parking at the main entrance, and the paved trail is perfect for walkers, runners, bikers, and even kids tagging along. It's basically a choose-your-own-adventure: bird watching, fishing (permit required), or just a casual picnic. Bonus perks: lots of porta potties and benches when you need a breather. If you're holding out for a real restroom, there's one just past the second baseball field--plan accordingly. Photo is attached to show where to locate this. Heads up: the main gate is closed every 2nd Tuesday of the month, but don't panic--you can still access the trail through the neighborhood entrance off Baltimore Drive. Hope you enjoy this walking trail as much as I do. read more

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* Great outdoors * Relaxing views * Great service I love this park I've been here a few times already. Sometimes I come alone for a peaceful walk or to pedal a boat, and other times with family. On our last visit, we rented a boat to cruise around the lake and also took a pedal boat. It's definitely a workout, but so much fun! I was a little bummed that the city no longer allows duck food sales since the kids loved feeding them, but I understand it's probably safer for the birds. This park is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a relaxing walk along the trails. There's a small store with the bare minimum, but it closes early so be sure to check the hours if you plan on renting boats. Bonus tip: there's a Starbucks right at the entrance, so if you go early, grab a coffee and enjoy the views. Definitely recommend this spot if you're looking to unwind and enjoy nature. read more

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I came here the other day for a run and it was great! The path is wide enough for plenty of people. Plenty of parking on the weekdays. Lots of bathrooms on the trail. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Sometimes I like to "treat myself" to a sunset walk to clear my head of the stresses and challenges that life throws at all of us. Walking is therapy, and this lake is where I like to go for it. I mean, I sure do love this lake! It's become my safe spot for a few steps and as I said, a good ol' fashioned head-clearing. There's just something special about the calm water, the eclectic people you see walking, the sound of the ducks, and the golfers/youth baseball players lining the far side of the lake. One thing that I would like to point out for those who have never walked Lake Murray before is that you are not able to walk the entire way around. Yep, better plan your stride, friends. Every step you take is a step that you will have to take back. So, if you make it the 2.8 mile to the end, guess what? There's now 2.8 miles back. Plan accordingly! read more

Great place to get your steps in! Perfect for biking, boating, fishing and roller skating. Very scenic landscape and lake. Limited parking and restroom for use. A fun place to hang out whenever you need nature in your life. read more

Great place to connect to nature and relax, unwind and let all your stress melt away. Still waiting to catch a large mouth bass. I've seen big Momma swimming near the reeds by the jetty, I guess she's stuffing herself with the thousands of shiners that swim around there. Oh well. read more

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There's something about water that calms me down. Watching the ducks paddle, fish jump, or bunnies scurry grounds me. I think I've run the path over 100 times and it never gets old. It's honestly one of my favorite parts of where I live. Parking is never a problem and there are bathrooms appropriately spaced along the path. Lake Murray is one of my happy places. I hope it gives you the same fulfillment that I've received over the years. read more

Fantastic spot to walk and enjoy nature without needing to drive far (well, maybe far depends on your San Diego location). The path around the lake is paved and well maintained, mostly flat. There's a lot of parking and multiple entry points as well. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Beautiful came late morning. Definitely bring a hat or some shades and plenty of water. Most of trail is paved and some area to break away from the paved trail. One of my fave paved trails. Ran 2.5mi walked 3mi. Today was a good day. read more

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I have lived in San Diego for almost 15 years (although I'm from North County) and I only came here last month. This park/trail is really nice and I definitely recommend going here at least once. There is tons of parking, tables to set up a picnic, little boats to rent, and a stand where you can buy some bait for fishing and snacks. The trail around the lake is nice and easy to walk given that it's mostly flat. Btw, try to come here in the morning as it can get pretty hot walking along the trail. Also the trail does NOT go all the way around the lake. The very end of the trail is gated off. Don't make the same dumb mistake I did and assume you can go all the way around. read more

Great spot for walking, biking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. The trail is paved and easy, and there's plenty of space to spread out. Peaceful, clean, and a nice break from the city. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Lake Murray has been a part of my life for a long time. I can remember coming here as a young girl trying to fish with my dad and brother. Then, as I grew up, I came here to explore and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. I try to stop by here every time we visit San Diego because it's beautiful and brings back good memories. read more

My first time walking at Lake Murray, and it was so easy and enjoyable! There are trash bins, bathrooms, and plenty of spaces to relax. You can walk, run, bike, boat, kayak, or have a picnic. There's lots of parking too. I love this place, it's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings. read more

