As a denizen of North Beach, I often forget that there is an actual surf and beach community on the other side of the city in the Outer Sunset neighborhood adjacent to Ocean Beach.
This part of town is teeming with serious surfers and locals alike, and it provides the perfect gateway to an expansive stretch of sand on the western edge of the city. I’m a big proponent of public transportation, so I enjoy and encourage you to hop on Muni’s N-Judah light rail car and ride until it rolls to the end of the line at the intersection of Judah and La Playa.
On the corner, you will spot the charming, colorful and original Java Beach Cafe. The laid back spot provides plenty of outdoor seating, a sumptuous sandwich & salad menu as well as locally roasted, fresh brewed java. The little seaside joint is the perfect place to grab some grub before a stroll down the beach, or you may decide to relax until the next Muni train whisks you away from the beach and back to the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re up for a little adventure and want to see a side of San Francisco that often gets overlooked in the travel write-ups, hop aboard the N-Judah and ride until to the end of the line where you can soak up the beachside charms of the Outer Sunset at the Java Beach Cafe.