Walking the Ocean Beach Trail in San Francisco (With Photos)
On the Ocean Beach Walking Trail to the Cliff House along San Francisco Bay
A Few Must-See San Francisco Attractions
This post will showcase many of the photos taken during a hike my husband and I did many years ago along California's San Francisco Bay between Lincoln Park and the famous Cliff House and Sutro Baths. Much of the hike was along the edges of cliffs.
If you have not personally hiked this trail and viewed these attractions, I hope these pictures will let you realize a little more about the spectacular scenery that can be enjoyed along the way.
The California Palace of the Legion of Honor
My husband and I had just finished spending some enjoyable time in the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. This fabulous museum houses one of the world's most significant collections of Rodin sculptures and centuries' worth of European art.
After spending several hours inside the museum, absorbing what we could of some of the beautiful selections of art, tapestries, sculptures, and more, we decided to enjoy some fresh air and some exercise.
The Ocean Beach Trail to the Cliff House and Sutro Baths
In meandering around the museum grounds, we discovered a trail that would take one to the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. The day could not have been better had we ordered it up special.
A crispness to the air with the bright sun shining made this perfect for wearing sweaters, and we were already wearing good athletic shoes since we knew that we would be on our feet exploring different areas around San Francisco. Thus, we were well prepared for this 3-mile round-trip hike when we happened upon this discovery.
As the many photos to follow will show, sometimes the trail went inland just a bit; however, most of the hiking trail took one alongside the cliffs, which dropped dramatically in places down to the Pacific.
All along the trail were not only the incredible images looking down at the waves crashing against the rocky cliff shoreline but also more intimate sightings like those of wildflowers. My husband and I had started our vacation in late April, and there is a profusion of flowering vegetation (both wild and domesticated) in California that time of year.
The Ocean Beach Trail (Coastal Hiking Path)
As we were making our way along the coastal hiking path, there were many signs along the way, pointing out the more dangerous places. Some of the cliffs had a sheer drop-off point, and in other areas, the ground must have been unstable, as slides had occurred.
It was thrilling to be near enough to see the wildness of this portion of the San Francisco Bay coastline, and yet it certainly behooves one to be cautious and adhere to at least normal parameters of staying safe. Some people, in our opinion, were pushing the limits of that safety.
As we continued along the path, each twist and turn brought new views. We and others along the same hiking trail seemed to be enjoying the scenery on this glorious day. As we got closer to the Cliff House and Sutro Baths, the trail brought one a little closer to the crashing surf and more warning signs.
The Cliff House Landmark Building
The Cliff House is a landmark building located on the northwest side of San Francisco. It has attracted visitors for over a century and continues to do the same today. It sits on a promontory of San Francisco Bay overlooking Seal Rock, aptly named, as one can almost always spot seals residing on those jutting rocks just offshore. The physical address is 1090 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, CA 94121.
This spot showcases stunning views of natural oceanside beauty. The first visitors who made an effort to visit from San Francisco arrived by horse and carriage. Various incarnations of the Cliff House have been on that same spot over the years, the largest and most grand being a multi-storied Victorian structure that sadly burned to the ground in 1907 after having survived the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.
Today, visitors can enjoy panoramic views while dining on-site at the very casual Bistro Restaurant. We stopped there to take a short rest and grab a bite to eat. There is also the more formal Sutro's Restaurant on site. In the Terrace Room, a Sunday brunch takes place.
We happened to take this hike and visit this spot in 1991. Since then, in 2003, a two-story wing has been added, which overlooks the bath ruins.
Sutro Bath Ruins
In 1896, Adolph Sutro (a wealthy entrepreneur and former mayor of San Francisco) built the very fancy multi-story Cliff House that simulated a Victorian chateau. He also had the baths constructed.
At that time, the Sutro Baths comprised the largest indoor swimming pool complex in the world. The construction's engineering feat was admirable, consisting of one freshwater pool and six saltwater pools.
Each hour when the tide was high, the saltwater pools would have the water naturally circulated and replenished, and at low tide, a series of pumps accomplished the same effect in five hours. Heaters kept the water temperatures controlled. This feat was no small-scale enterprise!
Adolph Sutro had traveled the world collecting artifacts and souvenirs and displayed them in a museum on site. Also, there was a concert hall and skating rink to accommodate the masses of people who could frequent and enjoy this place of gathering, rest, exercise, and just plain fun.
The Sutro Baths burned down in 1966. Sadly, all that remains today of the baths are the bare-bone ruins of the past glory. The scale of these ruins gives one an idea of the size and scope that was a draw to visitors who must have appreciated the ambiance of this spa-like setting.
On-Site Restaurant
After hiking the 1.5 miles along the craggy seashore cliffs to the Cliff House and Sutro Bath ruins, we decided that we were hungry. The casual Bistro restaurant suited our needs perfectly!
With windows facing the Seal Rocks and being able to view the wildlife in the area and the ever-changing scenery of watercraft navigating the waters of San Francisco Bay, this was a perfect place to sit awhile and nourish our spirits along with our bodies. While enjoying the views, we each enjoyed a cup of delicious clam chowder and some sourdough bread. Now we were ready for the hike back.
2020 Closure
The Cliff House was officially closed in December 2020 after operating for two years past the expiration of its 20-year lease. The restaurant criticized the National Park Service that operates the area for failing to sign a new lease. It's sad that such a beautiful and historic building has been sitting empty and unused. I hope that someone will be able to reopen it in the future. It is such a pretty setting!
My hubby inside the the Bistro restaurant
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Cliff House and Sutro Baths were acquired in 1977 and are now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area operated by the National Park Service.
My husband and I were happy to have stumbled upon this Ocean Beach Trail and thoroughly enjoyed this portion of a vacation day many years ago. It is a place in San Francisco worth some time when planning a visit. Be sure to take your camera and create some of your unforgettable memories!
You see the landscape as it was 50 years ago, and as it will be 50 years from now.
— Amy Meyer, "Mother of Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Scenery as we head back - Golden Gate Bridge faintly in view
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Sources
- Wikipedia: Cliff House
- Wikipedia: Sutro Baths
- Official Site: Golden Gate National Recreation Area
More to See in Northern California
- Muir Woods National Monument: Breathtaking Old-Growth Forest Near San Francisco
With reverence, we walked on the paths through this amazing cathedral of nature. Spell-binding! See photos and videos. - Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma, CA: Short Life and History
Learn much about the Spanish, then Mexican, expansion of influence in California through mission settlements. San Francisco Solano was the last of these missions, named after a saint. - Visiting Lillie Langtry's Fabulous Home in California
Sleeping in Lillie Langtry's bed was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Learn more about her and the beautiful Guenoc Winery. View photos and videos in this article, and learn about our experiences of visiting there.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2010 Peggy Woods
