Nice days in the Outer Sunset

Our Local Expert Says:

The park is home to the architecturally striking De Young museum, with notable collections of American painters and South American, Oceanic and African indigenous art. Across the Music Concourse is the stunning new LEED Platinum certified home of the California Academy of Sciences, the greenest museum building in the world. Check out its living roof!

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Spanning three miles from the edge of Haight-Ashbury all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park contains so many mini-universes and attractions you'll want to (literally) stop and smell the roses on several occasions. Die-hard nature lovers can check out the Rose Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, or the famous Japanese Tea Garden, featuring a classic pagoda, cherry blossoms, and landscaping straight out of the Land of the Rising Sun. Golden Gate Park's natural highlight, however, is the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which features a horticultural trip around the world (don't miss the redwood grove and succulents section).
Don't miss Golden Gate Park's two world-class museums, the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum. Both were completely rebuilt in their original locations in the past decade, and are worth a visit for their architecture alone. The park is also the perfect place to get active. There are tons of walking paths, several public tennis courts, an affordable pitch and put nine-hole golf course, sport fields, and picnic grounds. You can even rent a boat and head out for a delightful row on Stow Lake. Spring, summer, and fall bring a number of... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

The perfect spot for an after dark beach bonfire that's still near enough to your bed.

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The massive beach stretches the length of the city's Pacific Ocean frontage from Seal Rocks all the way down to Daly City. Popular with surfers, kite flyers and families, it's San Francisco's main city beach. Although it can often be foggy and/or windy, on sunny warm days it's a joy. Swimming isn't advisable, as currents and waves can be extremely rough. A trip to Ocean Beach at sunset, followed by dinner at Beach Chalet (make sure you have a pint of the beer they brew on site) is just about a perfect evening. Or, enjoy a bonfire on the beach after dark, per NPS regulations.

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Two windmills anchor the western end of Golden Gate Park. The restored 1902 Dutch Windmill once pumped 20,000 gallons of well water per hour to the reservoir on Strawberry Hill. With its heavy concrete bottom and wood-shingle arms and upper section, the windmill cuts quite the sturdy figure. It overlooks the equally photogenic Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, which bursts into full bloom in early spring and late summer. The Murphy Windmill, on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near the Great Highway, was the world's largest windmill when it was built in 1905 and also pumped water to the Strawberry Hill reservoir

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Dr. Adolph Sutro built the baths in the late 1800s to provide a diversion for local families. The four pools were housed under a giant glass dome, with room for 25,000 swimmers and spectators, as well as Dr. Sutro's collection of artifacts. Ruined by fire and earthquake, the foundations are still around for daring people to explore. Fog adds to the surreal quality of the ruins.

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The Outer Sunset is blessed with a collection of cozy cafes and lunch spots, and Outerlands in Ocean Beach epitomizes the artsy neighborhood with its' delicious, ever-changing seasonal menu and quirky atmosphere. Think: your best friend, driftwood tables and quality beer in mismatched wine glasses and jam jars. Be sure to place your order at the counter, food and drinks are delivered to your table by the genuinely friendly staff. A relatively small dining room ensures a line out the door for brunch, but outside seating lessens the wait and allows diners to enjoy items such as the Morrocan french toast, made with house baked organic levain bread, and fresh squeezed mimosas on those precious sunny San Francisco days. Nightfall transforms the restaurant into an intimate date or small group gathering spot. Medium sized portions like the blue cheese souffle with apples, fennel and bacon or the creamy seafood bisque are excellent to share and can be paired nicely with Outerlands sustainable wine and beer selection. Superb vegan soup options are always included and under no circumstances brave the late night salty breeze without dessert, especially the carrot cardamom cake with rose caramel. read more

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Housed within The Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant, The Park Chalet is a garden restaurant offering open air dining, an inviting stone fireplace, fully retractable glass doors, a glass ceiling and an unmatched indoor/outdoor atmosphere. NEW: Weekend BBQ! Every weekend on the Lawn at the Park Chalet from 12pm-5pm there will be an outdoor BBQ serving up Burgers and Sandwiches! Go to /bbq/ for more details! Every Sunday from 10am-3pm the Park Chalet serves their Recovery Brunch Buffet featuring Prime Rib, Eggs Benedict and Bloody Marys. Go to www.beachchalet.com/recover for details.

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In Short
Inside the Cliff House Bistro sits a grand old wooden bar that welcomes visitor and local alike to its airy, bright atmosphere. Enjoy gorgeous views over a couple of reasonably priced but tiny cocktails, such as the Orange Julius-like Ramos Fizz, the piquant, citrusy Bloody Mary, hot coffee drinks, or one of a dozen martinis or top-shelf scotch snifters.

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Trouble Coffee is a coffee shop you will experience and wish that your local coffee shop was this friendly, warm, and authentic. The coffee is amazing, the people are great, and the cinnamon sugar toast is to die for. They have three things on the menu: coffee, coconuts, and toast. It is simple, laid back, and nothing but the best. They are really into the community aspect of the coffee shop, so take your time rolling through. Grab a seat at the bar or on a mini chair outside, draw on the chalkboard wall, and stay awhile. From the driftwood bar to the antique wall of collectibles the owners have gathered throughout their life journey, this spot will make you feel all warm and toasty inside.

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Less boisterous than the nearby Beach Chalet and more low-key than the Cliff House halfway up a hill to the north, this is a snug place to sip some java and warm up after a stroll on always windy, usually chilly Ocean Beach. The decor has an appropriately nautical air, perfect for the avid surfers who make this their post-ride hangout. The food, served up by personable types who seem to be surfers themselves when off duty, is the usual mix of sandwiches, soups and pastries-all tasty, none expensive. It's a great place take a break and enjoy the view of a horizon that goes on forever.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can't beat the combination of world-class exhibitions and a beautiful location atop Lincoln Park.

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This museum houses more than 87,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and tapestries. Some pieces date back 4,000 years. The main floor is dedicated to the museum's permanent collection, much of which features the works of Rodin. European and ancient art are also on display. The lower garden level features temporary exhibitions, ranging from Andy Warhol to Francis Bacon. Take a break in the museum cafe, which features light snacks and has outdoor seating. The gift shop, though small, has a nice selection of postcards, books, posters, jewelry, and some reproductions from this and other fine arts museums.