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San Francisco Sunset District: Tips to Visit this Neighborhood on SF's Western Edge
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 13, 2025 • Published: November 26, 2019
The San Francisco Sunset District offers a laid-back local atmosphere. It is mostly residential with some great hidden gems.
The Sunset neighborhood is home to lovely tiled stairways, parks with amazing hilltop views, and dozens of popular restaurants and bars.
You have plenty to explore between Golden Gate Park to the north, Ocean Beach on the city's Pacific coast, and the SF Zoo to the south.
What’s New in the Sunset as of Spring 2025?
Two new restaurants:
- Fifty Vara, a neighborhood-driven restaurant and bar offering Californian cuisine with fresh seafood and house brews
- Caché, a modern French bistro dreamed up by two French chefs with Michelin-star experience, providing a seasonal menu with fun and unusual wine pairings
Sunset Dunes, a new 43-acre oceanfront park, opened April 12, 2025:
- In 2024, San Franciscans voted to permanently close a 2-mile section of the Great Highway that ran adjacent to Ocean Beach—the largest pedestrianization project in California history
- That stretch is being transformed into a wide promenade with art installations, performance spaces, outdoor fitness equipment, a children’s area, and more
Where is the Sunset District in San Francisco?
The San Francisco Sunset District is a large neighborhood on the city's western edge.
To the west is Ocean Beach and to the east is Cole Valley. Its northern border is Golden Gate Park and its southern border is Sloat Boulevard.
Its two main areas are generally referred to as the "Inner" and "Outer" Sunset, divided vertically by 19th Avenue.
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Top 10 Things to Do in the San Francisco Sunset District
1. Explore Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park stretches nearly three miles long and has something for everyone.
On the eastern side, just north of the Inner Sunset, you'll find the California Academy of Sciences, which houses an aquarium, planetarium, indoor rainforest, and natural history museum. (Get skip-the-line tickets for our most popular museum!)
Not far from the Cal Academy is the serene Japanese Tea Garden and the de Young Fine Arts Museum with its free observation tower.
Towards the middle of the park you'll discover a large lake where you can rent a boat, do some hiking, or just sit and watch the wildlife.
The western side of Golden Gate Park—just north of the Outer Sunset—gets less traffic but features a golf course, a bison paddock, a beautiful tulip garden, and two windmills over 75 feet tall.
>> Find out all you need to know about Golden Gate Park
Fun Facts: With over 1,000 acres, San Francisco's Golden Gate Park is larger than New York's Central Park. It has been home to a herd of bison since 1892.
2. 16th Avenue Stairs
The 16th Avenue Stairs are perhaps the most famous of all the stairways in San Francisco.
Each of the 163 steps contains gorgeous details that fit seamlessly into the overall design.
Each flight of stairs carries one part of the theme—the ocean, the sky during the day and at night, and other magical settings.
Find it at: Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Avenue
>> Discover more details about the 16th Avenue Stairs
3. Take in the Views at Grandview Park
If you were wondering where the 16th Avenue Stairs led to, you'll be happy to learn that the reward for climbing them is this incredible view!
From this mountaintop park in the San Francisco Sunset District, you can see Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge beyond that, and other cities across the bay.
It is almost always windy here, so you'll want to wear a windbreaker and long pants.
Find it at: 1705 14th Avenue
4. Discover the Hidden Garden Stairs
The Hidden Garden Stairs aren't as well known as the 16th Avenue Stairs, but they are just as stunning. The design features massive flowers, insects, animals, and much more.
One of the reasons why I love these steps is that many of the tiles feature dedications and memorials to people who have passed away or have donated to build or maintain these steps.
Another reason is that, since they are "hidden," you will most likely be the only people there when you visit it.
Find it at: 16th Avenue between Lawton and Kirkham
>> See additional photos and tips for visiting the Hidden Garden Stairs
5. Relax at Ocean Beach
Of San Francisco's beaches, this one is known for gorgeous sunsets, loads of surfers, and an easy escape from all the hustle and bustle of the city.
Be aware that swimming is not recommended at Ocean Beach. If you do decide to wade in up to your knees, be prepared for cold water and strong currents!
A great local hangout, this is also a popular spot for bonfires at night. It is often foggy and chilly here, so dress warm.
You can always stop into the Beach Chalet across the street to enjoy the views from a warm, cozy setting with great food and drinks.
>> Find out more about Ocean Beach
More than Just a Restaurant: The Beach Chalet / Park Chalet is more than a great place to pop in for shelter across from the beach. It also houses the Golden Gate Park Visitor Center, a set of historic 1930s murals, and beers brewed on site!
