Sutro Baths

The ruins of the Sutro Baths are an historic site on the western waterfront of San Francisco. In March of 1896 these elaborate privately-owned saltwater and freshwater pools opened to the public. After years of financial struggles the baths finally closed and in 1966 their remains burned to the ground. All that remains are the concrete foundations and walls.

The beach below the baths is wide at low tide and all wet at high tide. The easiest access to the beach is at the south end of the baths near the striking white building that housed The Cliff House Restaurant (now closed).

Large rocks, including the Seal Rocks (and a rock arch), are just offshore from the Sutro Baths. Above the baths to the north is the Point Lobos Overlook. A tunnel through the rock below Point Lobos is popular with tourists, but be careful in there as it is dark and slippery. Trails meander all about the hillside behind the baths. For a longer hike, the Lands End Trail starts at the parking lot and leads to Mile Rock Beach. At low tide there are shipwrecks to find too.

The best place to park for a trip to the Sutro Baths is the Lands End Visitor Center (680 Point Lobos Avenue) which is directly above the baths. This entire area is part of part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. When the tide is high and access to the beach at Sutro Baths is cut off, nearby Ocean Beach is a good alternative.

Address

680 Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121

Park Name

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Owner

NPS

Pet Details

Dogs allowed on leash

Fees

Free parking

Activities

Hiking, Photography

Amenities

Historic Bath Ruins, Visitor Center, Trails, Tunnel, Rock Arch

Links

Tide Chart
Water Temperature
Surfing Info and Web Cam