Lake Murray
Lake Murray
4.5
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56 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- David PFayetteville, North Carolina204 contributionsAway from the crowds, fish or relax and walkIf you are new to San Diego or just visiting, Lake Murray is an excellent place to spend the morning/afternoon. There is adequate parking and it's safe. The lake has a paved road that goes all the way around from the parking area to the dam (3.2 miles). You can walk or bike, no cars! They have bathrooms, recommend taking a water bottle to stay hydrated. It would be a great place to train for a 6K run. Kids will like it because of the nature and it's a place were people are friendly.Visited December 2019Written January 5, 2020
- TheExplorerFamilySomerset, New Jersey6,395 contributionsPleasant, Peaceful and Relaxing AreaThis pretty freshwater Lake is located in the Mission Trails Regional Park, and is a popular location for jogging, hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking and people-watching. There was plenty of seating and lots of grills available when we visited. There was a small snack bar with restroom facilities next to it. Also ample parking was available in the large lot. We came here one afternoon for a breath of fresh air in our busy schedule, and felt safe even though there were very few people around. The area is huge and we saw a massive amount of birds, plus some squirrels and hawks. We waited until sunset to take in the beauty of the lake and its surrounds. It is obviously a place for the local people. Worth a visit.Visited December 2019Written January 7, 2020
- SanDiegoFoodCzarSan Diego, California24 contributionsThe Good, The Great, and Why You'd Avoid - Walking pathThe Good - Nice safe area to walk around. Ducks, geese, and lots of families around so a pleasant environment. The Great - The views! Even though you are walking around a single lake, the view seems to change around every bend. While flat walks tend to get boring, the change in sceneray was a pleasant surprise. Why you'd avoid - Lake walking Usually I am not a big fan of walking around a lake due to bugs, smells and other reasons. add to that on this walk that it is about 3.25 miles to the end, then you have to walk 3.25 miles back the way you came. One thing I like about circling a lake is the feeling of accomplishment. Was kind of a let down when I found out I couldn't walk around the whole lake as it was fenced off.Visited September 2021Written September 22, 2021
- K M KKirkwall, United Kingdom30 contributionsEasy WalkGreat place to walk if you are recovering from back/hip issues. After 18 hours of travel time my back was pretty sore and I wanted an easy walk with good footing. Lake Murray fit the bill, we saw an osprey, squirrels, some very cute unidentifiable birds, a water snake, some golfers and a lot of cute dogs on leads. The toilets are the non-flush variety found in lots of parks. They can be quite odiferous and you might need a Kleenex or two. Bring your own water and wear a hat as the sun can be brutal.Visited February 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 23, 2023
- williamn333363 contributionsGREAT PLACE TO WALK THE DOGWe love to walk our Lab on the walkway surrounding Lake Murray. The Lake it self is run by the City of San Diego. There is fishing and kayaking, but no water contact ( swimming or skiing). I do take my ski boat out on the water when I want to run it a little or just putt around. There is a low speed limit, (10 mph I believe). On both the east and west side there is an adjacent park. Plenty of parking.Visited February 2020Written March 1, 2020
- jenniffertaylorSDSan Diego, California56 contributionsRent a kayakWe rented kayaks for the first time with the family. Had a blast for grandmas birthday. Always a beautiful area to walk. But this time was a more unique experience. Like being a tourist in your own backyard. Kayaks were fun and adorable.Visited August 2022Traveled with familyWritten December 14, 2022
- Sabrina KSan Diego, California39 contributionsGreat place for a family StrollOne of my favorite places to take a stroll. Great scenery and lots of people always around so I feel safe there. You can rent paddle boats on site. There are lots of ducks and animals to keep kids occupied during an afternoon picnic.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 3, 2023
- simondog13 contributionsNo need to go to desert for Super BloomRight now Lake Murray is alive with beautiful wild flowers. I wanted to drive to Anza/Borrego to see the Super Bloom but didn't want to fight traffic. I walked around the lake today and it is beautiful.Visited April 2017Traveled soloWritten April 10, 2017
- Andreina DSan Diego, California31 contributionsTake your kids to feed the ducks here!Awesome place to be with family and hang out and take a walk or even a hike. There is always parking and it is a delight to see the ducks and other birds here.Visited February 2014Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2014
- UgaBend ORBend, Oregon162 contributionsWalk about the lakeGreat place to get exercise and enjoy the sun and air. Very nice place to walk, fish or just read and relax on the many park benches.Visited February 2020Traveled soloWritten February 23, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
138 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
50
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
K M K
Kirkwall, UK30 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Great place to walk if you are recovering from back/hip issues. After 18 hours of travel time my back was pretty sore and I wanted an easy walk with good footing. Lake Murray fit the bill, we saw an osprey, squirrels, some very cute unidentifiable birds, a water snake, some golfers and a lot of cute dogs on leads.
