Great Hwy, Outer Sunset

This beautiful stretch of Pacific coastal highway is almost more SoCal than San Francisco. The stunning views of the ocean spread for miles as you come over the hill (if you are heading northbound).

Like many of the beaches in Northern California, this particular stretch of oceanfront is very cold and windy, and is a key contributor to San Francisco's chilly urban climate. But perhaps more problematic than the cold is the wind, which can gust up to 30 MPH (last time I was there, the posts that hold the traffic lights were practically blowing away). It makes the beach experience more uncomfortable, but also more uncrowded, as this is not necessarily the most desirable spot in the city (unless you are a windsurfer or kite boarder).

It is a much more pleasant place on days that are not windy, and is a great place for surfing (if you can brave the cold), lounging in the sun, and rock climbing (bouldering) near the cliff house. Traffic is not as bad as one may expect, and the friendly neighborhood has some local spots to eat within walking distance, depending on where you park.

Spots like this in such a bustling city are precisely what make San Francisco such a spectacular, almost magical place.

Of course, if Lake Merced is your destination, that wont be an issue. If however, you find yourself having another destination, suck it up, and enjoy the scenery....you'll be looking at it for a while. Once you get on great Highway, there are limited (and I really mean limited) exit points to get back off. This highway is a was made as a direct route between the north and south sides of San Fran, and it serves it's purpose well. It will also bring you to Golden Gate Park, and Ocean Beach, but if direct non-interrupted (except for a few traffic lights) travel isn't your cup of tea, you might want to take the side streets, which allow you to venture off the beaten path. Although you do get a spectacular view of the ocean, and photogenic sunset opportunities if you go at the right time.

We kept landing on this street as we were driving around San Fran. Once on it, you are stuck and have to wait for one of the few ways to get off. But, it's a beautiful drive. We usually just used the time to relax and enjoy the view and we would wait until we could get off on Geary-- which is easier to navigate and has more shops and places to stop.

The Great Highway runs north-south along San Francisco's Ocean Beach. The streets of both the Sunset-Parkside and Richmond Districts all end either at the Great highway, or on a frontage road just a hair east of it (Great Highway features signals and limited access). Views of the beach are available along its length, as it connects from the Zoo on the south side (where it turns into Skyline) on past the Cliff House on the north (where it turns into Point Lobos ave). It is so close to the beach that it frequently gets closed due to blowing sand, and many of the houses along Great Highway need to be painted yearly due to the salt spray. That being said, it's a great place to run along the sunset, and dip off to visit the beach.

The Great Highway is located along the beach. One could call it a scenic drive but, ocean beach is blocked off by a low rise cement wall. The neighborhood is quiet; only the rushing of cars and the clashing of waves could be heard. Depending on the part of the Great Highway you visit, one would find either green and beautiful nature or a few vendors parallel, or rather, facing the cement wall. The 18 bus line does not run on the Great Highway, but it does run parallel to it from two to three blocks away on 46th Avenue.

Separate from Upper Great Highway is Lower Great Highway. It Has the same amazing oceanic views, and unfortunately has the same super busy traffic. If you want a quick trip to get you somewhere, I do not recommend this road. I would try to find a different route if possible. However I like to think the views make up for it.

Upper Great highway is highway right off the ocean. Can be very very busy however the views greatly make up for it. If you are looking for a street that gets you from point A to point B I would recommend finding a different path. But if time is your friend, go for this spectacular view.

The Great Highway is a vast and busy street which extends from Point Lobos Avenue to Skyline Boulevard. Many people commute through the Great Highway to mainly get to the beach or to get onto another major commuting street. Going down the Great Highway feels great with the windows open on a sunny day as the beach’s breeze blows into your car. Some days, you’ll see many beautiful kites when the day is right. Some day you will see many people at the beach when the day is very hot. There are also several buses that stop or end near the Great Highway, they are the N, L, 16AX, 71, 71L, 48, 18, and 23 Muni buses. With all these different bus routes, transportation is at ease for everyone.

I mean, there are places to park to get to the somewhat scrubby beach, and a bike path on the shore side of the street. And I know I saw some surfers out there in the water, but it seems so residential that I have my doubts about it for a vacation spot. It is pretty though. And there is the SF zoo, but I'm not a fan of keeping animals in cages for the sake of our own amusement. I'd rather eat them.

The Great Highway is aptly named. Running along the west side of the peninsula, right next to the Pacific Ocean, it provides a real California beach experience that feels oddly out of character with the urbane city life just blocks away in downtown San Francisco. This is the local place to go toss a frisbee, lay in the sun or surf a beach break.

Ride your bike along the parallel pathway linking Golden Gate Park with Lincoln Park, then thread your way along the non-motorized paths & quiet residential streets past China & Baker Beaches into the vast Presidio, then on to Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field , Fort Mason & the Embarcadero.

Great Highway is both a highway and a parallel street. To the Northern end of Great Highway is the Ocean beach giving you a feel of sea winds while the eastern part booms with estates. Safety of street users is taken care of by providing crosswalks and traffic signals. It is quite enjoying on this street with a view of the sea on one side.

The Great Highway is not only a convenient way to get from the south end of San Francisco back up to the North end, but it makes for a beautiful trip. To your left is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, and you can stop off at any number of spots along the way to take in the scenery. Along the way, there are a few restaurants which offer the same amazing view. The Great Highway never gets old. It's wonderful to drive down, walk down or bike down. No stores, but that's what makes it unique. It's just nature at its best.

The Great Highway is a road in San Francisco that forms the city's western edge against the Pacific Ocean. Well, it's a good location if you're going to spend a lot of time at Ocean Beach. It's right there, and very handy.
The first mile of Highway trail at the north end is the wide concrete path that accesses the beach, usually called the Esplanade. Start skating south, starting at the sign "Point Lobos -- Great Highway". The concrete is in poor condition but still okay for skating. The view of the Pacific Ocean is magnificent. Golden Gate Park is on your left. Cross the Great Highway at Lincoln, and you will see a well-designed skating trail running north-south on the left side of the road.

Great Highway is San Francisco’s very own Ocean Street. It runs right alongside Ocean Beach giving spectacular views of San Francisco’s water front. The street itself is very busy and connects with Skyline Boulevard which leads down south to Daly City and Pacifica.

The legendary cliff house is located just off of Great Highway. It is home to a delicious and fancy restaurant nowadays. However, the cliff house has much greater history to it which I highly recommend researching before you visit! There are various other eateries and stores right of Great Highway. Beach Chalet restaurant is definitely one of my top recommendations.

The Great Highway connects with an entrance to Golden Gate Park and is very close to various fields and recreational activities in GGP.

There is very little housing on Great Highway; however, there is plenty of housing right off of the street, especially during the Sunset streets.