Too bad this wasn't open when we were wandering around the area. For those who don't know what this little structure is, it's essentially a camera you can walk into. There's a rotating mirror and a lens to project a 360-degree panoramic view onto a table inside the building. What's the point of doing that when you can just see it yourself in real time with your own two eyeballs? Good question. Answer - because it's cool. THE PARKING. Parking is available adjacent to the former Cliff House. It's free, but there's a warning sign not to keep valuables in your car due to frequent break-ins. read more

See all

This giant camera establishment is closed for maintenance according to the hand written sign posted on the door. There's no specific dates when the closure started, and no clue how long it would take to reopen. I found it's a disappointing experience. read more

See all

This is a cool little attraction at point lobos in SF. There wasn't much of a "holographic gallery" in this dark room... just a single hologram on the wall this past Sunday. But that's fine, cuz the highlight is really the effect of the camera outside the roof projecting a live image of the beach and surrounding scenery on a round concave disc/surface inside the tiny building. The image rotates as the camera catches the sandy beach and the ocean's waves with an occasional sparkle from the light effect, as well as the former playland-at-the-beach turned condos in the distance. A remarkable device that works something like a periscope. Outside, the "eye" of the camera can be seen swiveling on the roof, however, as of April 2024, the surface beneath the camera appears to be marred by fresh graffiti. Admission is $3 per person (cash only), and the staff kindly points out and explains what you are seeing inside the room when you enter, then you are free to stay as long as you want. The listed hours are 11-5pm, but they close up early sometimes without warning, even when there is no rain nor extreme weather (it's super annoying when places don't honor their hours). The experience was unique, and I love that it's located in a beautiful setting right on the beach and near Lands End, but with lots of inconveniences and missing elements, I can't give more than 3 stars. read more

See all

I believe it's the last remnant of the fabled Playland-at-the-Beach amusement park on Ocean Beach. After all, it's not every day you see a shack that looks like a big camera...unless presumably you're one of the devoted joggers who live in the neighborhood. Not me. I hardly ever get out to the Cliff House nowadays since it's been closed for a while, but some nostalgia magnet must've pulled me in because I forked over my three bucks (yes, it's $3 now) and entered the dark room. Through what's basically a pinhole through the roof, the curved moving panorama is an oddly endearing treat as it provides a rotating 360-degree view outside the shack. It takes six minutes to go through a full revolution, but I frankly didn't make it that long despite the lure of holographic images of the planet Saturn and the Starship Enterprise on the wall. I wasn't sure what the holographs had to do with the view, but hey, I got my three bucks worth of entertainment. RELATED - Looking for a San Francisco landmark? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2FrlWQl read more

See all

The historical aspect of Camera Obscrua is pretty neat and the science behind the camera is definitely food for thought. However, I wasn't really "wowed" during my visit this past Saturday. Upon entering the tiny room of about 50 square feet, there's a camera in the middle that consistently rotates to get live shots of the surrounding, mostly ocean views. $3 per person to enter (I believe it's cash only). The holograms on the walls were sort of neat because you get to see different images depending on how you turn your head. The guy at the booth didn't check for vaccination proof or anything along those lines. He did provide a fun fact that upon exiting, there's a photo of 2 little boys standing at the pier. Those brothers are now the owners of Camera Obscura and the pier was at Ocean Beach in the 1960s. I'm trying to figure out if the elder gentleman at the booth is one of the brothers, I should've asked. Oh well. Overall, this is a one-and-done type of place that you can consider visiting if you're in the area, but no need to go out of your way. #4/2022 read more

See all

There has been a Camera Obscura in SF since at least the 1860's, with the current one residing on the Cliffs North of Ocean Beach. It's actually pretty cool as it uses a 150 inch ( 381 CM ) Rotating Lens to project a 360 degree view from the building. The exterior was updated in 1957, but the interior is the original of this rendition built in 1946, that replaced the once destroyed in a 1907 fire. I have visited the Camera several times, and it's pretty cool if you are in the area, Btw, I took some images this afternoon as a storm was approaching, and cargo ships were moving in and out of the SF Bay, read more