The toilets are the non-flush variety found in lots of parks. They can be quite odiferous and you might need a Kleenex or two.
Bring your own water and wear a hat as the sun can be brutal.
The toilets are the non-flush variety found in lots of parks. They can be quite odiferous and you might need a Kleenex or two.
Bring your own water and wear a hat as the sun can be brutal.
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
williamn3333
San Diego63 contributions
Feb 2020
We love to walk our Lab on the walkway surrounding Lake Murray. The Lake it self is run by the City of San Diego. There is fishing and kayaking, but no water contact ( swimming or skiing). I do take my ski boat out on the water when I want to run it a little or just putt around. There is a low speed limit, (10 mph I believe). On both the east and west side there is an adjacent park. Plenty of parking.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenniffertaylorSD
San Diego, CA56 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We rented kayaks for the first time with the family. Had a blast for grandmas birthday. Always a beautiful area to walk. But this time was a more unique experience. Like being a tourist in your own backyard. Kayaks were fun and adorable.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabrina K
San Diego, CA39 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
One of my favorite places to take a stroll. Great scenery and lots of people always around so I feel safe there. You can rent paddle boats on site. There are lots of ducks and animals to keep kids occupied during an afternoon picnic.
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simondog
san diego13 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Right now Lake Murray is alive with beautiful wild flowers. I wanted to drive to Anza/Borrego to see the Super Bloom but didn't want to fight traffic. I walked around the lake today and it is beautiful.
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andreina D
San Diego, CA31 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
Awesome place to be with family and hang out and take a walk or even a hike. There is always parking and it is a delight to see the ducks and other birds here.
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UgaBend OR
Bend, OR162 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Great place to get exercise and enjoy the sun and air. Very nice place to walk, fish or just read and relax on the many park benches.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chad
Vienna, VA110 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Perfect walking or running path in La Mesa. Stay to the right and you shouldn’t have any problems. No swimming as the lake is used for drinking water.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerry R
183 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Wonderful place. What I didn't like about it is that you cannot do running all around the lake because the road doesn't complete full cycle around it. So whatever distance you run or walk, you need to run it back 😁
Written April 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rpleb
cleveland56 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Walked here every morning while vacationing in San Diego. The park and walking road are very clean. Peaceful and quiet. Lots of wild life and scenery.
Written July 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tebessum M
El Cajon, CA
Can we bbq
David P
Fayetteville, NC204 contributions
Yes, by the main parking lot they have some concrete benches with overhead cover and standard metal bbq
Can you bring you own kayak? What's the fee for kayaking there?
David OConnor
Menlo Park, CA2,100 contributions
Yes there is a staging area for your own watercraft. No charge on a personal kayak or canoe enforced. They only wish you bring the proper water safety life vest gear for each person.
Can a family purchase a memorial bench for Lake Murray park
728yvonnep
Santee, United States12 contributions
I believe you would have to have that discussion with the City of La Mesa, perhaps the Parks and Recreation Dept would be a good place to start.
Is there good fishing
91942
San Diego, CA222 contributions
Yes. The lake is stocked several times a year.
Are there any playgrounds?
91942
San Diego, CA222 contributions
Yes, around by the ball fields.
Can I camp there? Bring my own kayak?
jeepers13192016
Spring Valley, CA107 contributions
There is a small fee to launch your kayak.
lilcutechika
Chula Vista, CA
How much does it cost once u buy the fishing license and how much KS the fishing license
AlandDiane
San Diego249 contributions
Sorry I could not respond earlier. We were out of the country. I see you had a couple of other responses. Hopefully, those helped you.
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Claim your listingLake Murray (La Mesa) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Murray
- Hotels near Lake Murray:
- (1.46 mi) Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
- (0.48 mi) San Diego RV Resort
- (0.61 mi) Motel 6 San Diego - La Mesa
- (0.74 mi) Harvey's Motel
- (0.84 mi) Holiday Inn Express San Diego - la Mesa, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Lake Murray:
- (0.03 mi) Starbucks
- (0.62 mi) D.Z. Akin's Delicatessen
- (0.53 mi) Antica Trattoria
- (0.39 mi) Gus's Subs & Pizza
- (0.45 mi) Cucina Basilico
Lake Murray Information
| Excellent Reviews | 78 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 50 |
| Lake Murray Photos | 95 |





































































