Outer Richmond Neighborhood – Home to Pacific Beaches, Lush Green Parks, and mouth-watering cuisines!
One of the most underrated neighborhoods, Outer Richmond in San Francisco is a family-friendly neighborhood with a very diverse community. The residents enjoy a peaceful ambiance, the pure bliss of being surrounded by oceans and parks, and the delicious assortment of food within their reach. Did you know that the Outer Richmond Neighborhood is one of San Francisco’s many Chinatowns?
Located in the western part of the city, Outer Richmond in San Francisco is a large neighborhood occupying a surface area of 1.2 miles. Its population density is 16,246 people per square mile, lower than the overall population density of San Francisco’s 18,879. The Sea Cliff and Presidio is the neighborhood’s border to the north, the Inner Richmond to the east, the Golden Gate Park to the south, and the ocean to the west.
What’s it like living in Outer Richmond?
Living in Outer Richmond allows the residents to escape from the usual urban living. It is the kind of neighborhood where you know your neighbors by their names, not just by buildings or faces. You interact with them on any given day and learn their stories. The neighborhood also offers a more relaxed atmosphere, quieter streets, and is closer to the beautiful pacific beaches. It is perfect for people tired of fast-paced city life and looking to settle in a calm and very accommodating neighborhood.
There are several housing properties to choose from in the Outer Richmond San Francisco real estate market. You can go for either apartment-type buildings (though not high-rise), single-family homes (some with incredible ocean views), bungalows, or a handful of Edwardian and Victorian homes.
Due to its location, the Outer Richmond neighborhood has ever-changing and unpredictable weather every day. The infamous weather condition that non-residents have heard of is the foggy vibe that rolls over the community in the afternoon. But beyond these atmospheric disturbances, the residents of Outer Richmond love the tranquility, scenery, cuisines, and quality of life they are getting in the community.
Where do we eat in the Outer Richmond neighborhood?
With Outer Richmond emerging as the next Chinatown in San Francisco, it is no longer a question of where to eat. Instead, it’s a question of, “What cuisine are you going to try today?”
As expected, a wide selection of Asian cuisines is available in the Outer Richmond. From your favorite Asian staples like Shanghai dumplings to freshly made and mouth-watering Japanese sushi, Hong Kong-style seafood, and Korean BBQ, you have several options to satisfy your Asian cuisine cravings. You can also find Khan Toke Thai House in Outer Richmond, one of the first Thai restaurants in San Francisco! It has been featured several times in Bay Area Travel Guide, and the food truly lives up to its reputation! Meanwhile, for your sweet tooth cravings, try the infamous pearl milk tea that has come a long way from Taiwan. The Sweet House cafe has more than a dozen flavors where you can create your secret favorite pearl milk tea.
Once your appetite for Asian food is satisfied, explore another burst of flavor that is also dominant in the neighborhood! Is your palate missing authentic Italian Pizza and Pasta? Or is it Russia’s beef stroganoff? Whatever it is, there is always something savory for you to try on in the Outer Richmond. For a unique dining experience, head to Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant. As the only Egyptian Restaurant in the entire Bay Area, you can experience authentic and delicious food and a glimpse of Egyptian culinary tradition, culture, dance, and music. For something fancy with a Parisian vibe, there is French Bistro classic in the neighborhood that offers three-course menus, à la carte dishes, and a vegetarian selection.
It is incredible how residents in this neighborhood experience different flavors around the globe right at their doorstep. They can experience authentic quality food at a reasonable price without traveling far! It is convenient and liberating to know that your food choices are endless! There are always other cuisines, cafes, and restaurants in the neighborhood waiting for you to explore and discover.
What are the fun things to do in the Outer Richmond Neighborhood?
Embracing nature and outdoor activities is the best way to spend your weekend and idle time when living in a laid-back neighborhood like the Outer Richmond. With its proximity to the beach, nature, parks, and rich historical sites, you can spend most of your time outdoors.
The Beach. One of the best-selling features of this neighborhood is its closeness to the beach; Ocean beach, China beach, and Baker Beach. Ocean Beach is your friend if you love surfing and catching huge waves. Otherwise, it is best to admire the beauty of the ocean from afar since it can get dangerous due to extreme riptides. On the other hand, if you want an excellent spot for sunbathing and picnicking, head to Baker Beach and get a chance to capture the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. And for a more exclusive vibe, go to China Beach. You get the same vibe as Baker beach but with a smaller crowd where you can enjoy the sound of the waves and wildlife.
Golden Gate Park. The calming vibe of Golden Gate Park will surely relax the anxious mind. Even if you are in a laid-back neighborhood, the daily hustles can still be stressful. So it’s great to have a nearby escape where you can meditate and let your mind wander to the sound of nature. More than the tours and activities, locals love coming to this park to get active by riding bikes, strolling around, going for a long run, or playing ball games. It is also a relaxing and fun thing to do with the family.
The Sutro Baths and Heights. The Sutro Baths were once a destination bathhouse and recreational swimming facility in San Francisco. Sadly, the baths burned down in 1966. What remains of the once glorious facility are the ruins that serve as landmarks to those who would love to visit and explore historical sites. On the other hand, Sutro Heights is less popular with tourists. Which means it is a hidden gem for the residents of the Outer Richmond Neighborhood to enjoy.
Lands End. On the northern side of the Outer Richmond, you will find one of the most popular trails in the area, the Lands End. This 3.4 miles, out-and-back, gorgeous hiking path is set high on the cliff overlooking the lovely views of the Sutro Bath, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. On weekends, it can be heavily packed! So if you want to skip the crowd, try coming here 1 hour before the sunset. It’s a stunning trail with a sunset view as your backdrop.
Palace of the Legion of Honor. Perched at the top of Lincoln Park, you will find one of the most beautiful museums in San Francisco City. The construction of the Palace is in honor of Californians who died in France in World War I. Today, it houses some of the most valuable art around the world. You will find European paintings and sculptures, ancient art, and photography, including the works of famous artists Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. Together with the De Young Museum, the Legion of Honor is one of San Francisco’s most prominent public art institutions.
Nightlife
Life after sundown in the Outer Richmond neighborhood differs from the vibrant inner districts’ ever-changing assortments of refreshments and endless lists of clubs and bars. But for the residents, enjoying classic beers and spirited drinks with good friends and neighbors can also be a definition of nightlife! And if partying and clubbing are your thing, you may have to take a step back and start embracing a more chill and cozy night out.
On a weekend night, you won’t be able to find a stool to enjoy a glass of Guinness at The Blarney stone, an Irish pub well-loved by the locals. Here, you can enjoy a unique menu of specialty cocktails while watching the ‘9ers! Another establishment worth checking out in the Outer Richmond Neighborhood is Trad’r Sam. One of the longest-operating tiki bars in San Francisco, Trad’r Sam is famous for its blended tropical-theme drinks like Scorpions and Piña Coladas.