See all

We walked up here after checking out the foggy beach down below and it was a stunning view. We were unfortunately there after the giant camera was closed, but the breathtaking view was well worth the walk up. We will definitely be going back when the camera is open. read more

Over 20 years ago I used to live here in San Francisco and never once came to the beach. I decided to look up unique things in San Francisco and found this so I came which was great but I didn't have cash to enter the facility which was sucky, but overall got some cool photos read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The Camera Obscura is a large-scale camera in the Lands End area of the Outer Richmond District in western San Francisco, California. It is located near the Cliff House restaurant, perched on the headlands on the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach. I'd heard a lot about this place and decided to visit it sometime through the pandemic. Unfortunately, this was shut down but seems to have opened up now. Nonetheless, it provides great sunset views of the beach. It's worth noting that you'll have to park in the Land's End parking area and walk towards this place. read more

See all

When we went with the whole family in December it was closed: no notice on Facebook or their website! Two carloads parked, walked, very disappointing. Why no posting? read more

Sometimes you find one of those out of the way, stuck in time tourist attractions that is totally worth it. This is literally a "camera obscura" which is an optical device that is essentially the grandfather of modern camera. It's fascinating and mesmerizing to watch, especially on a clear day. It's a few bucks to get in (cash only) and mildly dark and creepy inside although perfectly clean and safe. Don't forget to check out the late 80s framed holograms on the wall - makes it even more awesome. read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This is a really cool landmark in San Francisco, behind the Cliffhouse Restaurant. It's the oldest camera in the world! It's too bad that it was a rainy, cold, windy, and overcast day when we visited. Hopefully, on our next visit, it will be a sunny and clear day. Note: parking is free and admission is only $3 for beautiful views of the ocean and beach!. read more

Camera Obscura - A rainy, windy, cold day. .. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I've lived here my whole life and have eaten at the Cliff House restaurant, but have never been inside this tiny little spot located behind the restaurant. Im glad we decided to pay the $3 to pop in to see what it was all about (cash only but they have at ATM inside restaurant). The camera is built off of a 500 year old Leonardo da Vinci design that used mirrors to project images. The mirrors rotate around and reflect down to a huge round drum covered in cloth. On a clear day the image is perfect, we got lucky. It is a very old small building and gets very dark inside so watch your step. The attendant will go in a give you some history. Beautiful area and views. You can see the old Sutro Bath houses from the deck to the right. You can see the entirety of Ocean beach to the left of this place. read more

See all

Camera Obscura is situated in the cutest little camera house right next to the ocean. According to it's website: "The camera obscura is a rare device,based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci.It produces 360 degrees of spectacular Live Images of the Seal Rock Area". Inside is very dark and quiet with only the sounds of the ocean. In the center lies a projection of a slow rotating view of the ocean and beach outside. Hologram photos adorn the walls. I'd say you'd need 5-10 minutes max there. I think Camera Obscura is a great place to check out after eating at the Cliff House or hiking around the Suetro Baths/Land's End trail though I would say it's not really a destination in itself unless one is into early century photography. read more

See all

Permanently closed. Restaurant and gift shop also closed. No facilities either. Sad to miss out on this fascinating location. Graffiti, trash, chained doors. read more

Just below the Cliff House on a gorgeous promontory, sits the Giant Camera. You pay 3 dollars to see this incredible machine- and once you enter, you'll see the large disc of the projection of the picture inside the darkened room. It was really striking to watch the image move around- especially as the camera approached the water lit by the sun. I can't see myself going here over and over- but it is really fun to see it once. read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Come here at sunset and see the most beautiful silvery ocean waves through the eye of a pinhole camera. (You can go the rest of the day, too, but sunset is particularly nice.) A live image (almost like a video) of the ocean is projected onto a large surface, and it's much cooler than it sounds. (Sorry that my description doesn't do it justice but it's really pretty magical.) This is definitely one of San Francisco's best cheap and liittle known thrills. read more

A flashback to simpler times when a 360 degree camera wasn't in everyone's pocket, come visit Camera Obscura for a views of Ocean Beach and Lands End. For $3 you can pop in for as long as you'd like and see the camera at work. The view from the camera is like a painted picture and moves a slower pace, making for a unique experience. There aren't many Camera Obscuras left and this one is a relic from the former Playland site of yesteryear. I visit every time I am in the area for a dose of nostalgia and ocean views from a different perspective. Check it out at least once! read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

At first i was like where the heck is this place at. When i got there i was like oh i been here before. so where have i been was the cliff house sutra bistro for brunch 2 yrs ago for my bday. i knew there was an observation deck but didn't know that was this place so yea its behind the restaurant. when i got here i was like theres a stairway to walk down and then a nice balcony with a view of the seagull rocks and what i mean by the rocks is, the rocks are filled with bird dodo and the rock is almost all white lol. i do remember when i was here 2 yrs ago having brunch and saw a surfer got stuck on the seagull rocks and needed help and helicopter came to rescue. it was amazing how i witnessed all that and i was like i wish i knew about this place because it would have been cool to witness on this special lens from this place. let me tell you they do have a little building with a camera imaging the area around and projected on the white ceramic palet its amazing i don't know how to tell you but its was crisp clear because yesterday on 4 16 15 it was an amazing clear day. so this piece of art projecting real life scene was discovered by Leonardo. i mean they only charge 3 bucks for the fee of entering the room and looking at the amazing art was totally worth every penny. i suggest you to go try it if you haven't try it before but make sure its a clear warm beautiful sunny cali weather to really enjoy it. you will see when you go. Anyways i am a fan and will be back when I'm the tour guide to my family members. hope you enjoy this review and thanks for your time. have a nice day and happy yelping. remember to vote useful or funny or cool if you like it thanks yelper! read more

Camera Obscura - This white canvas is amazing! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

On a sunny (or partially sunny) day, this is a real visual treat. Don't go if you're put off by externalities -- the shack is a shack, the holographs are only visible by people who are 5'6' or taller, the whole place is held together by baling wire -- just go to stand inside and watch the surf. We had just been at the Venetian Masters exhibit at the de Young, so were very keyed into the interplay of light, and watching the surf roll in was mesmerizing. It is, if you can believe it, so much prettier than outside ... can't quite describe. Definitely call ahead. $3 admission, $2 for kids 12 and under. read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Located behind The Cliff House. It opened in 1946. $3 admission $2 kids and senior Pay the person in the booth. You walk in through the door on the right. The room is dark with a large circular piece of wood in the middle, little hologram pictures on the walls.. The person from the booth came in and gave a shpeal on where to stand and the workings of a camera obscura. This particular one has a hole on the roof where a live feed of the Seal Rock area is projected onto that wooden wheel in the center of the room. This technology was used by artists and astronomers.. I learned about this optical device called Camera Obscura in an Art History class and it was cool to see one in person. The guy in the booth was nice and he was cool about answering questions and being informative. If I hadn't had any prior knowledge or had heard of camera obscure before I don't think I would have enjoyed it the same. You walk in and look at the projected images for however long and exit the other door when you're ready. So much more is right outside so I don't know how long you'd want to be in there but Camera Obscura is something to see, something to experience. .. another piece of San Francisco history but the technology is historic as well. read more

See all

At our fingertips and even in our pocket we have technology indistinguishable from magic. But in past times, that sort of magic was a special rarity. The Cliff House camera obscura is a reminder of that time and a great magic make out spot. It's a dark room with an about 9 foot diameter horizontal dished projection screen in the room's center that shows an image from a slowly rotating lens above, the sea and surrounds. Optics! It's a little SF history from the olden times, very romantic. read more

My girlfriend really wanted to check this out so we went during open hours...fail. it was closed! Attempt 2: It was open and didn't know there was a admission price. Only $3 so not bad at all to fulfill our wonders of what's inside. It was either pay the $3 or spend our lives wondering what was in there haha. We went in and the guy explained how it worked. That was a treat because he didn't seem to do the same to the other two that came in later while we were still in there. He was nice though so I'm sure if you asked to explain how the camera worked, he'll tell you. Really interesting and now i can say i been in a giant camera! read more

