The Outer Sunset +
Ocean Beach
At the far western edge of the city sits a little stretch of San Francisco that has been lovingly and carefully built up. Shops & restaurants have intentionally opened, all adjacent to
Streets are alphabetical north to south
Where the city meets the coast
FOOD + DRINK
For just a few short blocks of the commercial corridor, there are some shops that are my favorite in the whole city. Mollusk Surf Shop is a proper surf shop, selling unique boards, as well as men’s and women’s apparel.
In the tiny but mighty Case for Making, you can get blissfully lost in their perfectly curated art supplies, ___ and small watercolor palettes, making you sure that this is the time you’ll take on that new creative endeavor.
Should you want to bring back a souvenir General Store… Homeware, jewelry, gifts. Want everything in the store, walk away with something really special.
Black Bird Bookstore is not just a great local bookstore, it’s one of my favorites bookstores I’ve ever been to. Come for the excellent design, with reclaimed wood tables and bright, welcoming vibe, and stay for the fantastic curation, great kids area, and unparalleled backyard. They do kids story hours on the weekends and have a coffee shop in house, you’ll never want to leave.
SHOPS
For exceptional fish dishes, including tacos, with a cool outdoor seating spot, get yourself to Hook Fish Co., where they thoughtfully source their fish and stuff.
Should you need a snack or meal, you can’t get closer to the beach than Java Beach Cafe. Their great cafe menu is made that much better by the presence of lots of yummy drinks and some kids menu options. Also great evening non alcoholic bar?
Staple of the neighborhood Outerlands
housemade break
If you’re willing to make a pilgrimmedge a few blocks away for some top tier coffee, get yourself to Lawton Street and Andytown Coffee Roasters.
Espresso cream soda in the Original Bird
ACTIVITIES
The main draw out here is the ocean. You’re blocks away from Ocean Beach, a huge beautiful stretch where seasoned surfers are headed to the waves at all times of day. It’s not a balmy, calm beach, but it’s rough and beautiful.
In the pandemic, Great Highway was closed off for pedestrian usage. Still the case on weekends, when the Upper Great Highway – from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard – becomes an amazing bike, running, and walking thoroughfare.
Go a short drive south and visit the red pandas and ride the train of the San Francisco Zoo. Or join the dog walkers and stroll the trails of Fort Funston while marveling at the hang gliders.
Go a little bit north, and you’re in Golden Gate Park! You can take in a meal at the family-friendly Beach Chalet. Drive just a minute up the coast and you’re at Lands End and the Sutro Baths ruins.
Info about it. Hmmm how to describe this beautiful area?
