Top 10 Lively Activities Around Lake Merced California

Between San Francisco State University and the Pacific Ocean in California sits Lake Merced. In 1859 United States Senator David C. Broderick was killed in a duel by Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court David S. Terry at the Lake. Thankfully, we don’t need to duel to have fun there today. From horseback riding to hang gliding, Lake Merced is like an adult playground for those who are willing to look for it.

Enjoy a day at the beach

Sunny days are scarce in San Francisco, but when they occur, the best thing to do is go to the beach. Located a little west of Lake Merced, Ocean Beach stretches five miles along the Pacific Ocean. There’s not much at Ocean Beach so you have to make your own entertainment. Bring a surfboard, boogie board, bocce ball, volleyball set, some tunes or just a towel and catch some rays. Just be careful, the water tends to be freezing.

1. San Francisco Zoo

Museum, Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is one of the best attractions in San Francisco to spend the entire day at. Admire some of the most exotic animals in the world such as snow leopards, black rhinos, toucans, komodo dragons and so much more. They also offer free days for San Francisco residents. To save even more money, find street parking and bring your own food.

Discover the Underground San Francisco State

If you don’t mind being around a bunch of college students, then San Francisco State is the place to be. Under the Cesar Chavez building is another city where all the students go to unwind. The first level of the underground you can grab a beer at The Pub or catch a live concert at The Depot. If you’re feeling hungry go one more level down and find some of the best food including Ike’s Place and Nizario’s Pizza. On that level there’s also an arcade and pool tables that cost only $8 an hour.

Cesar Chavez Center, 1650 Holloway Ave C-134, San Francisco, CA, USA (415) 338-1044

Go Work out

Lake Merced is a beautiful place, but it has to potential to make you a beautiful person. Known as the Lake Merced Workout, free workout stations are positioned around the entire lake. The popular routine is to start anywhere on the track and run to each of the stations. Some of the stations include pull-up bars, elite rings and balance bars. The lake itself is a 4.5 mile loop. Putting all of this together will give you a great workout session.

Explore the area

If none of these things interest you then it doesn’t hurt to find your own trail. It’s easy to find a hike trail around Fort Funston National Park. There’s a narrow cave that shoots deep into the cliffs that not many people know about. There’s plenty to see when walking around Lake Merced.