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I've been visiting this park/lake more recently, moreso for starting my fishing adventure with my friends and other times for walking my or strolling around. Fishing: - $11 for permits and a state license is required, with random checks. - Fish I've seen so far but have not caught were Bass, Trout and Bluegills. - The concession store sells bait and tackle in a pinch as well as snacks and drinks. - Pier fishing, boat rentals and boat unloading docks. - Plenty of experienced anglers offering advice and tricks to catch fish to newcomers like me. Walking/Run/Bike: There's a paved path just after the parking lot that's good for any cardio activities, with a 6 mile (total) out and back length. It offers nice views of the lake, is fairly quiet and spacious. Overall it's a nice lake/park that offers a good amount of outdoor things to do if you just want to get outside to enjoy the weather or in need of fresh air. Plenty of parking, generous hours and close to home. read more

Lake Murray is very nice with a lot of goose , ducks , and an abundance of wildlife and flowers read more

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Clean park, nice paths and many different entry ways to this place on all sides of the park. Overall this place is beautiful and hasn't lost any of its beauty for the 25 years I have been coming here. The mosquitos are crazy summer evenings and totally swarm, but that seems like a migration thing as a part of nature. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

My dog's turds are cleaner than this park. I took him here for the first time & left after 10 minutes. There was broken glass all over the place... not ideal for dogs. Trash throughout the area. The ducks are a nice sight, but... duck poop all over. Not a good place to be at all. read more

This place is such a gem! Easy parking and lots of benches spread throughout the loop. My fiance and I have recently been looking for parks nearby where we can have an afternoon stroll/jog and I think this is probably our favorite one so far! The path is a black pavement, which makes for smooth terrain to go running on. On a gloomy day, it reminds me of green lake in Seattle, WA. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Great place to get outdoors and walk or bike. Plenty of parking, picnic tables, trash cans and bathrooms around. We enjoyed seeing all the ducks. We hope to paddle boat next time. We will be back to walk our dogs. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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WALKERS/RUNNERS & **RECREATIONAL** BIKERS: this is your spot!! 5.7 MILE PAVED LOOP It's so great! The birds, the water, the sun, the distance! So much to love, see and do! IS IT SAFE FOR KIDS TO BIKE RIDE? If your kiddo has relatively good situational awareness and can take instructions from you like "stay to the right" then you'll be fine. If your kiddo is just learning how to ride - I suggest a different location where there isn't so much two-way traffic. ATTN FAST BIKERS! The speed limit is 10MPH however there are plenty of opportunities to go beyond when there is no one in your way. Just watch out around those corners (kids!)! Have fun and enjoy the loop!! read more

Lake Murray - View of the lake from the playground! - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Nice easy walk. Paved the whole way and not many hills. Bathrooms stationed throughout the walk were nice. Benches also set up near the lake edge in spots to sit and relax if you want to just enjoy the view and lake. Just under 6 miles from the parking lot to the end and back. read more

Beautiful lake with views! Several places to access the trail. Has a good paved bike path.

I decided to come here during a late afternoon on a random weekend to do a hike around this lake. You couldn't make a complete circuit as it was about 2.8 miles from the trailhead before metal fencing blocked the path, and you had to turn back the way you started. That was too bad because the scenery around Lake Murray was nice, and it would have been ideal to have finished an entire loop. The pavement was very flat with some curves but not as many as the Lake Miramar trail in Scripps Ranch. On the southeast side of the lake, there was a playground with equipment for the kids to enjoy. I saw lots of waterfowl hanging out in this area probably searching for food scraps left behind. The path was very bicycle and dog friendly so you're bound to encounter both along the route. It took me a little bit under two hours to finish the roughly 5.5 mile round trip. I rated this trek between 3 and 3.5 stars. read more

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I love coming here to walk!! If I'm being adventurous, I'll bring my dog! She gets super excited so we can't always do the whole thing. It's so peaceful around the lake and also a good distance. It's about 6 miles total. There's always plenty of parking around and they offer fishing activities as well! read more

Lake Murray is a beautiful lake located in la Mesa off the 8 E where you can enjoy the more calmer side of life rather than the hustle in bustle in San Diego. We decided to come here to check out this lake to get away from the City and wow were were amused. While we arrived we felt at ease and calm with all the big trees surrounding the lake and the grassy lands with ducks, goose and squirrels. The lake is pretty big with fisherman and boats going all up and down the lake. They have ample parking for cars and also have a place to get a fishing license or bait. There is some small trails you can walk in but they dont meet in all ways due to the setup of the lake and pavements. We saw a lot of people having picnics, BBQs, and a whole lot of fishing, It was a great way to get away from the beach scene and head out to the lake to experience the softer side of things in San Diego. There is also a whole lot snails here in the water where you can see bright pink egg being laid everywhere around the waterfront. If your looking to get out of the busy city and enjoy nature I highly recommend you to come here to reset your mind and enjoy the finer things in life and take a stroll around the lake, go fishing, or even set up a picnic for the family. You deserve it! read more

