Outer Sunset at Sunset

To the casual observer, the Outer Sunset looks like a sleepy, residential neighborhood. The locals know better. The area is filled with art, whimsy, and creative pastels. This walks starts a little later so we can catch the sunset, and also because the starting point is a bit far for many of us.

We meet at where La Playa meets Judah Street (restrooms), the northern-most entrance to one of San Francisco's newest (and most controversial) parks, Sunset Dunes. We BEGIN WALKING AT 6:00 PM ON THE DOT. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in with Elizabeth and use the facilities.
We walk in a loop, so the last stop is the at first stop. I expect this walk will about 2 hours or so, depending on how much we oooh and aaah. We have one restroom stop, a little more than 1/2 way in.

Many homeowners and residents in The Outer Sunset pride themselves on their quirky personalities and they express this by showcasing their homes as art pieces. We'll see murals, statues, and unusual painted homefronts. We find storybook houses, and homes dedicated to space-age and beach themes.

The last part of our walk takes us the entirety of Sunset Dunes. We walk along the oceanfront (not on the sand), enjoy the art and features designed there, and appreciate views of the city and the ocean as the sun sets.

Try as I might, I couldn't find any hillsides in the Outer Sunset. We have one very slight upward slope near the beginning. No stairs at all. Otherwise, this is a completely flat walk. You're welcome.

GETTING THERE:
La Playa and Judah is the very end of Judah Street where it meets the ocean, You'll know if you've gone too far.
Public transportation:
The most direct public transportation is the N Judah street car. It's the last stop on the route. The N can be reached by and underground station between Embarcadero and Van Ness. After that it rides overground.
Muni bus #18 (46th Avenue) has a stop at Kirkham and 46th or Lincoln and La Playa. The #29 (Sunset) and #7 (Haight/Noriega) are each about a 10 minute walk. BART users should exit at Embarcadero and transfer to the N Judah, or exit at Daly City and take the #28 (19th Avenue) to Judah and transfer to the N.

Driving:
Our starting point is about a 30 minute drive from Downtown San Francisco, and 15 minutes from Daly City or the Golden Gate Bridge. Free parking is easily found at the Ocean Beach portion of area, but it's pretty exposed and vulnerable. Neighborhood parking should be relatively easy away from the commercial corridor of Judah or Irving.

DOGS- Friendly, well-socialized dogs are always welcome on my walks. They must remain on leash at all times. We won't be walking on the off-leash Ocean Beach. You may want to arrive early to give your dog a fun romp there before we start.

WHAT TO BRING;

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Remember that the ocean side of town is less protected that the bay and can get quite windy.

Water (and more for your pup). We won't be stopping for a snack break, so consider bringing something you can eat while walking.

Your camera. There are a couple of spots you'll really want it.

Your sense of adventure, camaraderie, and fun.

ATTENDANCE-
We tend to walk smaller groups to make that work ask for everyone's consideration in observing our attendance policy, Only sign up if you are certain you can attend. If you have to change plans, update your RSVP on Meetup. Same day cancels are generally treated the same as a no-show. Place holding, frequent cancels, or no-shows can be grounds for removal from this group. This walk is only available to current City Steps members.

LIABILITY-
Your "yes" RSVP indicates that you agree you are responsible for your own safety and actions, and to Meetups liability waiver that can be found at the bottom of every Meetup. com page.

Rain or extremely heavy winds cancels this walk. If we have to cancel for weather, I will make that call by 12 noon the day of the walk and both Meetup and I will send you an email.