The Richmond District is one of San Francisco’s largest neighborhoods, and one with a vibrant history. Once dismissively dubbed the “Outside Lands” due to its distance from the city center and vast sand dunes, the Richmond played a vital role in the development of San Francisco as a little village.  It gave way to rows of pretty 1890s Victorians buttressed by the open parkland of Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Where cars rush by on Park Presidio Boulevard, the district once welcomed 1906 Earthquake refugees and there was a small triangular block of old cable cars remodeled into studio homes.

The foggy area is bounded by the Pacific, sprawling Golden Gate Park, the scenic Presidio and Lincoln Park, which features the acclaimed Legion of Honor art museum. There’s surfing at blustery Ocean Beach, overlooked by the landmark Cliff House restaurant, and the ruins of the historic Sutro Baths. The Outer Richmond has a rep for dense fog and great dim sum. But while both can be found in abundance, there is much, much more to be had in this northwest corner of the city. You'll find diverse local hangouts, cool indie boutiques, and family-owned restaurants tucked between pastel-colored homes.