No, we're not talking about the Golden Gate. Or Alcatraz. Or even the cable cars. No, this attraction is actually abandoned... and maybe even haunted. So, why in the heck would you want to go here? Located at Lands End, at the foot of the Pacific, the Sutro Baths ruins have an incredible history and are absolutely breathtaking.
Entrepreneur and 24th mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro left his mark throughout many parts of San Francisco, especially around the western edge of the city. In the 1890s he built a new Cliff House, along with Sutro Baths, just below his estate atop the bluffs looking out onto the Pacific. Sutro also built a rail line so people could easily get to the baths. Check out this incredible footage of the train from 1902!
The baths opened to the public on March 14, 1896. At the time, they encompassed the world's largest indoor swimming pool.
The extravagant Sutro Baths facility included six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool. There were slides, trapezes, springboards, and a high dive.
There was also a museum housing much of Sutro's international collection of historical artifacts and artwork; a large amphitheater; and an ice skating rink.
Even though it was a bit of a trek to reach the baths (even for fellow San Franciscans living on the other side of the city), they were quite the popular attraction, as evidence by this photo dating back to 1897. The baths could accommodate 10,000 people at one time.
According to the National Park Service: "The power of the Pacific Ocean during high tide could fill the 1.7 million gallons of water required for all the pools in just one hour."
Between 1955 and 1961, this Sky Tram took passengers along a scenic ride from the Cliff House, across the Sutro Baths to Point Lobos.
After decreasing in popularity and struggling to keep a profit, the baths closed with plans to build condos in the area, but soon after, in June 1966, the baths went up in flames.
Since the fire, the baths have been left to ruins and are now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It's a very cool spot to explore.
Be sure to walk through this cliffside tunnel, often filled with sea mist, making the rumors of the area being haunted seem very real.
This area is truly a photographer's dream (and it's become a popular spot for engagement photos). Sunset may be the best time to visit Sutro Baths—here's your evidence.
After exploring this unique San Francisco attraction, we highly recommend taking this hike, which will lead you to another one-of-a-kind attraction.
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