We stayed at our friend’s house in the Outer Sunset (neighborhood of San Francisco) this past weekend and it was just the relaxing couple of days I had been craving. Not only is it where one of my favorite restaurants (Outerlands), and stores are located (General Store on Judah Street–and their new Home Store location on Irving Street, which is my version of ceramic heaven!)–but you’re also just a couple blocks from Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park. A best of natural both worlds!–and a part of the city that makes you feel as if you’ve escaped to a sleepy beach town, not a busy city. There’s really just one main street to check out in that area but is so worth the trek out that way for brunch and shopping, or a dinner date.
Our mornings were spent taking our coffee to the beach, and afternoons spent chasing Rex through Golden Gate Park. So basically the perfect spot to be with an on the move toddler. On Saturday afternoon, while Rex was napping, I pulled out a book for the first time in months, lounged around on our friend’s couch and even closed my eyes for a mini siesta. I turned to Tanner and asked, “why is this so much more relaxing than if we were just at home, or on a real vacation?”… at then it dawned on me that when we’re home I use Rex’s nap time to jump on my computer, clean the house, do laundry, workout… etc. And when we’re on vacation we try to maximize our time to fit every sight, restaurant or activity in. Since I know this SF hood so well, and there really isn’t too much to do, it was 100% just about hanging as a family. Which is just how weekends should be!
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Best of the Outer Sunset:
Eat:
Outerlands. — I love going for brunch or a dinner date. And be sure to stop by early in the morning to get their bread to go.
Hook Fish Co. — This was a new one to me and recommended by my girlfriend in the neighborhood, such a great local gem for amazing fresh fish tacos. And holy, fried avocado tacos!
Judahlicious. — (Vegan). I always order the Judah salad. It’s light and just the perfect healthy lunch bite. Also great for smoothies and grain bowls. Next door is a little burrito spot that Tanner prefers, so that’s always an option if your guy is not as excited about going to a Vegan spot as you are.
Coffee / Pastries:
Andy town. — I had always gone to Trouble Coffee (next door to the General Store)… but on this past weekend, my girlfriend introduced me to Andytown and it’s hands down way better coffee. Trouble is still a cool spot too though!
Drinks:
Woods Beer Co. — cool little simple bar. Also fairly kid friendly!
Shop:
General Store. (on Judah Street) + General Store Home. (on Irving Street) — I have so much love for the General Store and always come home with something. Baskets, textiles, ceramics, vintage clothing, wooden baby toys, and jewelry. A cool, California lifestyle brand. Also, the owners are some of my faves to follow on Instagram as well. Also, there’s a cute bookstore next door that we always pop into and Rex likes to play with their train set.
Mollusk Surf Shop. — an SF surfing institution.
Do:
Head to Ocean Beach. — 4 blocks from Judah Street
Walk through Golden Gate Park. — a block away from Judah as well
SF Zoo. — a little drive, but since you’re already on that side of the city!
Wet hair, don’t care. Walking to the General Store. Also, I can’t recommend this Pockit Stroller enough for traveling (folds down crazy small!!).
