Sutro Baths on Postcard

"These Instagram-worthy ruins overlooking the Pacific draw hikers and visitors during the day, especially at sunset, when the views are unforgettable. They are all that remains from a complex opened by Mayor Adolph Sutro in 1896, that burned down 70 years later. The spooky beauty makes this place stand out in a city with many outdoor spaces. Where else in San Francisco can you find sprawling ruins on the edge of the sea? It's practically like something out of the ancient world." - Kimberley Lovato, Carey Jones

The 24 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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@afar

"Step back in time at the Sutro Baths While hiking through the Lands End area of San Francisco I came across this gem. Built in the late 19th century as the world's largest indoor swimming pool complex, visitors could take a dip in one of the seven pools or take a stroll through a museum containing the eclectic artifacts collected by the Bath's owner and former mayor of San Francisco , Adolph Sutro. The building burned down in a fire in 1966 and the area was abandoned, but it is still a very unique and photograph-worthy spot. I felt like I had been transported to some European ruin of an ancient bath house, momentarily forgetting that I was actually in California! By Samantha Freda"

The Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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@cntraveler

"Start by descending the steps to the Sutro Baths, the ruins of a 19th-century ocean-fed bathhouse, before scaling the stairs back up and winding your way north."

Where to Go Hiking in San Francisco and the Bay Area | Condé Nast Traveler

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Amanda Maloney

Google

Ruins are always a fun area to explore in that they continue to tell the stories long after the places have disappeared. Sutro Baths and the ruins of the 1st Cliff House are definitely a sight to behold. Plenty of street parking with a moderate walk down to the sites. There's a path up on the cliff side with stairs accessible only at low tide unless you don't mind getting wet. Be sure to look at the pictures of what was before seeing the ruins and then see them as they are now - it'll give you an idea of what was there. Would not recommend going into the still water that occupies the space, not only does it smell, but it is also very slimy. A neat piece of history not to be missed in your San Francisco experience.

Evan Landman

Google

An iconic San Francisco destination! Lovely short walk down to the bath ruins and the beach; the National Park visitors center also has a lot of great information and gifts to commemorate your visit. On a sunny day, a perfect outing. Don’t drive- instead, take the quick 38R Geary bus that runs in its own lane all the way from downtown.

Claudia K M

Google

Watching the sunset at Sutro Baths is truly a magical experience. This historic site, nestled along the rugged coastline of San Francisco, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a warm glow over the ruins of the old bathhouse and the surrounding cliffs. The reflection of the sunset on the water adds to the beauty, creating a serene and picturesque scene that’s perfect for photography or simply soaking in the moment. The combination of the natural beauty and the historical significance of the Sutro Baths makes it a unique and unforgettable spot. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, allowing visitors to feel connected to both the history and the natural world. Walking along the trails and exploring the ruins as the sun sets enhances the experience, providing different perspectives of the stunning scenery. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks adds to the tranquil ambiance. Overall, experiencing sunset at Sutro Baths is a must-do for both locals and visitors. It’s a perfect way to end the day, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Highly recommended for anyone looking to capture a memorable San Francisco sunset.

Xin Tan

Google

This place once was so nice, now the baths is unswimable. Overgrown with weeds and algae and rubbish. Sad they don’t tidy it up. Such a great place for a dip on a hot day

H H

Google

It was a really nice day with a nice view as it gets late it does get colder, remember to bring clothes. There is a huge parking lot to park at. Great for friends and especially partner date night to watch the sunset.

K C

Google

Worth the hike. Seriously impressive bathhouse ruins with a couple caves. Many daring people even walked the seaside foundations. Wild and windy.

Esthepany Francisco

Google

Smells absolutely delightful here! Like salt water and lavender. Make sure you wear comfortable sneakers and a jacket it was so cold today (4/26/2024). It is picturesque and worth the hike down, bring water and wear loose fitting clothing. Super nice views and the current is so strong! The view from the cave is fantastic make sure you go all the way down.

Gayatri Ravada

Google

It’s a beautiful place to go with your friends and family. I have seen the beautiful sunset over there.

Amanda Maloney

Google

Ruins are always a fun area to explore in that they continue to tell the stories long after the places have disappeared. Sutro Baths and the ruins of the 1st Cliff House are definitely a sight to behold. Plenty of street parking with a moderate walk down to the sites. There's a path up on the cliff side with stairs accessible only at low tide unless you don't mind getting wet. Be sure to look at the pictures of what was before seeing the ruins and then see them as they are now - it'll give you an idea of what was there. Would not recommend going into the still water that occupies the space, not only does it smell, but it is also very slimy. A neat piece of history not to be missed in your San Francisco experience.

Evan Landman

Google

An iconic San Francisco destination! Lovely short walk down to the bath ruins and the beach; the National Park visitors center also has a lot of great information and gifts to commemorate your visit. On a sunny day, a perfect outing. Don’t drive- instead, take the quick 38R Geary bus that runs in its own lane all the way from downtown.

Claudia K M

Google

Watching the sunset at Sutro Baths is truly a magical experience. This historic site, nestled along the rugged coastline of San Francisco, offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city. As the sun begins to set, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a warm glow over the ruins of the old bathhouse and the surrounding cliffs. The reflection of the sunset on the water adds to the beauty, creating a serene and picturesque scene that’s perfect for photography or simply soaking in the moment. The combination of the natural beauty and the historical significance of the Sutro Baths makes it a unique and unforgettable spot. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, allowing visitors to feel connected to both the history and the natural world. Walking along the trails and exploring the ruins as the sun sets enhances the experience, providing different perspectives of the stunning scenery. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks adds to the tranquil ambiance. Overall, experiencing sunset at Sutro Baths is a must-do for both locals and visitors. It’s a perfect way to end the day, offering a blend of natural beauty, history, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find elsewhere. Highly recommended for anyone looking to capture a memorable San Francisco sunset.

Xin Tan

Google

This place once was so nice, now the baths is unswimable. Overgrown with weeds and algae and rubbish. Sad they don’t tidy it up. Such a great place for a dip on a hot day

H H

Google

It was a really nice day with a nice view as it gets late it does get colder, remember to bring clothes. There is a huge parking lot to park at. Great for friends and especially partner date night to watch the sunset.

K C

Google

Worth the hike. Seriously impressive bathhouse ruins with a couple caves. Many daring people even walked the seaside foundations. Wild and windy.

Esthepany Francisco

Google

Smells absolutely delightful here! Like salt water and lavender. Make sure you wear comfortable sneakers and a jacket it was so cold today (4/26/2024). It is picturesque and worth the hike down, bring water and wear loose fitting clothing. Super nice views and the current is so strong! The view from the cave is fantastic make sure you go all the way down.

Gayatri Ravada

Google

It’s a beautiful place to go with your friends and family. I have seen the beautiful sunset over there.

Sutro Baths

Sutro Baths

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