Sutro Historic District

 

Located at the westernmost point of Lands End, the Sutro Historic District encompasses Sutro Heights, the Sutro Bath ruins and the historic Cliff House.

Tips and Highlights

• Meander up to the Sutro Baths site and imagine a three-acre glass bathhouse rising up from the ruins.
• Cross Point Lobos Avenue and stroll the ghostly green vale of Sutro Heights Park.
• Bring binoculars for close-up views of the marine mammals and birds.
• Park rangers and docents lead special walks for those interested in the natural and cultural history of the Cliff House area.

For more visitor information for the Sutro Historic District, including maps, trails and visitor services, please visit the Lands End Plan Your Visit page.

Nature

The Dune Tansy
Between June and September, the golden-yellow, button-shaped flowers of the dune tansy (Tanacetum camphoratum) brighten the cliffs around Sutro Baths. Even prettier than its blossoms are this native plant's delicate, feathery leaves, which are thick with soft silvery hairs. People once made an herbal remedy of tansy tea to cure colds, expel worms, treat hysteria, strengthen the kidneys, and ease other ailments.

 

History

Lands End and the Sutro Historic District historically provided outdoor recreational fun for San Francisco. In 1881 Adolph Sutro purchased the undeveloped land and over time, he established a private rail road company, the Sutro Gardens, Sutro Baths and extensively expanded the 1869 Cliff House.

 

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Click here for more information on how to drive to the Sutro Historic District.