Feel the calm and peacefulness of your new home in the Outer Sunset, San Francisco! The neighborhood where the ocean meets the city.
Located in the western part of San Francisco, the peaceful, laid-back Outer Sunset neighborhood enjoys beautiful ocean views and unspoiled beaches undisturbed by fast-paced city life. In the Outer Sunset there’s no room for hectic schedules or needing more time every day. Instead, there is only the sound of nature, the smell of coffee, and your to-do lists to complete the day.
Can you imagine if this is your daily routine? The peace and tranquility it brings waking up to the sound of nature instead of the busy streets and city noise? It would be a great escape! So why not come and experience the Outer Sunset neighborhood? A friendly, residential neighborhood home to local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Below, you will find some of the highlights in the Outer Sunset neighborhood and why it is worth checking out.
Living in Outer Sunset Neighborhood, San Francisco
The Outer Sunset is one of the largest neighborhoods in San Francisco and occupies an area of 4.5 square miles. It is bounded to the west by the pacific ocean and Parkside to the south. To the north lies Golden Gate Park, with Inner Sunset and Forest Hill to the east. Surprisingly, the Outer Sunset neighborhood is not as crowded, with only 15,672 residents per square mile vs. San Francisco’s average of 18,879.
As soon as you set foot in Outer Sunset, your daily view of high-rise buildings and condominiums will change into brightly colored, single-family homes with plenty of backyard space. The real estate in this neighborhood is very different from what you are used to in San Francisco. As a result, there is more sky to see than a concrete jungle. Outer Sunset real estate will remind you of what San Francisco used to be before it became a city that does not sleep.
Although the Outer Sunset neighborhood is still within the city limits, the way of life in this community is very contrary. While the residents in San Francisco go out and about in their daily life, residents in Outer Sunset enjoy a more relaxed suburban vibe. Outer Sunset denizens spend more in local shops and markets for food and necessities. This setup brings the community closer and helps foster connections among neighbors. In effect, this also helps the community reduce crowds and clutter. And if the residents feel like going shopping or have other retail therapy needs, they can go to the eastern part of Irving street.
Downtown and other parts of San Francisco are easily accessible through the Muni. For instance, you can take the N Judah, L Taraval, or M Oceanview trains on your next trip! The transport system is comfortable and convenient, and residents appreciate that getting around by public transportation is manageable. Still, the train is just one of the means of commuting. If you are up for an adventure, you can explore riding the bus, taxi, or Uber. Additionally, going around the neighborhood is not a problem because the area is bicycle-friendly, thanks to its flat terrain and bike trails.
Finally, living in the Outer Sunset neighborhood means embracing the foggy weather all year round except for occasional sunny days around September. And yet residents of Outer Sunset love the mystic fog as it creates a mysterious identity around the neighborhood. It’s like hiding a precious gem away from the crowd. And if you haven’t been in the area, you can’t help but wonder, what lies behind the fog?
Exciting and Fun things to do in the Outer Sunset, San Francisco!
Outer Sunset is brimming with incredible ocean views and green parks. The neighborhood’s proximity to nature complements its suburban and laid-back vibe! It is the perfect spot for families, nature lovers, surfers, and people looking for peace and relaxation.
There are endless fun and exciting activities you can do in this neighborhood. The most obvious one is exploring Ocean Beach. One of San Francisco’s most incredible natural escapes, Ocean Beach boasts a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline that offers one of the best sunsets in California! It is home to many aspiring surfers and professionals looking to catch some waves without traveling far. And if you have the guts to catch your first wave, you can try surfing too! Or you can chill by the beach, listen to the sound of the waves and wait for the beautiful Sunset.
Once you have your beach fun and tan lines, you can try a different experience at San Francisco Zoo (Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway). This animal sanctuary is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals. From the African savannah, complete with a lowland gorilla preserve, to Grizzly Island, the San Francisco Zoo is a full day of fun for all ages. It offers guests a very engaging and informative experience, including fun rides. This activity is perfect for a weekend getaway with friends and families.
And if you are looking to unwind and get closer to nature, you can explore the nearby Pine Lake Park and Stern Grove (Sloat Boulevard and Vale Avenue). The Park is a steep forested valley of 63 acres comprising meadows, lush forest, and Pine Lake, one of the few remaining natural lakes in San Francisco and home to migratory birds. And in the summer, you get to experience the Stern Grove Festival, the longest-running and most important of San Francisco’s free summer concert series from mid-June until mid-August.
On top of that, residents of the Outer Sunset neighborhood also enjoy jogging, strolling with their fur babies, and quick picnics at nearby parks and playgrounds. It is a picture of a simple way of life – one full of precious moments and genuine connections with families and the community.
The socials – where you can chill, dine and socialize!
You might think the Outer Sunset neighborhood is only about nature and its calming and stress-free vibe. Not to burst your bubble, but that is not the case. You can have the entire day planning for your socials, a.k.a. satisfying your taste buds, and hanging out with your family and friends!
Begin your day with a warm cup of coffee at Andytown, the most popular coffee shop in the neighborhood. Don’t miss out on their famous snowy plovers, a creamy espresso soda paired with freshly baked scones. If you are looking for a healthy alternative, head out to Judahlicious cafe, which specializes in raw and vegan bites paired with fresh juices and smoothies. And if you plan to eat like a king on a beautiful day in the Outer Sunset neighborhood, go to the Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. They make a great breakfast sandwich with their house-made biscuits. There will be a line, but it will be worth it.
Next up, lunch! Since we are in the ocean neighborhood, take your chance to dine at Hook Fish Co. The fresh catch of the day is what’s on the menu at Hook Fish Co., from crab cakes to fish tacos and poke burritos. You can taste the flavor of the ocean melting in your mouth. Another restaurant in the area that you must also check out is the Outerlands. Try the daily vegetarian doughnut special, the jalepeño shrimp, or even something as simple as a grilled cheese sandwich to see what the buzz is all about. You won’t be disappointed.
Spend your afternoon catching up with friends and family at Java Beach Cafe! This friendly and cozy cafe at the corner of La Playa St. is where the city ends and the ocean begins. It has a large and lovely outdoor patio right across from the rolling dunes of Ocean Beach. This cafe has been around since 1993, and most residents in this neighborhood have created several memories and countless stories to tell. And you, too, will create a roller coaster of memories in this place.
Before the sun sets to the other side of the world, head to Sunset Cantina for a beautiful sunset view while enjoying your tacos and margarita. If you are in the mood for pasta and pizza, check out DamnFine. They make some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the neighborhood, featuring an excellent collection of wine and cocktails. There are also several bars open in the area for your after-dinner plans. There is the Whitecap in Taraval street with its charming little cocktail bar and indoor fireplace, and the Riptide with tons of live music and a good selection of draught beers.
With all the foggy vibe hovering around Outer Sunset, you are probably surprised to learn about all the diversity, fun, and character in this neighborhood! And there is more to the Outer Sunset than meets the eye. So if you are looking for a new home and a truly local experience, the Outer Sunset in San Francisco is well worth exploring.
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