Shoreline Lake Boathouse

Pros: Good for novice golfers, sailors, windsurfers.
Cons: Bad for picnics, horribly dangerous for kite-flying.

I actually came here seeking a place to fly my performance stunt kites. I ended up driving through the various areas and it looks really nice in here. I've played the golf course once, and it was decent for a public novice-level course but the other recreational areas, especially the lake, looked very picturesque.

The kite-flying area though, which is what I came for, is a big time No-No. They even have a sign that says "Kite Flying Area" but let me point out a couple safety issues that are non-negotiable. First, we have lots of lamp-poles as this kite area is apparently 50 ft. of grass and hundreds of yards of an unpaved parking lot. The lamp poles all have kites stuck on them with lines flying in the wind like some kind of kite graveyard. Secondly, and most dangerously, there are friggin power lines 800 yards downwind. How could the city of Mountain View put up a sign saying this is a designated kite flying area... ?

So far, best kite flying areas in the SF Bay: Crissy Field in SF, Berkeley Marina Green, and Half Moon Bay beaches.

Beautiful park! This park has multiple things! They have a special section when you enter the park for flying kits, a golf course, and cool antique house and the lake at the very top of the park. They lake isn't that large but for a nice swim or water activity it's good. You can bring your own water activity too! We brought our kayak and paddle board. They do charge a launching fee of $5. You can also rent many water activity's that they have available. Such as a paddle board, Kayak, sailing boat, signal bikes, double bikes, and more!

I will say compared to the ocean water this was is way more itchy and way more salty than ocean water. However this park is close to use and still very pretty. The best time to go to this place is definitely Monday-Friday. The weekends are crazy and you won't find parking.

A beautiful spot for a flat, leisurely stroll! Unfortunately, hundreds of others think so, as well. A few anti-maskers, zero social distancing, and dogs on the crowded paths. (It's supposed to be no pets allowed - and no, they were not service animals.) A skittish dog caused a young boy to panic and fall off his bike. Parking is a challenge as the lake shares a lot with Shoreline Golf Course. Perhaps midweek is less crowded?

Great views, long straight paths, cool breezes, and some wildlife if you're lucky. A hawk was perched on a speed limit sign and it didn't seem to be bothered by the multiple people passing by. I also saw a mouse next to the trail and it didn't run off despite multiple people taking pictures of it.

Gorgeous place to visit for a family friendly bike ride or cabin fever outing due to Covid-19. The pathway to get to the lake is amazing, and depending on which way you come from, you will find parking. This trail is great for a bike ride, long distance run (4 miles plus), or a nice stroll. On weekends or Holidays, this place gets pretty busy and not so safe for the kiddos with the fast bikes hauling a** down the pathway. Come by and stop by at the lake for a rest, enjoy the view and birds.

I love the boating here and the lake is very fun. I have generally enjoyed coming here. However, recently I had a terrible experience and I really did not care for the lack of empathy from the staff.

I went out in a single kayak and (my fault) dropped my phone in the lake. OFC I was freaking out and having a bit of a panic attack - who wouldn't after losing their phone in a lake?? The (male) staff were standing around super blasé blasé and just saying stuff like "this happens all the time" and "well if it's not here on the shore it's gone". It's like....yes, but there seemingly was no care or empathy or even help. I didn't expect anyone to jump in the lake and look, but I would have appreciated more just like, care? I was all by myself and clearly distressed. This was already a horrible experience (yes, my fault), but the staff were not helpful at all to relieve the frustration. I'm not coming back for awhile lol

I have been coming to Shoreline Lake for a good year. This has been my go to place for walks.

Many people come here to ride bikes and to go on runs. There are all kinds of boats and water thingys to rent and use on the Lake. This also has a connection to what I think is the Baylands trail as well to extend your Shoreline adventure.

Shoreline Lake gets very crowded in the Summer time and on the Weekends. It is a go to spot to enjoy the weather and good views.

Also if your into Pokemon Go, this is a great spot!

It was my first time kayaking and everyone working here was very sweet. I'll definitely be coming back to explore the other water activities offered here.

just past shoreline amphitheatre....drive through the golf course and end at the parking lot at the boathouse....popular local destination and parking difficult later in the afternoon...a mazing of long walking paths and trails...plenty of grass for picnics...a play area for children...and, the lake...rentals available at the boathouse...hourly rentals available from scooters $10 and bikes $16....to $26 for pedal boats, row boats, kayaks, paddleboards and canoes...other rentals available at various prices...DON'T RENT the pedal boats!...rarely ever use caps, but emphasizing the seriousness...looks fun and easy, but it is quite difficult and extremely tiresome...no seat adjustments, so even hard for any adult of average height...rent a row boat or a kayak to enjoy around the lake....or, just take a stroll through the walking paths...

Pros: I think if you get a boat rental now and you inform the staff that you've never had prior experience, they'll give you basic instructions on how to paddle and turn. When I went to Shoreline in the past I never received such instruction.

Cons: Parking can be scarce on the weekends. If there is some kind of event going on (typically wedding) it probably won't affect boating but will affect access to the cafe next to the lake.

Had a good experience overall on the pedal boat with family. Lots of different birds in the area and it wasn't bad pedaling even with the stronger winds. Person who checked us in was friendly along with another staff member who asked us if we had a good time when leaving. The only reason I didn't give a full five stars is because the guy who was docking the boats just stood there and did not offer to help my family member off the boat. She was clearly struggling with her balance, and I kept asking her are you ok and trying to help her stay steady. The guy was standing right in front of us holding onto his docking rod and did not acknowledge her obvious need for assistance. I tried to get off first to help her but when I stepped where she was it made the boat a little more unsteady. I only weigh a buck 20 so if my other family member would have tried to help it would have been a disaster. I had to ask, "Can you lend her a hand?" He finally did. I get there are people out there who are neurodivergent and maybe he has that quality, but it would be helpful to teach him how to assist and be more socially aware especially with his assigned task.