Kensington is a great walking neighborhood, but sometimes, you just want to get off the beaten path and have some uninterrupted time away from cars and neighbors ... that time was today, so we went to Lake Murray for the first time in at least two years. We're only a 10-minute drive from this little sanctuary, but we just hadn't thought about it in awhile! It was a gorgeous 75 degrees there this afternoon with just a slight breeze off the lake. Because it was a weekday, the path was lightly populated with a pleasant mix of walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skateboarders. There were also a lot of boaters on the lake, but they were greatly outnumbered by ducks. One of the coolest parts about the path is that you get a nice mix of grades to mix up your walk/jog/ride ... and, because the path changes directions, you're never facing the sun or the breeze at all times. Only two minor issues ... no matter when you go, you'll have a guy who is convinced that he's going to be riding with Lance Armstrong in next year's Tour de France going way too fast ... that, and even a teeny weeny bit of live grass would be excellent, but with the city's budget troubles, that ain't happening any time soon. Enjoy it for what it is ... a nice little escape from most of the world for just a short drive from many places in San Diego. read more

I've been coming here since I was a little kid. In all the years I've known about this place, it hasn't really changed a bit --- and I love that! It's way peaceful and it is beautiful. I like to bring my bike and go up and down the u-shaped trail. You can bring a picnic here and you can also rent a row boat and go out on the water! Super family friendly and great summer hang out when the beaches get too crowded. read more

Great spot for running, walking, rollerblading or what ever you like!! The park itself is well maintained and is beautiful for a go around any time of day. There are porta potties stationed along the way and mileage markers just for your FYI. Need a new place to get some fresh air and this is your place!! read more

This was a standard park/lake. Nothing bad about it but nothing spectacular. I came on Tuesday afternoon to go for a walk and feed some ducks! The lake itself is pretty big. I can see how it'd be a nice run if you're looking to get away from pavement. I didn't get a chance to explore too much past the initial parking lot. There's a little house with boats and kayaks for rent. Would seem like something fun to do as well but NOT on a really not, sunny day lol There were families and people just sitting and waiting for the sunset as well. Nothing loud, the area wasn't dirty and i didn't see any bums roaming around or anything so that's good. I don't know if it's because a lot of people come here to feed ducks, but when I came, they did NOT care about being given food! LOL! Maybe they were full, or maybe they were being picky that I was giving them tortillas instead of bread, but they were not interested at all. That's a first haha. Still, I saw a couple squirrels, chipmunks, ducks, and all sorts of birds :) I wouldn't come out of my way to come here, especially with all the beautiful places to visit in SD, but if you're around/in the area, I'd stop by here for sure. read more

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I'm new to SD and have been looking for a good place to walk/run that I can bring my pup with me to. I like that people don't give you "that look" when you show up with a dog. You know, like when you hear a baby screaming at the movies. I feel like I get this stare at Cowles Mountain. Low intensity, but long trail so you can walk/run/skip/jump/whatever your heart desires and still get a good work out. Plus it's got a a nice view. read more

This is my go-to spot for a nice walk or bike ride. Pros- relatively flat, some small inclines, but nothing too difficult. Good views of the lake, restrooms, spacious paved path, children's park nearby, pavilions and picnic tables, Starbucks on the corner, plenty of parking. Fishing is allowed, boat rentals are available. Cons- not a full loop, you walk to the end, then turn around and walk back the way you came. Gates close at 8, which in the summer when the sun doesn't set till 9, you lose track of time and amidst get your car locked in. He he... Plan accordingly! read more

I can't believe a beautiful lake such as Lake Murray can be found not too far away from San Diego and La Mesa. I'm surprised that I didn't see more people taking advantage of all the outdoor activities that could be done here. I had a great run with the picturesque setting of the sun shining upon the lake near sunset, small mountains in the background, and green all over. It is about a 5K road around the lake up to a gate, turn around to make it a challenging, yet satisfying 10K (6.2 mi). This will be a regular exercise (running/cycling) venue for me from now on. Simply beautiful! read more

The first time I was ever at Lake Murray was on my birthday scavenger hunt, much like Fiesta Island, except I spent a great deal more time here deciphering code... More recently, my friend Ashley and I have taken walks around the lake while catching up. Never overly crowded, not too many dogs, great paved path, and can easily have a conversation. The only thing I don't like is the constant bugs that suddenly appear in a large swarm in front of your face. But I can deal. Because I'm from MN, and at least they aren't mosquitos the size of golf balls. read more

