“Sunset Dunes is a success. 
It’s good for the environment, 
good for our local economy, 
and it’s bringing joy to 
people of all ages.”
Joel Edgardio

We called it The Great Highway — a four-lane (two in each direction) roadway which parallels the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. It connected Sloat Boulevard (to the south) with the Richmond District (to the north). The south end of the roadway features the San Francisco Zoo, Lake Merced, and, many years ago, Fleishacker Pool and GETs, a popular shopping center on Sloat Boulevard in the 1960s. The north end of The Great Highway is highlighted by the western edge of Golden Gate Park. In years past, it also was home to Playland at the Beach and the Cliff House. One of the most pleasant features of both ends of The Great Highway is the presence of the two Java Beach Cafés, one at Judah & LaPlaya, the other at 45th & Sloat. 

Today, The Great Highway is history. The roadway is still there, but no longer is it available for use by motor vehicles. The 2.3-mile road is now known as Sunset Dunes Park, operated by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department. It has become one of San Francisco’s most popular parks. One reason for this is that it is a transformational space that connects people to something bigger than themselves. At Sunset Dunes Park, visitors can experience the power of the ocean, the beauty of the sunset, and the clean ocean air. The park is a space where a child can learn to ride a bike and dream about the future. It’s a place where young people can run, exercise, skateboard, or display their bicycle skills. It’s a place where parents can walk with their small child in a stroller, and where dog owners can walk with their pets. It’s a space where older members of the community can walk, or roll in a wheelchair, and remember special times in their lives. Sunset Dunes Park is a place for everyone — to celebrate, exercise, meditate, relax, reflect, mourn, and heal.

I have had the pleasure of walking both directions of Sunset Dunes Park seven times so far in the month of September. In fact, I’ll be there again today. I have been impressed with the variety of people who visit the park on a regular basis. I appreciate the fact that people respect the park. Rarely have I seen evidence of any type of litter, except around overflowing trash cans, which need to be emptied on a more regular basis by park employees. I am impressed with the cleanliness of the public restrooms at the park. And I am grateful that, without exception, people visiting Sunset Dunes Park seem to consistently treat others with kindness, respect, and dignity.

Of all the places in the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Sunset Dunes Park is now my favorite place to walk, think, reminisce, pray, and focus on the people and things in my life for which I am grateful. 

I invite you to enjoy this brief 3-minute video-visit to Sunset Dunes Park.