Your Guide to

San Francisco's Sunset Dunes

Sunset Dunes runs along San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. It begins at Lincoln Way, which is parallel to Golden Gate Park, meaning pedestrians and bicyclists can access it directly and seamlessly from the city’s most famous public playground. Sunset Dunes then follows San Francisco’s western coastline all the way to Sloat Boulevard, connecting to the San Francisco Zoo and nearby Lake Merced Park. 

The Great Highway was temporarily closed to vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide recreational, open-air space with plenty of social distancing to San Francisco residents. Because it was a such a hit, the city continued to close the Great Highway to cars on the weekends. In 2024, SF voters passed Proposition K, which permanently transformed it into a car-free recreational area. 

Besides turning two miles of former highway into a pedestrian, bicycle, and roller skate/blade-oriented beachfront public space, Sunset Dunes is also dotted with exciting features and amenities for visitors to enjoy. A designated space for musical performances is located at the intersection with Judah Street. A social lounge with sunset viewing seating is to be found at the Noriega Street parklet. A recreation zone with fitness equipment and a nature exploration area awaits at Rivera Street. A travel lounge, complete with hammocks and lounge chairs, entices visitors at Taraval Street, and a skate park and pump track for bicycles lies at the Sloat Boulevard intersection. A variety of public murals, many of them marine-themed, also line the park.

Sunset Dunes runs along OceanBeach, a wide swath of golden sand that fronts the Pacific Ocean. The beach is popular with surfers, dog owners, families, and visitors. It is part of a coastal dune system home to many endemic species of plants. During the summer, bonfires light up the night along the beach. Fire pits can be reserved for use by anyone through SF Parks and Rec. 

Sunset Dunes caps the western end of the Sunset District. This low-key neighborhood is often off the radar for visitors, but it makes for some fabulous exploration and hosts some of the city’s most authentic restaurants, cafes, and bars. 

The neighborhood was recently designated the Sunset Chinese Cultural District, due to its Chinese-American community and heritage. For real deal dim sum and regional Chinese cuisine, try The Dumpling Kitchen and Mr. Szechuan, both located on Taraval Street. Heading into the heart of the Sunset for a meal after a long day enjoying Great Highway Park is a plan foodies will never forget. 

The Sunset is also the city’s official surfer hangout, and there are several chilled-out cafes and bars that cater to this amphibious city subculture. Top spots include the iconic Java Beach Cafe, which sports a large and leafy outside patio where locals congregate. It's located directly in front of the last stop on the N Judah Muni Metro line. Just a couple blocks inland, Woods Outbound is a friendly neighborhood pub offering craft beer on tap and house-made empanadas, plus outside parklet seating.