Camera Obscura - Woot! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Paid $3 admission Nice to see. Very small building behind the Cliff House Restaurant. My rating went from meh to A-OK when we realized they had holographics on the walls. Really retro stuff. If you want to touristy stuff, give this place a go. read more

three stars because when you think about it this is actually pretty impressive to see the physics at work. -2 stars because it's way over priced for what you get. while i know this is apparently one of two in the world, or something like that, i wish i had looked it up on social media before hand. the photographer in me was interested in seeing this, but honestly, seeing it online would suffice, personally. not something i'd go out of my way to go to, personally. and yes, it's quick. like a couple minutes quick, but $3 for general admission ($2 for kids and seniors) is kinda much. like with that kinda money, you'd think they'd have something more to offer????????????? read more

Based on camera imaging design by Leonardo da Vinci. Using concave and convex lens to produces 360 degrees of Live Images of the Seal Rock Area. Is interesting if you are an art of film person, or maybe into gadgets, otherwise you might feel like your $3 is a waste of money. It was interesting and kind of cool. . . But if we we're not in the area doing other stuff, we probably would not have made a special trip to view it. So take it for what it is. read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Housed in a Point Lobos building overlooking the sea, Camera Obscura - AKA the Giant Camera - works like a periscope, providing a 360-degree view of all that's outside - the ocean, Seal Rocks, the Cliff House, the Great Highway, and Sutro Cliffs - in the six minutes it takes to do a complete sweep of its surroundings. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, yet few locals and tourists know it's here. Now that you do, check it out. read more

Camera Obscura - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Can't remember if I paid $5 or $3 to visit the camera obscura, but it was a really fun experience. Don't expect anything too fancy in this tiny shack located close to the Sutro Bath Ruins. I mean, the whole photography technology itself is pretty fancy to me, but the shack itself isn't. It can comfortably fit up to 6 people at once. Any more than that will leave some people feeling claustrophobic. It was fun watching people watching from the camera obscura and even more fun waving to the camera from the outside. I personally started jumping up and down like a crazy person hoping whomever was inside would try to wave back and feel silly hehehe. read more

New Year's Eve Day it was open. The guy was there, giving his lecture. I loved it. Not only fun, informative, and wildly.. totally unexpectedly MIND BLOWING. The image of the ocean looked like something from another dimension. The math is so simple as how to create one, but to be the first to come up with it would be amazing. Their are apparently only about 16 or 17 of these worldwide, and they were used a lot longer ago than this one was built. But this is a vestige of the Playland days, and it is a fantastic treat if you can find it open. ***ADVICE*** Go about one hour and a half before sunset. Someone else on Yelp advised it and they are absolutely correct. AND, you need to have a clear day. And it need to be open. Okay that's not always easy. ***END ADVICE*** The holograms are super sweet too. As much as I lost it, I cannot imagine how those in the older days viewed this.... it must of blown their minds. read more

Don't be fooled by external appearances. There is something cool and magical inside. This device is what some back in the day thought was demonic or witchcraft, such was the illusion/clarity from the optical effects by the obscura. The projection of the surrounding area is reflected by the external tower mirror into a concave screen that you stand around. The view sweeps with the rotating tower to give you in minutes a full 360-degree view of ocean, beach and house. It's worth the few bucks entrance. Any of you with engineering friends will enjoy this trip. read more

I've been waiting for YEARS to see this. And it was TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT!! What is it? A HUGE pinhole camera, but instead of a pinhole, there's a lens. For more info consult the awesome wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_obscura Cost: 3 bucks Sucks: It's not always open, even when they say it's open, so email ahead, calling I think calls the little booth by the camera, so that sucks don't do that.If you don't, you end up sad and pretending to cry and bang on the door and have everyone in the Cliff House totally laugh at you. This is the only reason it got a 4...the random opening times that are so very unpredictable. Awesome: HOLOGRAMS: (there's one in the middle of the wall right by the door you walk into that totally doesn't work/can't figure out what it is). TIP if you have a camera, use it to look at the holograms. We did this with my friends Nikon (the lil one...duno model) and images I couldn't see due to height, darkness totally showed up! CIRCLE OF PACIFIC OCEAN: The lens rotates around, it's cooler if you rotate with the image. ROBERT: is the dude who runs the camera, and likes to chat. He totally caught me and my friends messing with the controls, but was still nice about it. SUNSETS: with the mirror and the lens, you don't get the GLARE off the ocean! If you like sunsets, you'll be able to see them in a way that you've never seen them before. read more

