Want to check out a cool historic spot in San Francisco with great ocean views? Head over to the Sutro Baths ruins near Lands End. The old pool complex itself is in ruins now, but the site is still worth a visit for the awesome vistas of the Pacific and rugged coastline. Keep reading for some tips on exploring this famous Bay Area location.
History of the Sutro Baths
Adolph Sutro, an ex-SF mayor who also built a bunch of tunnels under the city, opened the Sutro Baths way back in 1896. It originally had 7 pools, from small cold ones to a huge 106°F mineral pool that could fit 10,000 people.
The baths were a big hit with locals and tourists. You could check out museums full of Sutro’s random antiques and weird stuff. They also had concerts, trapeze shows, high divers, and other cool acts. The baths went downhill over time and burned down in 1966. Now there’s just ruins and the old pool foundations left. The National Park Service took over the land in the 70s and keeps it preserved as a historic site you can visit today.
Hiking Near Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths offer some great hiking opportunities with spectacular ocean views. Here are some of the best trails to check out near the ruins:
Lands End Trail
The 3.4-mile Lands End Trail offers moderate coastal hiking along San Francisco’s wild northwest point. Windswept cypress and rocky cliffs frame views of the ruined Sutro Baths, Mile Rock Tunnel, shipwreck, Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands for an iconic SF experience.
Sutro Heights Park
Rising above the ruins of Sutro Baths, picturesque Sutro Heights Park invites you to explore it’s carefully curated gardens and trails. Meander through stands of eucalyptus, Monterey cypress and Monterey pine to discover the park’s centerpiece: the stately Sutro Heights Historic District. Here, beautifully restored Victorian homes and structures transport visitors back to 1890s San Francisco. Descend staircases amidst vibrant flowers back to the cliff’s edge and the bath ruins below.
Eagle’s Point Path
For intrepid hikers seeking an adventure, the Eagle’s Point Path delivers cliffside views and rugged terrain aplenty. Starting from Lands End, traverse the windswept trails and staircases of the Lands End Trail before connecting to the more challenging Eagle’s Point route. Scramble up and down steep, rocky slopes that pass through fragrant coyote bush as you navigate towards Eagles Point, 280 feet above the crashing waves. Coastal vantage points showcase the Pharmaca shipwreck, Point Bonita lighthouse and Marin Headlands across the Golden Gate’s waters. Not for the faint of heart, but earning miles of hard-won perspective up San Francisco’s wild Pacific cliffs.
Point Lobos
Point Lobos sticks out into the Pacific south of Lands End. It’s the last wild cliff before hitting Ocean Beach. Trails wind through cypress trees and small beaches. Each turn gives you another killer view that belongs on a postcard.
You can see seals chilling on rocks and look for whales swimming by in winter. In spring there’s tons of colorful wildflowers. Point Lobos is one of SF’s coolest nature spots. It’s a place to get away from the city for a bit and experience the wild side of the Bay where cliffs meet the ocean and nature is still in charge.
Nearby Attractions & Things To Do
If you want to make a day of visiting Lands End, here are some other fun attractions worth checking out nearby:
Legion of Honor Museum
Overlooking San Francisco’s rugged Lands End coastline, the Legion of Honor Museum stands as one of the city’s most acclaimed cultural institutions. This fine arts museum houses an impressive collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art within a striking Beaux-Arts style building.
Sutro Heights Park
Rising above the ruins of Sutro Baths, picturesque Sutro Heights Park invites you to explore it’s carefully curated gardens and trails. Meander through stands of eucalyptus, Monterey cypress and Monterey pine to discover the park’s centerpiece: the stately Sutro Heights Historic District. Here, beautifully restored Victorian homes and structures transport visitors back to 1890s San Francisco. Descend staircases amidst vibrant flowers back to the cliff’s edge and the bath ruins below.
Cliff House
The Cliff House is a famous San Francisco restaurant and bar that’s been around since 1863. It sits on top of a cliff next to the ocean. The windows go from the floor to the ceiling, giving you incredible views of the Pacific crashing against the rocky shore. You can drink local wine while watching the sunset and waves, or have a long Sunday brunch with poppyseed muffins and whale watching. There’s also a casual balcony where you can get a table with amazing views of the ocean.
Whether you want a quick snack or a full fancy dinner, the Cliff House is impressive. It has great views and fresh, sustainable seafood. No visit to Lands End is really complete without having a drink at this legendary spot and toasting the wild western side of the city.
Ocean Beach
Stretching for miles north of Lands End, Ocean Beach stands out as San Francisco’s only sandy shoreline. On sunny days, revelers flock here with dogs, surfboards and picnics in tow. Joggers pound the packed sand, volleyballers bump on busy courts and adventurous souls brave the Pacific swells. Come sunset, all eyes turn westward as vibrant hues and long shadows fill this urban respite. Whether looking to surf, stroll or simply relax and watch the waves, Ocean Beach delivers simple, scenic pleasures at Lands End’s doorstep.
