Ultimate Guide to Exploring Outer Sunset

Sure, San Francisco’s Outer Sunset is on the Pacific-most fringes of city limits, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trek out to visit. This neighborhood boasts expansive Ocean Beach, parks, and a surfer chill vibe that rivals anything you’ll find in Southern California. Moreover, because we’re still in San Francisco, there’s amazing food, shops, and some great bars to explore.

Location

Go west. Seriously, keep going…until you hit the ocean. Finally, you’ve reached the Outer Sunset! Unlike the majority of urban San Francisco, this neighborhood is replete with surfers, board shorts, and a distinct laid-back vibe. It represents the city’s no-frills side, home to the western reaches of Golden Gate Park, chill hangouts like the Java Beach Cafe, and the end points of numerous MUNI transit lines.

History

This large swath of San Francisco used to be nothing more than endless sand dunes. Then the city dumped a bunch of old horse-drawn carriages out on the beach, and the squatters moved in, unofficially deeming their neighborhood “Carville.” It wasn’t until after the devastating earthquake and fire of 1906 that people saw potential in San Francisco’s “Outside Lands,” constructing track homes side-by-side and transforming the neighborhood into what it is today.

Eat: Breakfast

Nothing beats a hot cup of joe on a foggy Sunset morning, and this beachside neighborhood features many excellent offerings. Andytown Coffee Roasters is a popular spot with locals, serving up a slightly bitter brew and exceptional pastries, most notably their sweet and savory cornmeal blueberry muffins. However, for breakfast heavyweights, Devil’s Teeth Baking Company is the undeniable favorite. Fans flock here for their beloved breakfast sandwich, featuring scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, and applewood smoked bacon, all held together with a homemade buttermilk biscuit. Yum!

Eat: Lunch

Here’s an incredible reason to go vegan: if only for a lunch hour. You’re probably rolling your eyes at the computer screen, but hear us out: the Outer Sunset’s raw, vegan, and organic juice stronghold Judahlicious is 100% delicious, and you may be surprised by the menu’s variety. Opt for coconut rice with fresh veggies, sprouts, and tamari sauce, or go for the No Shoes, No Shirt (essentially a Mexican combo platter) instead. You’ll definitely leave satisfied; however, remember, there’s more neighborhood food to come….

Eat: Dinner

Looking to experience the Outer Sunset’s vast dinner options? Here are some of our favorite spots:

For Getting Fancy: Head to Outerlands. This stylish earthy and industrial space is extremely popular on weekends, making it much easier to snag a seat at the bar on weekdays. Order dishes like Washington Manila Clams and Smoked Berkshire Pork Chop with brussel sprouts at whim.

For Casual but Delicious: Terra Cotta Warrior or offers a refreshing take on Chinese food, which is spicier and sourer than your traditional variety.

For Late-Night Bites: You may mistake Korean eatery Toyose for a garage by its exterior, though inside it’s filled with charming lights and wood beams. Order anything with kimchi, and you won’t go wrong; therefore, don’t miss the chicken wings.

Drink

The Outer Sunset is by no means San Francisco’s imbibing capital; however, there are numerous good places to get your drink on should you choose.

For Beer: If you like Devil’s Teeth Bakery, you’ll enjoy Sunset Reservoir Brewery, since they share the same sourdough starter. The brewery features five tap beers that cross the flavor spectrum, along with high ceilings and plant life, presenting a cool warehouse vibe.

For Margaritas: You can’t go wrong at Celia’s By the Beach, a neighborhood staple since 1960. Margaritas come served frozen in cactus cocktail glasses, and a platter of enchiladas will help keep tomorrow’s hangover at bay.

For Anything: Like a mythical phoenix, the Outer Sunset’s Riptide rose from the ashes. After a 2015 fire nearly destroyed the place, its owners utilized money from a Go Fund Me campaign to rebuild it and recapture its beloved old-school honky tonk vibe. Snuggle up by the fire and wait for bingo hour to make new friends, or test out your vocal cords weekly with Riptide’s Tuesday night karaoke.

Play

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, the Outer Sunset is your oyster.

For the Beach: Ocean Beach stretches for 3.5 miles and serves as a refuge for the Snowy Plover, a tiny shorebird skittering across the tideline. You’ll also see a plethora of surfers in the swell. You might mistake their wetsuit-clad bodies for seals; however, there are some of those in the water too. Bring a blanket and a picnic, but keep an eye out for wandering off-leash dogs.

For the Park: With winding trails and open fields, Golden Gate Park is the ultimate backyard paradise. Experience museums like the de Young, botanical gardens, a disc golf course, and even a herd of buffalo and bison. The park itself is 1,017 acres, making it about 20% larger than New York City’s Central Park.

For Both: Spend hours watching hang gliders air-surfing past the cliffs of Fort Funston on windy days; however, this stunning portion of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers much more, including 200-foot high sandy bluffs, expansive beach, rolling dunes, and ample forested areas to explore. It makes for a fun stroll with friends, your pup, or both.

Shop

You may not think there’s good shopping out in this foggy district; however, unique mom-and-pop shops are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.

For Interiors: Across from Devil’s Teeth Bakery, you’ll find Establish, a store filled with plants, vintage clothes, unique candles, and various fixtures to help warm your home. The best part? The shop owner usually has warm cider available during winter months and sangria in the summer, perfect for sipping as you browse.

For Art: 3 Fish Studios is run by a husband-and-wife duo specializing in printmaking and painting. Invest in an “I Love California” bear or find your own home state souvenir.

For Surfers: Anyone in need of a new surf wax or fins finds their way to Mollusk Surf Shop, a local institution; however, they stock much more than surfing gear. Shop for stylish screen-printed shirts, well-made windbreakers, and swimsuits galore.