Lake Merced Tours



Nothing beats spending time by the water while you're on vacation. Bring a picnic to Lake Merced and then hang around for an impressive sunset.

When it comes to free experiences to add to your Lakeshore travel plans, Lake Merced is a good starting point. But this body of water is just one of countless sights that draw visitors to this lakeside neighborhood. Head to nearby Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street and Palace of Fine Arts to round off an enjoyable day of sightseeing.

Plan a trip to see Lake Merced

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Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Fitzgerald Hotel
Appellation Healdsburg

Browse tours and tickets to explore Lake Merced

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History & culture

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Cruises & boat tours

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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake Merced

Mirage Inn and Suites

Mirage Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
2600 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Mirage Inn and Suites
Private 3BR/2BA/Pet Friendly Next To Ocean Beach

Private 3BR/2BA/Pet Friendly Next To Ocean Beach

San Francisco
Private 3BR/2BA/Pet Friendly Next To Ocean Beach
Maddux Homes near Westlake

Maddux Homes near Westlake

2.5 out of 5
752 Maddux Dr, Daly City, CA
Maddux Homes near Westlake
Large studio in San Francisco's Sunset District provides needed tranquility after a day of exploring.

Large studio in San Francisco's Sunset District provides needed tranquility after a day of exploring.

San Francisco
Large studio in San Francisco's Sunset District provides needed tranquility after a day of exploring.
Stunning 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Home near BART

Stunning 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Home near BART

3 out of 5
771 Niantic Ave, Daly City, CA
Stunning 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Home near BART
Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit

Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit

SF
Cozy 2BR, Totally Private Suite With Parking, Convenient Public Transit
Hampton Inn San Francisco-Daly City

Hampton Inn San Francisco-Daly City

2.5 out of 5
2700 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA
Hampton Inn San Francisco-Daly City
Private First Floor 2-bedroom space in San Francisco

Private First Floor 2-bedroom space in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA
Private First Floor 2-bedroom space in San Francisco
Bright & Modern 2BR/2BA | Near SFSU & Transit

Bright & Modern 2BR/2BA | Near SFSU & Transit

San Francisco
Bright & Modern 2BR/2BA | Near SFSU & Transit
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake Merced

At Lake Merced, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets, explore local art, and indulge in shopping. The area features a popular golf course for enthusiasts, along with various recreational activities like walking and jogging along the lake. For those looking to camp, there are several great campsites nearby, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures and relaxation in a picturesque setting.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Stonestown Galleria, just 1 mile from Lake Merced, offering a lively mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Union Street, located 7 miles away, featuring more shopping options in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Chase Center, where you can catch a thrilling game or event. For a cultural touch, head to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for live music. Enjoy a round of golf at the Olympic Club, set in beautiful surroundings just 0.7 miles away.

Adventure

Explore the Coastal Trail, a stunning hiking trail located 5 miles from Lake Merced, offering breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For a thrilling experience, visit K1 Speed San Francisco, a karting venue 7 miles away, where you can race against friends in an adrenaline-filled environment.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Orpheum Theatre, just 6 miles away, offering captivating performances in a romantic setting. For film lovers, the Castro Theatre, located 4 miles from Lake Merced, showcases classic and indie films. Don't miss the Morrison Planetarium, also 4 miles away, for a unique entertainment experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake Merced

Explore the vibrant Lake Merced in San Francisco, where you can enjoy a mix of urban parks, scenic beaches, and historic colleges. Ideal for cultural enthusiasts and families alike, visitors can unwind at the Lake Merced Boathouse or take leisurely strolls around the picturesque lake. This area promises a blend of relaxation and exploration, making it a great spot for tourists seeking both nature and local charm.

  • Golden Gate Park: An urban oasis just 3 miles from Lake Merced, Golden Gate Park offers lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and vibrant attractions. Families will enjoy the playgrounds, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails amidst a variety of cultural institutions.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: A mere 6 miles away, this iconic symbol of San Francisco is a marvel of engineering and design. With breathtaking views and rich history, it’s a must-visit for those looking to soak in the culture and beauty of the city.
  • Ocean Beach: Located 3 miles from Lake Merced, Ocean Beach features stunning coastal views and a relaxed beach atmosphere. Perfect for a scenic stroll or a picnic, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the Pacific breeze.

Best time to go to Lake Merced

The best time to visit Lake Merced can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lake Merced falls in September, when visitor numbers are low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Lake Merced falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyHighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnyLowAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyLowSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyHighSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake Merced

To save money on your trip to Lake Merced, consider visiting during the off-peak months of February and November to December, when prices are lower. Booking on a Friday can also help you secure a better rate. Use Expedia to compare prices and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings through package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Public transport options can help you get around affordably, allowing you to enjoy free activities around the lake.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake Merced are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake Merced is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake Merced is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can organize your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Lake Merced hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia