Sutro Baths Sunday
My mother is in town for the weekend and I want to show her something special in the city, a San Francisco secret. Today I am trying to avoid the tourist destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge or Fisherman's Warf, somewhere with less of a crowd but still magical.
The Sutro Baths ruins is a local favorite for lazy sunny afternoons by the beach with a little exploring if you want it.
Start: University of San Francisco
Finish: Sutro Baths Ruins
Getting to the Sutro Baths is a pretty straight shot, just a trip west on the 38 bus and when you see the Pacific blue you hop off. From the University of San Francisco, located right next to the famous Haight & Ashbury, you can walk a couple blocks north until you get to Geary street. This street is a mainline for many San Franciscans who commute from the Westside to the Downtown area and is filled with lots of great asian cuisine.
After making your way through a couple San Franciscan hills to get to Geary you will hop on the next double-car bus. For all the ones stuck with out any cash to pay for your fare, the Geary 38 bus is one of the easiest busses to catch by slipping on the back.
A short 15-20 minutes later you will find yourself getting off at the last stop of the 38. You can practically smell the Ocean air from the stop. Cross the street and walk a few more blocks until you enter the Sutro Baths parking lot. The Sutro Baths was a famous public pool next to the water where you could learn to swim. Over time it was washed away by the Pacific Ocean winter waves but the ruins still remain and have been taken over by sea otters and tourists. Being so close to these powerful waves can be very humbling. If you want to keep exploring you can also hike along the trails above the ruins and find yourself amidst a beautiful view of the Golden Gate bridge. This is a must-go for any visitor seeking a tranquil day.
-Breesy
Definitely one of my favorite spots in the city! Have you ever gone in the middle of the night? I've been up there at 2 in the morning once, and it was one of the coolest experiences I've had in San Francisco yet. While a little creepy, and yes, there are some racoons to watch out for at night, sitting at the top of the baths and looking out at the black water is something everyone should experience in SF!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome. I don't know if they're still up, but you should check out the Banksy's throughout the city if you haven't already. I took my mom to all of them for Mother's Day a couple years ago - very cool!
ReplyDeleteLove this place and the food is amazing! You are right about it still being touristy without all the tourist. A hidden gem that I suggest to all the out of towners I come across.
ReplyDeleteThe sutro baths are a really historical and magical place. I love that it is really calm and you can get a great dinner at the cliff house restaurant. I hope your mom enjoyed one of San Francisco's treats!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great. I don't know how I've lived in the Bay Area my whole life and never been here. And Sam Kelly, the Banksy's are really awesome!
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