The Sutro Baths were originally a privately owned saltwater swimming pool in Outer Richmond, whose ruins today are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Sutro Historic District. When they opened, the baths were the largest indoor swimming pool in the world. They were destroyed in the '60s.
Today you can visit the Sutro Baths site that includes striking views of the azure surf crashing on the shores and over the concrete ruins. They mark a unique part of San Francisco culture and offer outstanding photo opportunities to visitors interested in the city's legacy.
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Highlights of the Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths opened to the public on March 14, 1896. It was the largest indoor swimming pool in the world at the time. They were built by former mayor and entrepreneur Adolph Sutro and were located on a small inlet beneath the iconic Cliff House, which was also owned by Sutro.
The baths suffered from high overhead and eventually were turned into a skating rink, then slated for demolition. A fire destroyed them in 1966. Today the site is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, under the control of the US National Park Service.
Good to know about the Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths are not a swimming pool; they are a historic ruin. As part of the US National Park Service, they serve as a recreation area surrounded by green space on the shores of San Francisco Bay. Visitors can come here to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city and catch photos of the historic site.
Parking is available for a fee, but the park is free to visit. It's not entirely disability-friendly, as the trails to reach the ruins are not paved and are very steep.
Sutro Baths in San Francisco
Location: 1004 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Open: 24/7
Phone: +1 415-426-5240
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