It's nice to have a great place to play & exercise so close to home. Lake Murray have a great trail for biking, running or walking. If you want to fish or paddle boat they even have rentals. Have enjoyed this gem for years. read more

Lake Murray - Wow! Lake Murray is SO pretty - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Beautiful, Private parking opened from 6-6 (not to sure on this) and still accessible from the street. It's 3.3 miles to the gate so if you went to and fro you'd do 6.6 miles. Good work out, kayaking can be found and catch and release. it looks gorgeous now that it's rained. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Lake Murray community park and playground is located at 7001 Murray ridge road 92119. This parks playground has been renovated and includes the latest in climbing structures. A residential park complete with covered picnic tables grassy field, swings and a bike path that meanders throughout. From my perspective the Only drawback is the port-a-potty facilities,limited shade and occasional crowds. From a 4 year olds view this is a kids paradise. read more

Great place to walk and talk. especially when you are pregnant and can't go up long grueling hikes on trails. They have a concession stand with snacks and drinks. Boarding dock with lots of rentals for biking and boating. Wouldn't feel too safe after sun goes down, but in the daytime there always seems to be a good crowd. Will probably walk here after baby is born and use a stroller w the baby! read more

Great place to go and relax for time and think about your life's problems and look at cowls mountain too. Blessings to all read more

If you live in La Mesa, or surrounding areas - it's a must see! We love to come here with the family and walk around the lake. It's always well maintained and the views are beautiful. Did I mention, dog friendly?! read more

Great lake to fish, walk, run or just hang out and enjoy the outdoors.

Such a great way to get your daily workout in! This lake is never too crowded and makes for an easy trail for your run/walk. There are even bikers that use the path. The path is dog friendly and you do not run into the problem of owners not picking up after their pets here, like they forget to do at Cowles Mountain. Has great sunrises and sunsets! read more

The proximity of this park is awesome! it's just a mile off the 8. I love going for a walk around with my dogs, its a really nice paved trail with some offset dirt trails too. It's a great trail for biking, running, dog walking or just meandering along in that SoCal stroll...... The Trail is very well maintained, I rarely saw trash or anything that didn't belong. Great spot! read more

My family loves this location. We go walking,bike riding, dog walking and fishing. Sometimes we will take a boat out. I do wish the bathrooms were kept a little cleaner. read more

When I moved back to San Diego, I knew the only way in which I would return to La Mesa was if I was walking distance to the lake (I am). I take my dog on 3 walks a day and the longest walk I do in the afternoon from my apartment to the lake. My dog is lazy and gets too tired to do the real trail (I've biked it in the past and should probably do it again to get in shape). We just walk literally around the lake and back. I know it isn't Mission Bay, but it's very relaxing at the end of a stressful and busy day to walk here where it's calm and not too crowded (it's crowded on weekends). The usual suspects are here- annoying Canadian Geese, a lot of ducks, doves, and pidgeons. I often see rabbits and squirrels. Once in awhile in the mornings I've seen buzzards hanging around. On one occasion I saw a huge turtle in the middle of the road for workers covered in some sand. I carried it to the shore and it swam off. A couple of weeks later, I think I saw it swimming as I saw a little turtle head peeking out. During the spring, you will see lots of baby rabbits, baby squirrels, ducklings, and baby geese. Cute. -1 due to the litter. I regularly see condom wrappers and used condoms at Lake Murray and on Kiowa on your way to Lake Murray. I've seen seeing some dead animals too. Once in awhile I see a dead duck and today I saw a huge dead frog. I regularly see animal bones too. Not sure if the litter played a role. read more

Really pretty place to run. I only wish that it were possible to do an entire loop around the like (like Miramar), but I guess I understand. After reading the other reviews, it appears that I may be running the wrong side of it. It's only 4-ish miles from start to gate and back (someone else wrote that it's 6). Maybe the opposite way is longer? Or maybe they moved the gate even closer to start than it used to be... Or maybe I'm just too dumb to figure it out! Anyway, nice trail. Gorgeous view. I love it on a rainy day when it's not as crowded and very serene. Not sure why people don't pick up after their pets here. They even provide dog bags. Makes the better dog parents (like me) look like jerks, jerks. read more