6. Stroll Through the New Sunset Dunes Park
For decades, joggers and cyclists used a wide path that ran parallel between Ocean Beach and the Great Highway, a thoroughfare for cars.
During the pandemic, the pedestrian area expanded as neighborhood initiatives sprang up along the unused highway, including yoga classes and pop-up concerts.
In 2024, San Franciscans voted to keep the same stretch of the Great Highway closed to cars, thus forming Sunset Dunes Park.
The new park is 2 miles long, running all the way from the SF Zoo to Golden Gate Park.
If you continue 1 mile farther along the northernmost part of Ocean Beach, you'll run into the historic Cliff House and the famous Sutro Baths ruins.
Enjoy the ocean views, wildlife, murals, and new installations throughout the park.
Find it at: Western coast of SF between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard
7. Go for a Hike in the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
This is a true hidden gem for nature lovers in San Francisco. With over 61 acres of eucalyptus trees, wildlife, and trails, you will feel like you have gone back in time.
I often come here when I want some peace and quiet, since there are over 5 miles of trails to explore. Dogs are also allowed to roam around here.
One of my favorite reasons to go are the goat herds that they use to control vegetation growth on Mount Sutro. They are friendly and so cute!
Enter at: 106 Clarendon Avenue and other entrances
8. Attend a Live Music Festival
Outside Lands
This massive three-day festival happens during the month of August in Golden Gate Park and is full of live music, comedy, food, drinks, and art.
Outside Lands is one of SF's most famous music festivals and always has headliners from many different musical styles. Past performers include Elton John, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.
Recent headliners include Green Day, the Foo Fighters, and Kendrick Lamar.
These tickets can be hard to get, so it is best to plan ahead and buy them as soon as possible.
Find it at: Polo Field and Hellman Hollow in Golden Gate Park
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
This beloved annual music festival is free for all to attend and usually takes place the first weekend in October.
It takes place in Golden Gate Park and features many of the best bluegrass musicians from around the world.
Past performers include Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Gillian Welch, and the Lumineers.
Find it at: Hellman Hollow and Marx and Lindley Meadows in Golden Gate Park
Stern Grove Festival
On the south side of the Sunset District, Stern Grove has been hosting a free summer-long concert series for nearly 90 years.
The concerts are held every Sunday afternoon at 2 pm between June and August, and have included big-name artists, such as Carlos Santana, Patti Smith, the Flaming Lips, Chaka Khan, and more.
They are hugely popular, so you will need to reserve your tickets ahead of time, even though admission is free.
Spending the afternoon listening to music among the trees is an experience you'll never forget. Just pack your picnic blanket and get ready for a great time.
Find it at: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard
>> Discover the top 20 SF Bay Area music festivals
Fun Fact: Back in the day, this part of San Francisco used to be just sand dunes and was known as "Outside Lands" (the name of the popular music festival in Golden Gate Park).
This is also how Golden Gate Park got its windmills; they pumped millions of gallons of water daily from an underground aquifer to transform this barren land into the green space that it is today.
9. Enjoy Boutique Shopping
Like the other aspects of this low-key district, the retail in the Sunset SF is also laid-back with a friendly, local vibe.
It's fun to browse the artisan home goods, boutique shoes and apparel, surfing paraphernalia, art supplies, and more. There are also plenty of cute cafes to grab a warm drink or a bite to eat.
In the Inner Sunset, the shopping districts are found on Irving Street between 5th and 12th Avenues and 19th and 25th Avenues.
In the Outer Sunset, working your way inland from the beach, these commercial areas are located on Judah Street between 46th and 42nd Avenues and 33rd and 30th Avenues.
10. Check Out the SF Zoo
At the SF Zoo, you can admire more than 2,000 animals representing more than 250 species from around the world.
Different exhibits range from the giraffes, zebras, and ostriches of the African Savanna to the endangered rhinos across from Cat Kingdom.
Daily zoo keeper talks and feedings are always a crowd pleaser. Kids especially love the interactive play areas where they can learn more about the animals.
I suggest setting aside about 3 to 4 hours when visiting the zoo, as there is so much to see and do here.
Find it at: Sloat Boulevard and the Great Highway
>> Find more details and visiting tips for the SF Zoo
Top Ideas for Your San Francisco Vacation
Restaurants & Bars in the San Francisco Sunset District
Irving Street in the Inner Sunset: Just one block south of Golden Gate Park's most famed attractions, you'll find Irving Street loaded with a variety of restaurants and bars for all budgets and cravings.
Casual options include Crepevine, Art's Cafe, Pasquale's Pizzeria, and the Yellow Submarine sandwich shop. For a special occasion, you might try the new French bistro, Caché.
