Lake Merced - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

San Francisco Zoo is a majestic 100 acre property, which is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast.

This is a 33-acre recreational site in the Sunset District, San Francisco, California. It consists of several park sections including the Concert Meadow, the West Meadow, and Pine Lake Park. The grove's Pine Lake is one of three natural lakes in the city of San Francisco. In 2005, Stern Grove underwent a $15 million renovation, designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. New features included drainage improvements and erosion control, an expanded outdoor stage and performance facilities.

Thornton State Beach is a remote beach below tall bluffs just south of San Francisco. The park is known for the hiking and equestrian trails on the bluff terraces high above the waterline.There are some multi-purpose trails, some covered with vegetation or sandy dunes, that wind down closer to the ocean, but these trails have not been maintained and may be badly eroded.

Hawk Hill is a magnificent remnant hilltop dune with ocean views of southwestern San Francisco. It offers a prime vantage point for viewing thousands of hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures collectively known as “raptors” as they soar overhead during their annual fall migration.This unique site in the Marin Headlands is steeped in military history and plays an important role in the vitality of endangered mission blue butterflies.

Mount Davidson in San Francisco is the highest peak in the city. It reaches 928 feet above sea level and offers a great hiking experience. The hill is well known for its 103-foot concrete cross on the top of it. Each year on Easter, you will find a sunrise service in front of the cross. They also have an annual event on April 24 to commemorate the Armenian Genocide. It is the site of a yearly prayer service, performed on Easter.

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a set of mosaic staircases in the Inner Sunset District. These colorful pieces of art showcase intricate designs that can be enjoyed from both far away and close up. The theme of the overall design focuses on the sea to the stars. You will see lovely spiral designs with small sea creatures all around them. You will also see a set of stairs with a beautiful moon. Another popular one is a yellow and orange sun.