This is such a cute little lake, which is actually bigger than just a little lake. I've been blessed enough to live close enough to walk over so I'm always coming here for my morning runs. There's usually a decent amount of people here so I always feel pretty safe. People come to run, walk their dogs, ride their bikes and push their babies. There's also a rental place there where you can rent out little boats to take out onto the lake. My husband comes here to fish occasionally but he's never actually caught anything so I'm not sure I would recommend it for fishing. As far as for exercise, bbq's and relaxing then it's a great spot. read more

Lake Murray - My morning run by the lake - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Lot's of active people at a clean well maintained family friendly park. I love going to Lake Murray for a short bike ride, recovery exercise day or a walk around the lake with friends or family. You will enjoy the lake especially on a sunny day, and fortunately we have lot's of those here in SD. The bathroom facilities along the path are pretty disgusting so try not to drink too much water, in some ways I guess we just know it's going to be like that and accept it, but I wish they would be serviced more often. read more

This park offers a plenty of terrific opportunities for all. Whether you like to run, hike, bike, walk your dog or roller skate their paved trails provide a safe place to do so. The park also offers paddle boats and plenty of good fishing spots. There is plenty of parking and even a store for you but things you may have forgotten. If you like to feed the ducks, I can say that this is probably one of the best places I have ever been able to do so. There were so many ducks and geese. They are not afraid of humans and will eat out of your hand. This is really fun for the kids. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Great place for picnicking, exercising, biking, photography and my favorite fishing. The great thing about this lake is that you can bike or run around the lake without having to worry about being hit a car like Lake Miramar.. You can'[t walk entirely around the lake because there is a fence by the DAM area that will force you to head back. Make sure you read the sign on what time the gates are closed and give yourself enough time to make it back. THEY WILL LOCK YOU IN!!! If you are locked in, you will have to call La Mesa PD to unlock the gates. You will also have to make up an excuse on why you weren't able to comprehend the posted signs. You can launch your boat, kayak, canoe or floater. There are 4 Blue Iron Ranger for you to pay for launching your vessel. Fishing is excellent here at times. Bluegills are located at the fishing T dock. I have seen a lot of success with people using wax worms.They are great for someone learning how to fish. Just drop your wax worm and sinker straight down from the pier. Their are Bass/ Bluegills/ Catfish/ Carps and Koi fishes in this late. The Small DFG trouts are stocked when budget permits Best fishing time are early in the morning and late in the evening at this lake. The bites in the middle of the day seem to be non existence . You are required to have both a CA State fishing license and a Daily Fishing permit. read more

Definitely a great spot to talk a walk with your significant other or your pup and/or have a nice picnic! read more

Lake Murray - Corgis love lake murray! Especially all those ducks! - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

Love up and down hills, shadow and sunny areas, 3 1/2 miles one way... must walk it back. Beautiful scenario around the lake read more

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Wonderful hike. series of benches throughout the walk. Unfortunately the day I came here it was a gloomy day but my friend said that on the sunny days the lake is a beautiful blue color. Just watch out for the dog poop, come on people don't be lameee, suck it up and pick up your 4 legged family member's unko. read more

My grandparents live within walking distance to here, so I have been coming here for years. Like most other lakes and trails in San Diego County, you will have crowds during the weekends, so be patient with them. Don't be afraid to train them on moving to right when walking slowly. There are lots of ducks chilling around and plenty of shade along the path that circles the lake. I used to ride my bike a lot here when I was a kid too. If you live out in the East County, you would do yourself a disservice by not coming here. read more

Old camp feel lake. Perfect if you dont want to go to the touristy areas and pay more money. Perfect to sit, read a book, watch the ducks, do watersports and relax. You can't swim in the water, but there are other great things to enjoy like sitting in the peddle boat on the water and having lunch with your daughter :-) read more

I hadn't been to the lake in about 8 years!!! So this past Sunday I came with a friend, we decided it would be good to have a bi of change, I'm always at the beach, why not do something inland for a change.... This place is so nice and relaxing, great for a walk or a jog, but even better, a walk with a good friend(s) while discussing the meaning of life.....and yes, also gossiping a little, but just a little ;) oh yeah, if you wan to go all the way around the lake, it is about 6 miles, so bring comfortable shoes. read more

