San Francisco’s Magical Sutro Bath Ruins
In seasons of busyness when my days are filled with responsibilities, I find it’s so important to stop and enjoy beauty wherever I am…and there’s always something beautiful to be found if we take the time to look. Some might think the beauty of San Francisco’s Sutro Baths has long since crumbled away with the building’s massive walls…but I believe by looking back on the past of this special place, one can truly appreciate the magic these ruins hold.
Origin
San Francisco Mayor Adolph Sutro originally developed the Sutro Baths in the 1890s. He dreamed of providing a healthy, fun, and inexpensive swimming facility for the cities growing population. Mayor Sutro also developed the Cliff House Restaurant, as well as a museum that displayed mounted animals, historic artifacts and artwork here. He even had a train track and train service established to easily transport residents to his wonderful waterpark creation.
Original Features
Highlighting the massive complex were seven swimming pools: six salt water and one fresh water incased by massive glass windows. The pools offered slides, spring boards, high dives – even rings and trapezes were set over the water. The pools were set at different temperatures…some were very cold while others were kept as warm as 80°. It took over 1.7 million gallons of water to fill all the pools of the Sutro Baths. The impressive power of the Pacific Ocean was forced through a series of concrete tunnels and tanks, and would fill all the pools up in less than an hour during high tide.
Adolph Sutro was determined to keep fees reasonable so all residents could enjoy his passion project. When the baths originally opened it cost just 25 cents to enjoy the complex, which included access to all the pools as well as swimsuit and towel rental. The pools were extremely popular with the locals, and could easily accommodate 10,000 people. However, after Adolph Sutro’s death at the turn of the century, and then during the Great Depression, the baths popularity began to dwindle.
Decline & Destruction
Over the years new ownership made numerous attempts to breathe life and profitability back into the facility. A sky tram was opened here to transport people, and the pools were even converted into an ice rink at one point…but the Sutro Baths were never able to regain their public popularity and wonder of the late 1800s. The baths closed for good by the 1960s, and in 1966 developers had planned to replace the baths with an exclusive high-rise apartment and shopping center. However in June 1966, a massive mysterious fire broke out and destroyed the entire structure.
Current Day
By 1980 the National Park Service purchased the land. All that remains of the great Sutro Baths complex today is the massive concrete ruins which are now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This wild and untamed landmark now makes for a great afternoon adventure or evening picnic with spectacular ocean views.
Visiting the Ruins
There’s a parking lot at the west end of George Street, which is a perfect spot to park your car. You can enjoy the lookout here and view the baths from above. There’s also a half mile dirt path with stairs you can hike down that will take you all the way to the waters edge. Along the way you can explore the ruins and enjoy more look out points.
What to know before you go:
• These ruins have been eroding for decades, so there are treacherous areas.
• Most of the path is covered by dirt, rocks and sand at the beach, so it’s important to wear proper close toed footwear here.
• Don’t miss the cave at the far end of the ruins, which has a tunnel leading to the beach scene of many past shipwrecks here.
• The following dining options are located close by:
Sutro Resturant, Sutro Bar, Louis Restaurant, The Bistro
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
The Sutro Bath ruins are indeed a magical piece of San Francisco history and one of my favorite sunset spots. If you find yourself in the bay area and in need of nature’s refreshing beauty, plan a stop here…you wont be disappointed. The fascinating ruins, unique rock formations, and crashing waves will leave you in wonder! For more information see my behind the blog video below, and until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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