Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cliff House and the Sutro Baths
Adolph Sutro came to San Francisco from Prussia in 1851, aged 21 and looking
for gold. Instead, he became the Silver King of the Comstock Lode (Nevada), and
brought his riches back to the city to invest them in land. His projects included
building the first Cliff House, the popular Sutro Baths, and his own lavish estate.
In the process, he transformed the Ocean Beach area into a recreational gem.
The legacy lives on, despite the disappearance of all three of the famous build-
ings he constructed.
A Two-Hour Hike Around Land's End
This section of the coast is amazingly wild, especially considering that it is actu-
ally within the city limits. Note that portions of the hike are very rugged, so dress
accordingly, with good footwear.
Begin at the far end of the Merrie Way parking lot and take the steps down. Fol-
low the trail that passes by the
Sutro Baths
ruins, to your left as you descend.
Continue on along to the Overlook, from which you can take in
Seal Rocks
and
much of the Pacific panorama.
Now double back a bit to pick up the trail that continues along the coast. You will
see the remains of concrete military bunkers, which have been broken and tilted
by the unstable land, and now decorated with graffiti. Soon you come to a beach
below rocky cliffs; note that the surging water is very unpredictable here, so be
very attentive. Continue walking and you will arrive at Land's End Cove, where
a makeshift beach, using rock walls as windbreakers, is popular with nudists.
Next, climb up one of the sets of wooden steps to join the path up above and
continue on around the bend, where you will be greeted with a stunning view of
the
Golden Gate Bridge
. Keep going all the way to Eagle's Point and return by
way of the higher trail that winds through
Lincoln Park
(for further details see
For a meal after your hike visit
Cliff House
.
Back to intro
Chapter contents
