Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OCEANFRONT
As with every segment of this city, the area that faces the Pacific Ocean is a
study in contrasts. Surprisingly to many, it contains terrains of natural
beauty that are just as untamed and craggy as they always have been, partic-
ularly the rocky, windswept micro-climates that make up the cliffs and hid-
den ravines of Land's End. This has been the scene of innumerable ship-
wrecks throughout the city's history. Yet, just a few blocks away is Sea Cliff,
one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in town. All up and
down the area, beside blocks and blocks of tract homes, there are numerous
parks and recreational possibilities, including, of course, surfing, if you're
skilled and brave enough to face the unpredictable, freezing waters of the
Pacific. Of all San Francisco's areas, this is the place where you're almost
certain to encounter the city's infamous fog, but if the weather is clear there
are great views of the offshore Seal Rocks and even the Farallon Islands.
Further south, more activities can be enjoyed at Lake Merced.
1. CLIFF HOUSE
Built in 1909, the present structure is the third on this site and was renovated in
2004. Its predecessor, a massively elaborate eight-story Victorian-Gothic castle that
burned down in 1907, was built by the flamboyant entrepreneur Adolph Sutro (his
estate overlooking Cliff House is now Sutro Heights Park). Cliff House has res-
taurants on the upper levels, observation decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a
wing containing two bars, and the Camera Obscura which gives a close-up view
of Seal Rocks.
Open for lunch and dinner (call for times) • 415 386 3330 •
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