A wonderful attraction, located just behind the Cliff House, that is now open. Originally part of the old Playland at the Beach, It's a part of San Francisco history. Well worth the modest admission fee. If you go, say hello to Jack who works the admission booth. read more

i agree with all the more useful, more thoughtful reviews: CO is a true testament to less complicated times. it's the stationary object that you whiz by in order to gauge how fast you're really going. and how many things you miss in transit. it really forces you to stop and think about just how dulled our senses are and how we allow ourselves to be complicated and bombarded with everyday things. details-- beauty is absolutely in the details. this change in perspective is so simple, yet evoked a childlike giddiness mixed with silly wonder. :) read more

If this cost any more than $3 (like even $5), I would not have been very happy because, let's face it, it's a concave orb reflecting a blurry, not-very-clear panorama of the surrounding cliffside. Why would anyone pay to see that when they could just go outside and get the real view for free? Fortunately, one of the other viewers was able to explain the history and significance of the camera, which made the experience a little more worth it. There weren't exactly pamphlets or signs explaining anything. So...yeah. Make this the bottom of your priority list when you're at Cliff House. read more

Finally knocked another SF-must off this SF Native's "haven't done" list! Stopped by the Cliff House yesterday. Before I went in I was admiring the view of Ocean Beach as I usually do, and noticed the Giant Camera's folding doors were open! It was the first time I'd seen 'em open in years! Went down, lingered by the entrance waiting for the operator to return, in the meantime making small talk with some other visitors about Playland and discussed the recent documentary film. The guy came back to his booth and I paid my three bucks. There were already a party of four inside, so I apologized about letting in light as I walked in. It may be a simple lens and prism, but the effect is amazing. It's hyper-reality yet so serene. Words can't do justice, really. To you Yelpers who stopped by when it was closed, how 'bout you call them next time? It's one guy and chances are extremely high he doesn't have the onsite gear to provide live updates, but he does have a phone: 415-750-0415. read more

Kitch, pure and simple. You either get it, or you don't. It's not 3D, it's not a video, it's live. There was a time during renovation of the Cliff House that it was ousted, but public demand put it on the National Register and now it's a Historical Place. It's a periscope on top. The view is projected by lens onto a parabolic surface inside a very dark room. It's almost like watching TV. It's an ancient design (probably something DaVinci invented) yet timeless in its simplicity. The owner/operator is very friendly and comes to explain the inner workings as you enter. If you like that sort of experience, then it'll be $3 well-spent. read more

So, I went to Cliff House and I was psyched that the Camera Obscura I read so much about was there... then... I realized from the beautiful view that it was closed. I walked down there JUST To make sure (in denial) and took a picture in from of the building (a yellow huge camera) feeling sad. I give them 3 stars because it is not their fault that the weather dictates their opening hours although i dont get why cloudy days don't work. plus the large camera building was pretty exciting to see by itself. haha. you know why i dont know? because they were closed. :) read more

I'd heard of the Camera Obscura years ago, but had never been and wasn't entirely sure where it was. I was delighted to find it open! I didn't see any holographs. (It's very dark inside, so, I'm not sure how one would see them.) It's worth $3. read more

This is a decent experience, if you are at the Cliff House area, it is definitely worth checking out. I would not go all the way there just for the camera obscura, but if you are there anyway, you can find a new experience for a relatively inexpensive cost. Learn about the history of it to enhance your experience, and ask the guy at the front lots of questions and for a tour to enhance your experience. read more

Yes it's the oldest camera in the world. Do you have a question?I mean Renaissance painters use this to paint some of the most beautiful paintings known to man. It's the oldest camera in the world it's amazing look at the picture. If you care at all about photography, if you care about cinematography and if you care about history then you must visit camera obscura. read more

Camera Obscura - The tiny yet super impressive camera obscura. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all