Sunset Dunes

Sunset Dunes is a roughly two-mile park along Ocean Beach in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset, on the former Great Highway. The ocean stays in view as you walk, bike or skate the pedestrian route, with murals, sculptures and other art along the way. The park also has a skate space, fitness equipment and a nature area for children. Its coastal dunes provide habitat for wildlife, so stick to designated paths. Come in late afternoon for sunset, and bring a hat and jacket for the wind.

A park on the former Great Highway

Sunset Dunes opened in 2025 after the Great Highway was closed to traffic and turned into a pedestrian route. The park runs along Ocean Beach on San Francisco’s western edge, roughly between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard. Walkers, cyclists and skaters share the open route, with the Pacific visible alongside it.

Public art is part of the walk: look for murals, sculptures and other installations along the way. The park also has a skate space, fitness equipment and a nature area for children.

Coastal habitat and wildlife

The dunes are a remnant of California’s coastal ecosystem and provide habitat for wildlife. Keep to designated paths to avoid disturbing this fragile environment, and leave no trace. Migration season is a good time to look for birds; bring binoculars if birdwatching is part of your visit.

There are no food vendors or water fountains, so plan ahead and carry water and anything else you need. The route is exposed to ocean wind, especially when you stay for the evening light. A hat and jacket make a late-day visit more comfortable.