Where to Stay
There are lots of excellent lodging options for overnight stays near the Sutro Baths and Lands End. These include:
| Inn at the Presidio | For a luxurious stay, this boutique hotel in a converted army post features contemporary rooms in park-like Presidio settings near downtown. |
| Hotel Zoe | Overlooking the Palace of Fine Arts, this Fisherman’s Wharf hotel blend modern comfort with iconic San Francisco scenery. |
| Lodge at the Presidio | Get historic Presidio lodging in a renovated 1903 army barracks building with updated rooms and suites. |
| Inn at Golden Gate | Budget travelers can grab a comfortable room in the heart of the Marina District, close to Crissy Field park. |
| HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | For cheap dorm-style lodging, check out this large hostel right in the popular tourist area near Ghirardelli Square. |
Parking & Transportation
Lands End has limited free street parking on Point Lobos Avenue by the ruins, but spots fill up fast on weekends. Additional metered parking, as well as small free lots, can also be found on nearby West El Camino Del Mar Road.
To avoid parking hassles, consider taking public transportation to the baths instead:
- Bus – The 38 Geary and 18 46th Avenue routes stop right near the Lands End trailhead.
- Uber/Lyft – Catch a rideshare from downtown in around 10-15 minutes.
- Biking – Lands End is located along a bike route with a bike rack available at Merrie Way.
When to Visit
Spring and fall tend to be the best times of year to visit Lands End. The summer months often see thick fog obscuring views of the Golden Gate. While winters bring clearer skies, the ocean winds can be quite blustery from December to February.
Aim to explore Lands End between late morning and early afternoon on clear days. This offers your best chance to catch the baths and surrounding vistas under sunny skies before the afternoon fog and winds roll in.
The Sutro Bath ruins themselves remain open to visitors from sunrise to sunset year-round
What to Bring
Dress warmly in layers and don’t forget:
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Windbreaker/jacket
- Hat & gloves (for winter trips)
- Sunscreen (for spring/summer/fall visits)
- Snacks/water
- Camera
- Cash for parking meters
Expense Overview
Visiting Lands End and the Sutro Bath ruins offers a budget-friendly San Francisco attraction. Here’s a quick cost overview:
- Park Entry – Free! (No admission fees to access Lands End or Sutro Heights Park where bath ruins are located.)
- Parking – Free to $10+ depending on parking spot and duration of stay. Street parking free to $2/hour. Small free lots also available nearby.
- Public Transit – $2.50 each way on bus, $15+ each way for Uber/Lyft rides from downtown
- Food/Drinks – Bring your own snacks/water or purchase eats nearby at the Cliff House, Legion of Honor Cafe, etc.
So outside transportation, you can easily explore Lands End and the ruins on a shoestring budget!
How to Get There
Lands End is located along the coast on Point Lobos Avenue in the Lands End neighborhood of San Francisco.
To reach Lands End by car, take Highway 1 north across the Golden Gate Bridge then exit onto Lincoln Boulevard/25th Avenue. Follow 25th Avenue west then turn left on El Camino Del Mar Road. Turn left on Point Lobos Avenue to reach the Lands End parking lot and trailhead.
For public transit, take the 38 Geary bus toward Ocean Beach and exit at Merrie Way. Walk downhill on Merrie Way then turn left on Point Lobos Avenue to reach Lands End. You can also take the 18 46th Avenue bus toward the Legion of Honor museum and exit on El Camino Del Mar Road near the trailhead.
No matter how you choose to arrive, Lands End and the iconic Sutro Bath ruins should be on every San Francisco travel itinerary! The sweeping views of the Pacific and Golden Gate make for an unforgettable Bay Area experience.
FAQs
No, access to the ruins and Lands End is free and open to the public!
There are porta-potties in the Lands End parking lot. No other amenities are available, so bring your own water/snacks.
Yes, you can walk right up and explore the ruins. But use caution climbing around the structures that are aged and deteriorated.
No, swimming is not allowed in the remains of the old pools. Dangerous rip currents make entering the ocean here unsafe as well.
Yes! Dogs on leashes are welcome in Lands End and Sutro Heights Park to enjoy the sights.
Yes. The famous Cliff House restaurant and Legion of Honor museum’s cafe provide dining options a short walk away.
Mostly. The paved trail through Lands End is accessible but some connecting paths have stairs. Check individual trail conditions for your needs.
Final Thoughts
While the baths themselves are now ruins, the sweeping ocean vistas and rugged coastal scenery make the site incredibly scenic and picturesque. It’s a uniquely San Francisco spot that should be on any travel itinerary. The Lands End Trail offers moderate hiking opportunities to take in the Baths along with other landmarks like the Lands End Labyrinth and Mile Rock Tunnel. Connecting paths and stairs provide access down the cliffs right to the bath ruins site.
Nearby attractions like the Legion of Honor museum, Sutro Heights Park, Ocean Beach and the Cliff House provide plenty of things to make a whole day out exploring this lesser-visited area of the city. Spring and fall tend to be the best weather seasons, though clear winter days can also provide stunning views. Just aim for late morning to early afternoon hours to increase chances of sunny skies.
