Schmerikon profits from its proximity to the regional centre of Rapperswil-Jona and the motorway exit. The «lake village», as the locals call it, is also on the route of the Voralpen Express, the direct link north to Toggenburg, St. Gallen and the Bodensee, and south to Pfäffikon (Alpamare waterworld) towards Einsiedeln (monastery) and the Vierwaldstättersee. Other railway lines lead to Rapperswil and connections to Zurich as well as to Uznach and Ziegelbrücke in the direction of Glarnerland and Heidiland. Scheduled boat services link Schmerikon with destinations on the Obersee as well as with Zurich.

The rural surroundings of the oberen Zürichsee and the bordering Linth plain offer inviting hikes, e.g. to the mouth of the Linth or along the shore path to Rapperswil (approx. 2.5 hours, possible return by train). More ambitious hikers can circle the Zürichsee in about 7 hours (35km). The traditional pilgrims’ path over Etzel to the monastery village of Einsiedeln is very popular. Schmerikon is also on the Route of St James.

Its lakeside location makes Schmerikon perfect for water sport: it has an indoor swimming pool with sauna and a lakeside lido with a large sunbathing meadow.

Only a few kilometres from Schmerikon lies the excursion destination of Atzmännig: summer attractions include a 700m long giant slide, and a leisure park. In winter - if Mother Holle cooperates - Atzmännig offers ski fun without travelling a long way to the slopes.