Sunset District: From Sand Dunes to Fog Blankets

Once upon a time, the Sunset and Richmond districts weren’t the cozy neighborhoods we know today. They were simply “Outside Lands”. A stretch of sand dunes and coastal scrub so uninviting that hardly anyone dared to settle there. With few roads in and no transit, this corner of the city was more wasteland than destination.

That started to change in the late 1800s with the arrival of Golden Gate Park (finished just in time for 1906). Suddenly, the dunes had a backdrop, and slowly, a neighborhood began to take shape.

Fast forward: now the Sunset is beloved for its sweeping skies, blanket of fog, and the kind of sunsets that earn the name. I’ll admit, when I first moved to San Francisco, I didn’t quite get it. Too quiet, too cold, and let’s be honest - always ten degrees cooler than everywhere else. Karl the Fog shows up like clockwork around 3 p.m., turning sunny afternoons into sweater weather.

But here’s the thing: the more time I’ve spent here, the more I’ve fallen for it. The fog feels cozy. The architecture is underrated and beautiful. The food scene? A gem. And if you’re craving a beach day or a quick hop downtown, the N line on Irving will get you there.

A few of my Sunset go-tos:
☕ Coffee: The Beanery
🥐 Breakfast: Café Rain Tree or @tartinebakery
🥪 Lunch: Irving Subs or Poke Origin
🍝 Dinner: @fiorellaitalian or @lalesanfrancisco
🍻 Dive Bars: Little Shamrock and Yancy’s Saloon

Have you explored the Sunset? Drop your favorites. I’m always looking for new spots.