Being that it was overcast, we ditched plans to wine taste in Temecula Valley and drove over to Lake Murray for a picnic instead. Our plans for laying out and reading were dashed when we realized we'd driven to an area with patches of hard, uneven, pebbled earth! It was much too cold to sit anyway so we decided to take a leisurely walk. The trail was nicely maintained, with beautiful flora and fauna, and we passed a ton of athletically geared couples and families walking, biking and running along the trail. It's also a great place to walk since there are other trails besides the graveled one we stayed on. About 30 minutes into our leisurely walk we stopped a lady to ask whether the trail looped back to the parking lot, and she amusedly informed us that it dead-ended, so the only way for us to get back was to turn back around and walk all the way back. Thank goodness we asked! On our way back, we saw a beautiful, elegant swan gliding leisurely over the placid water through the reeds. An unexpected change of plans turned into an amazingly peaceful walk in beautiful Lake Murray! It's not Golden Gate Park, but it is definitely a special place I will come to again. read more

Such a peaceful place to take a break from a hectic day. Lake Murray offers a nice walking path that is flat and feels nice and open. Perfect for a quiet walk where you can have a 6 mile conversation with a friend with no hills, big rocks, or pressure to move faster than you want to. If you have the time to bring a picnic lunch you can enjoy the ducks, coots, and the single swan that make the lake home. There are also lots of squirrels, who I found out do not like to eat sugar peas, at least not the shells. It looks like you can rent boats there, or bring your own but I have never tried that so I do not know the details but you can get them here http://www.mtrp.org/lake_murray.asp There is usually plenty of parking and there is no charge. read more

Fishing , Hiking , Jogging , Bike with Kids ? Reading a book ? Just relaxing ? this is your destination ! its the best escape location in east county area , on a weekend morning its full with people all ages , full of life , I love Lake Murray , and I am visiting soon to enjoy the trail . read more

We go here all the time for a nice walk or just to feed the ducks. It's super relaxing and great to see the seasons change and wildlife. I only have one single complaint and that is if you are a walker/dog walker/runner, etc. you will be fighting with some super speedy bikers when you go around the lake. I would personally not feel comfortable letting small kids and wandering dogs walk here. read more

So many things I do here...... Running, hiking, biking, boating, fishing...... Lake Murray is my heart..... read more

This place is silent and very quiet. Sb juging, fishing, the viow is fantastic. But I felt very sad when I was there .I don't know whay. Maybe because of the big place and a little people read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

I have to admit that Lake Murray is one of my favorite places to unwind. Lake Murray is great for walking, jogging, running, cycling and even roller blading if that is your cup of tea. There are usually plenty of parking unless you go on the weekend then it might be a little more challenging with finding parking. I went to Lake Murray the other day after work and found parking right away. I brought my mat and took a nap under the trees by the water. Liked how no one bothered me. Listened to some music and took a refreshing nap. I like being by the water in general so I love looking at the lake, ducks, little children playing alongside the water with a backdrop of Cowles Mountain. Great place to have a picnic. read more

Lake Murray - Parks Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've been coming here for decades and really love the wildlife viewing. I don't know of any other place in the city where you can see so many different birds and animals. I love the babies I see hatching/being born there! It's also a very nice walking path with a lot of nice people, too. Watch out for cyclists, though, if you are walking or birdwatching. My only real complaint is that there is an increasing lack of enforcement of the rules there. People let their dogs run loose down at the water and come very close to killing ground nesting bird babies or ducklings. Or, people bring in a lot of alcohol and glass bottles and leave the trash laying around. Plus, so many parents think it's perfectly OK to let their kids chase and throw rocks at the ducks! This is something that has been getting steadily worse in the last few years probably due to budget cuts. I hope they fix this soon. read more

What nice people. I was out on the path panting and pushing my limit when a passing cyclist gave me a high five. People rock

Great place to walk with your friends or family if you are in the area. Too bad the trails are all concrete. It would be nice to have a dirt track for us Vibram runners. Another downfall is that you cannot make a loop around the path. You have to go in and go back out the way you came. The beauty is you make your walk, jog, run, bike as short or long as you want. Bring your left-over bread or crackers and feed the weird-looking ducks. And can someone tell me what those weird black birds are?? PS. *There is a very creepy, very large deformed goose on the southside of the lake. read more