Highlights
Interesting ruins
Views of ocean, headlands
Views of Golden Gate Bridge
Secluded beaches
Description
Relatively easy
2-3 hours
The ruins of the once popular
swimming facility are fun to explore for kids and adults alike. From here
you can take a long walk along the cliffside trail through cypress forests
that will make you feel far away from the urban landscape.
Printable Map
(pdf file)
Updated
11/7/01
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Directions
Start at the Cliff House near the end of Geary Boulevard.
To get there by bus, catch the #38-Geary
from downtown and take it to the end of the line, then walk 3 blocks west
to the ocean.
Ruins of the Sutro Baths
A dirt parking lot near the Cliff House overlooks
the ruins and a path descends down to sea level. Once a popular destination
for San Franciscans at the end of the 19th century, little remains from
this immense swimming and bathing facility. The foundation of the large
pool and several side pools are still there, along with some concrete
structures that may have been changing rooms. Tunnels burrow into the
hills and stairs ascend to a large round observation platform built into
the cliff. Waves crash dramatically along the rocky edge of the structure
in this particularly scenic setting. The ruins are free to explore and
open to the public. Great place for kids but be cautious around the surf
and pools.
Land's End Trail
At the far end of the dirt parking lot starts this
comfortably wide hiking trail. The trail winds through cypress forests
and along the cliffs for approximately 2 miles, offering superb views
of the wild Marin headlands, Golden Gate Bridge, and rocky shoreline.
For the more adventurous, some smaller unofficial trails hug the cliff
more closely, but require extra caution and a steady foot.
----optional side trip: wooden
steps lead down to a secluded beach with a creek, cypress forest, and
rocky outcroppings. You may encounter some unsactioned nude sunbathing
here. Small paths riddle the knolls and vales around the beach.
You'll see signs warning about the hazardous rocks and
surf, which you should take seriously. Periodically someone falls from
the cliff or is swept away and killed after being caught unaware by a
wave.
At the trail's end, you can either backtrack to the
starting point, or catch a bus.
BUS
You emerge from the trail at El Camino del Mar and
32nd Avenue.
Right on 32nd Avenue and walk about 2 blocks.
Catch the #1-California bus at the corner
of 32nd Avenue and California Street to downtown
---or---
Walk another 2 blocks and catch the
#38-Geary at the corner of 32nd Avenue and Geary Blvd.
The #38-Geary going right will take you back to the Cliff House (stopping
3 blocks away).
The #38-Geary going left will take you downtown.
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