Lake Murray - Lake Murray 7/3/21 - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Lake recreation employees are very negligent. Website hours explain sunrise to sunset. Beware the employees will close gates before sunset with no forewarning. Closed gates early. Neglected to inform drivers and pedestrians at the lake during daylight of gate closure. But will drive around in city trucks wasting gas not doing a thing. Worst park I've ever gone too. Multiple cars were with drivers were locked in overnight. read more

We got some bbq to go and ended up taking it here to eat! They had a few tables not far from the lake and we were able to find one no problem! Lots of parking, which I like, cuz I hate going to places where parking is an issue! After eating, we ended up going closer to the edge of the lake and just watched the ducks swimming by. They even came up to us, probably looking to see if we would feed them? But we did not have anything, so they moved on. LOL! I wanna go back to check out the trails. It's nice to be outdoors and this is a great place to check out and soak in the sun! read more

Lake Murray - Ducks! - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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The lake has always been my quiet place to go. I like the watch the birds , ducks,geese. It was a rainy day so where wasn't a lot of people there. The lake is beautiful and very calm. The wind was blowing through the tree and that is very calming to me. I felt the sun on my face while breathing rain fresh air. Wonderful! read more

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Loved this place it was very peaceful. Went during a slow time frame so parking was easy and it wasn't crowded. No shade and not a ton of restrooms or water fountains. Really enjoyed the walk though. Lots of places to sit and was a perfect retreat from the city read more

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The scenery here was great for walking, only disadvantage was they close on the 2nd Tuesday every month if you decided to go that day you would be out of luck, but again if you can find parking on the street, you could walk the lake anytime you like, I don't think they care, the loop didn't quite go around all the way because there are a cut off for the restricted area, you have to double back, but it is a good 6-7 miles easy, you could also ride your bike, fishing, or boating. Pretty enjoy the place every time I'm here. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great place for day picnic or walk or trail. Friendly environment, clean and plenty of places to enjoy

What a beautiful view of a gorgeous lake. Very serene and natural. You can feel the nature in the air that gives the mind peace. Looking at the lake and listening to the sounds put me in a place. The trails were also awesomely designed. Nice inclines and declines. I recommend anyone to take a walk on Lake Murray. Or better yet, bring the family for a picnic. You won't be disappointed at the picnic areas. read more

Lake Murray - A beautiful Lake Murray view - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

The horse shoe pits are nice and shady great quite scene with a nice scene of the lake but the pits could use some maintenance read more

Lake Murray - The pits could use some love - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

We had a great time rented a boat had lunch on a bench and it was amazing friendly people it was hot that day but with a gentle breeze

Have not been here in years! So beautiful and so many wild birds around. Plenty of parking and very clean. I enjoyed walking here with my pups and watching the sun set. Will plan on coming more often. Easy walk. read more

Beautiful lake with ducks and geese! There are no street lights, so you should leave before it gets dark because it will be hard to find your car later read more

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Beautiful place to walk if you are into that kinda of thing! The Lake is very calming kept clean. I am just a visitor to San Diego. Had the opportunity to experience this location. Wanted to go into the store or whatever the building is there by the dock! Only downside is the restrooms are not open, not sure why considering there is a lot of activity there. read more

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What's there not to like about Lake Murray... I have lost and gained a lot of pounds through the years at Lake Murray. Whether walking, running, biking, bbq's, lounging or having a picnic, Lake Murray has seen me at my best and my worst. Enjoy 4th of July or watch a concert in the park. The scenery is beautiful and spending the day out on a boat will be the most relaxing day you will have. Oh and did I say pet friendly?! You will see all types of fur babies at Lake Murray. As for mine. Buddy, Buttercup, Snowy, Hakudya, Sasha, May you RIP Also a great place for rollerblading. Something I cannot do but I see many people picking up speed on their skates.... read more

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A great place for a long walk in La Mesa. It's closer to 5 stars except that the portapotties along the route are filthy. It does get warm on the asphalt so come earlier for longer walks if you (or your dog) is sensitive to heat. The trail isn't strenuous or anything, so it's doable for just about anyone, as long as you bring water. Lots of dogs, and unlike other places, it seems like everyone follows leash rules, so that's a plus. Dogs are not supposed to go in the water but I'm not sure that rule is followed as much. It's a nice little Oasis in the urban sprawl. There are tons of water fowl, and be careful cause the geese are mean as heck and will hiss at you (and your dog) with or without goslings. read more

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