When I want a drink or two, I often head to this district because of bars such as the Little Shamrock Irish pub (actually on Lincoln Way) and long-time favorite Yancy's Saloon, among others.
Judah Street in the Outer Sunset: If you're closer to the beach, head over to Judah Street between about 40th and 50th Avenues because there is something for everyone.
My favorites are Golden Gate Indian Cuisine and Pizza, Thanh Long Vietnamese restaurant, Outerlands, and Judahlicious (for amazing vegan options).
I often visit Pittsburgh's Pub or the Sunset Cantina for good drinks. It's fun to head down to the beach before or after to watch the sunset.
Bars on Noriega Street: In the central part of the Sunset District, just four blocks south of Judah along Noriega Street, you'll find the fun Flanahan's Pub, no-frills Firefly Sports Bar, and magical Tiki Haven.
Craft Brew Scene: The Sunset in SF is hot for those who love good beer. As mentioned above, the Beach Chalet is a scenic option on the edge of Golden Gate Park. I also love the cozy Woods Beer & Wine Co. at 4045 Judah Street.
The Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company was recently reincarnated as Fifty Vara, a trendy new restaurant-brewery combo at 1735 Noriega Street. My other favorite taprooms that serve delicious local beers include White Cap and Underdogs Tres.
How to Get to the Sunset in SF
N-Judah Light Rail Train: This option runs the whole length of the Sunset District from east to west. It comes in from the downtown/Union Square area.
The Irving Street and 9th Avenue stop will put you right in the middle of the cafes and shops closest to Golden Gate Park.
The 16th Avenue and Judah stop is perfect for those wanting to visit the Hidden Garden Steps or the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps.
You can also continue down Judah Street on all the way to Ocean Beach.
From Fisherman's Wharf: The 28 Bus cuts through the Sunset from north to south.
From the 19th and Irving stop, you can walk east to the Inner Sunset or west to the Outer Sunset.
You could also transfer over to the N-Judah at 19th Avenue and Judah if you want to ride out to Ocean Beach.
To the Southern End of the Sunset: To reach the other side of the district, take the L-Taraval light rail route, which will leave you at the SF Zoo or less than a 10-minute walk from Stern Grove.
You can catch this train at the same downtown stations as the N-Judah.
Taxi or Ride Share: If you want to get out to the coast quickly, going by car will cut your time in half, if it's not rush hour and there are no street closures due to special events.
The ride all the way to Ocean Beach from downtown will take about 30 minutes and the average cost starts at about $30.
Where to Stay in the Sunset District
There aren't many Sunset hotels, since this is mainly a residential district. But if that quietness appeals to you, then I recommend the Ocean Park Motel.
Highly rated and an incredible value, it's a 1930s Art Deco beauty with two relaxing gardens, a hot tub, free parking, and Wi-fi. Depending on the season, most rooms go for under $200 a night.
Located just a block from the SF Zoo and Ocean Beach.
>> Check out guest reviews and check availability for the Ocean Park Motel
San Francisco Hotel Deals
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
Weather in the San Francisco Sunset District
This part of the city tends to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the rest because it sits right on the Pacific coast, receiving more wind and fog.
It is foggiest during the summer months, but you'll find the weather quite mild year-round.
The further inland you go, the more protected the other districts are from the wind and fog by our hills.
If you plan to spend part of the day downtown or in Fisherman's Wharf, I recommend dressing in layers so you'll stay comfortable.
Click the links below to learn more about the weather around SF each month.
Things to Do Nearby
Just East of Golden Gate Park
Haight-Ashbury: A hippie haven back in the 1960s, this is now one of the top SF districts to visit for shopping, walking tours, and colorful Victorian homes. Back in the day, this is where bands like the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane would gather and rock out while the Peace Movement was in full swing.
>> Discover more about the Haight-Ashbury district
Just North of Ocean Beach
Lands End: This cliff-side trail above the water is a perfect option for those looking for some outdoor fun. You'll get a workout going up and downhill with several interesting stops along the way. Three of the most popular are the Sutro Baths, Mile Rock Beach, and the shipwrecks.
>> Find out more about this hike
Just South of the Outer Sunset
Fort Funston: This is a scenic coastal park with trails leading down to the beach from the 200-foot-high bluffs up above. It's also one of the top hang gliding spots in the country. The beach is immensely popular with dog owners, as dogs can run and splash around off leash here.
>> More tips for visiting San Francisco with dogs
Lake Merced: Tucked away in what seems like a sleepy corner of SF, this park is a great escape from the bustle of the city. Its natural freshwater lake is surrounded by trails beloved by joggers, bikers, and birders alike. There are also three golf courses to choose from.
>> Top urban hikes all around the city
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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