Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay

- 1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA 94158

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s thriving Mission Bay neighborhood, the Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at UCSF offers a comprehensive and dynamic environment for all your health and wellness needs. This expansive facility is more than just a gym; it’s a modern recreation hub designed to cater to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, from casual exercisers to dedicated athletes. Since opening in 2005, Bakar Fitness has become an integral part of the vibrant UCSF community and a valuable resource for its surrounding neighbors. The center is known for its spacious layout, contemporary design, and an impressive selection of state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Whether you’re looking to lift weights, swim laps, take a group class, or simply find a place to unwind and recharge, you’ll find an option that fits your needs here.

The center’s philosophy is centered on the transformative power of community and access to top-notch resources. We believe that a healthy lifestyle is a cornerstone of a happy life, and we are committed to providing the facilities and services that make this journey both enjoyable and effective. With three floors of activities, including a full-sized gymnasium and a sunny rooftop pool, the variety of offerings is one of our greatest strengths. We strive to provide a clean, well-maintained, and well-equipped space where our members can focus on their fitness goals. While our primary focus is on serving the UCSF community—including students, faculty, and staff—we also offer membership options to the wider public, making our unique facilities available to more residents of the Bay Area.

However, it's worth noting that the experience can sometimes be impacted by a lack of clear and consistently enforced policies. As with any shared space, communal respect is key, and members have noted that the management's approach to resolving conflicts around common-courtesy issues, such as loud music in shared spaces, has been a source of frustration. This can sometimes lead to a less-than-ideal environment for those who prioritize a quiet and respectful workout setting. It is always a good idea to consider your personal needs and preferences for a gym's atmosphere before committing to a membership.

The Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center is located at 1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA 94158. This strategic location in the Mission Bay district places it in a dynamic and easily accessible part of the city. The area is a hub for biotech and a rapidly growing neighborhood, making it convenient for professionals and residents alike. The center is easily reachable by various forms of public transportation, including MUNI, and is a short distance from the I-280 freeway, making it a viable destination for those traveling from other parts of the Bay Area. The building itself is an architectural highlight, with a prominent presence in the neighborhood, surrounded by open spaces and offering an incredible view of downtown San Francisco from its rooftop.

This central and well-connected location allows members to seamlessly integrate their fitness routine into their daily life, whether they are commuting to work, attending classes at UCSF, or simply living in the vibrant Mission Bay community.

Services Offered

• Unlimited Group X Classes: A membership provides access to an extensive schedule of group fitness classes, catering to all levels and interests.
• Personal Training: Certified personal trainers are available to help you create a customized workout plan and provide one-on-one guidance to achieve your fitness goals.
• Strength and Cardio Training: The center features spacious weight rooms with a decent number of squat and deadlift racks, a full line of free weights and exercise machines, and a variety of cardio equipment.
• Aquatics: We offer two swimming pools—a rooftop lap pool with stunning views and a ground-floor pool used for swimming and therapy classes.
• Recreational Sports: The facility includes a full-sized gymnasium, basketball, squash, and racquetball courts for drop-in sports and organized activities.
• Pilates Studios: We have two dedicated Pilates studios for specialized classes.

Features / Highlights

• Spacious and Well-Equipped: The gym is very large and clean, with a wide variety of well-maintained, relatively new equipment. It boasts numerous weightlifting racks, though some members desire a wider variety of specialized cable and machine equipment.
• Locker Rooms and Showers: Members have access to nice, clean locker rooms with free daily lockers, showers, and saunas, along with complimentary towel service.
• Two Swimming Pools: The center’s pools are a major draw, offering both a rooftop pool with scenic views and an indoor option for different types of aquatic workouts and relaxation.
• Rock Climbing Wall: A unique feature on the rooftop, the rock climbing wall adds an exciting and challenging dimension to the fitness offerings.
• Sauna: Our facilities include saunas for post-workout recovery and relaxation.
• Reciprocal Agreements: The center has reciprocal arrangements with other UC campuses, allowing students and staff from other UC locations to access the facilities.

Contact Information

Address: 1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA

Phone: (415) 514-4545

What is worth choosing

When considering a gym in the San Francisco area, the Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay stands out for its extensive facilities and comprehensive offerings. What makes it a compelling choice is the sheer variety of activities available under one roof. The combination of multiple pools, a full gymnasium, a rock climbing wall, and a wide array of cardio and weightlifting equipment means you'll never run out of ways to challenge yourself. For a single membership, you gain access to a truly all-encompassing fitness experience that goes far beyond what a standard gym provides. The presence of nice locker rooms, showers, and saunas also adds to the overall comfort and value.

However, it is crucial to consider the community and management aspects. As noted in customer reviews, there have been concerns regarding management's handling of certain issues, such as noise and member conduct. The gym's policy and management's response to community concerns might not align with every person's expectations for a respectful and quiet environment. While the facilities themselves are top-notch, potential members should be aware that the community atmosphere is a factor to consider.

Despite these concerns, for those who value variety, a clean environment, and a wide range of amenities like pools and a climbing wall, Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center is a compelling option. The gym is a great fit for individuals who are self-motivated and can navigate a busy, multi-use facility. For a student, staff member, or a local resident who can get a discounted rate, the value proposition is particularly strong. If your primary goal is access to diverse, high-quality fitness resources and you are comfortable with a lively, community-driven atmosphere, Bakar Fitness is a worthy destination in Mission Bay.

Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay

1675 Owens St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA