5 Things to Get You Excited About SF’s Newest Park
The Great Highway is now a Great Public Space—for everyone.
San Francisco’s western edge just got a major upgrade: the 2-mile stretch of the Great Highway between Lincoln and Sloat has been reimagined as a vibrant, people-first coastal park called Sunset Dunes. Whether you’re walking, biking, running, rolling, or just soaking up the sea breeze—you’ll want to make use of this new space!
Here are 5 things we’re most excited about at Kid Safe SF—and why we think you will be too:
1. You’re Invited to the Opening Day Party!
Photo Credit: Friends of Ocean Beach Park
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 12 from 12–4 PM for a grand opening celebration to officially welcome Sunset Dunes! You can expect:
🎀 Ribbon-cutting ceremony
🎶 Live music and local performances
🌿 Guided nature walks
🧘 Free community classes like tai-chi and chair yoga
🌞 Solar-powered bounce houses
🚲 Valet bike parking provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition
Bring your friends and your kids—can’t wait to enjoy our newest park with you!
2. A New Coastal Park for People
Photo credit: Joel Engardio
As of March 14, this stretch of the Great Highway is now open 24/7 for people to enjoy—on foot, on wheels, and in community. New amenities and art will continue to pop up, transforming this beloved stretch into a welcoming place for families, commuters, and beach lovers alike. It’s a huge step toward making our city safer, healthier, and more joyful.
3. New Park, New Name!
Photo Credit: SF Surfers for Ocean Beach Park
After receiving more than 4,200 name submissions, SF Rec & Park selected a winner: Sunset Dunes! The name reflects the park’s stunning location, natural landscape, and neighborhood pride.
4. Traffic and Safety Improvements
Photo Credit: Joel Engardio
As we make more space for people, improvements are also underway to keep westside traffic flowing safely and efficiently. Thanks to the leadership of Supervisor Joel Engardio and coordination across city agencies, recent and upcoming upgrades include:
🚦 New traffic signals at Lincoln & 41st, Sloat & Skyline, and Skyline & Great Highway
🚧 New intersection painting and traffic light pattern at Lincoln & Great Highway
🚌 Sunset Blvd repaved from Lincoln to Sloat, with better-positioned bus stops
These changes support a safer, more connected neighborhood—no matter how you travel.
5. A Whole Park Full of Art, Play, and Coastal Vibes
Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area
This won’t be just any park—it’s going to be a unique coastal experience where you can immerse yourself in art, recreation, relaxation, and nature exploration. Sunset Dunes features:
🎨 Murals celebrating surf culture, sea life, and Sunset history
🛋️ Chill lounge zones with hammocks and ocean-view seating
🧭 A nature exploration area designed especially for kids
🐙 Sculptures and interactive public art
🚴 A bike pump track for riders of all ages
There’s something for everyone—and every visit will feel like a new adventure. Huge thanks to Friends of Ocean Beach Park for coordinating these efforts.
We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Sunset Dunes to San Francisco’s westside. This park is the result of years of advocacy, community input, and bold vision for what our streets can become. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this new chapter—whether it’s at the opening party or on your next stroll by the sea.
See you at the dunes! 🌊🌞
