5 Stops To Make: Ingleside to Presidio

5 Stops To Make: Ingleside to Presidio

We are launching a new blog series titled 5 Stops to Make. Here we focus on 5 stops to make while you are on foot or on wheels through different neighborhoods in San Francisco. 5 Stops is about discovering and sharing little gems in our neighborhoods.

We start with this route from Ingleside to Presidio.

1. Brooks Park
Surrounded by Shields St, Vernon St and Sargent St, Brooks Park lies on the south-facing hillside of Merced Heights. Driving southbound on 280 crossing into the Daly City border, it is very likely you might have glanced to your right and seen where this park is without knowing it’s there. It’s a little neighborhood park featuring walking trails and a community garden. 

2. Pine Lake Park at Stern Grove

The southwest part of San Francisco is an urban oasis, and living out here we are blessed with lakes and parks among dense residentials. Pine Lake is within Stern Grove, and is one of the last remaining lakes in San Francisco.

3. Sunset Reservoir
As you make your way up north, a stop at the reservoir must be had. Up on the elevating Ortega St, there is a small walk trail and a fantastic view of the Pacific. It’s the perfect spot to watch a sun set without the crowds.

4. Stow Lake
Golden Gate Park is inevitable to pass through (unless you go around), and our favorite stop here is Stow Lake. Catch some golden light for some fantastic photos! Our family loves taking a slow walk around the lake, and we take our family photos here because of said golden light.  

5. Baker Beach
The last stop is Baker Beach, at the southwest entry point of the Presidio. We love hanging out at Baker Beach to watch the ships come in. Also a quiet but cold place for a classic San Francisco picnic!

Expect hills and traffic. This may very well be a half day trek, but if you aren’t interested in riding a 9 mile route (that’s just one way), we hope that knowing these little gems exist will have you pay a visit. We love the western neighborhoods for the sun set lighting, so if anything brings you out here, come for the sun set!