Timeline
06:39
Get to the shore of Lake Merced before the sun breaks the horizon. The lake is in the southwestern corner of the city, so arrive with time to spare. The air is crisp in January, so dress warmly.
07:24
Watch the sunrise at 07:24. The light turns the water gold as the sun rises in the east, casting long shadows across the lake. This is the quiet moment before the day begins.
08:09
The sun is fully up. Take a short walk along the shore to stretch your legs. The lake is a popular fishing spot, so you might see locals casting lines in the morning light.
Local tip
There are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity for this early start. Bring a thermos of coffee or a breakfast bar if you want to eat before the sun rises. Check local opening hours for any nearby cafes if you plan to stop after your walk.
Check before you go
- Sunrise is at 07:24 on 15 January.
- There are no food or drink options listed at Lake Merced itself.
- Check local opening hours for any nearby cafes if you plan to stop after your walk.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Francisco (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).