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Devil's Slide Historical Landmark/viewpoint

4.6 (41 reviews)

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Joan W.

The bunker is right off the 1 Freeway with a small parking lot right up the road. It's a cool place to get out and walk around to take photos of the bunker and the beautiful coastline and ocean. I think you'd need 10-15 minutes max here, it's not a destination to itself but more something to do if driving along the 1. There's also Devil's Slide hike which is slightly farther up and about a 2-mile hike.

Dong Wook C.

The hike here is worth the view when you reach the bunker. Why not take the Devil's Slide Coastal Trail while you're at it to lengthen your experience? The look down near the edge surrounding the bunker is spectacular but watch your step. It's a loooong way down! What I love about this bunker is the artwork changes throughout the year. Some months that I visit, the walls look ordinary and don't give me that "wow" factor. Other times, the wall art on this structure is awesome and magazine worthy. I would love to see the park system commission a few artists to come out and paint all sides of the wall with some beautiful murals each year so I can pass down some great photos of this lovely place to the next generation.

devil's slide - A woman wearing a light gray hoodie, black pants, and white sneakers stands on a sandy trail, holding her phone up to take a photo. She is positioned in front of a large rock formation covered with graffiti, with a structure on top of the rock. The background features rolling green hills and an overcast sky, with some low-lying vegetation in the foreground.
Kabita C.

I recently had a really nice time at this place. It has really nice view and this place is so relaxing.

The back. - A man with sunglasses, a gray t-shirt, and black shorts stands with his arms crossed in front of a graffiti-covered concrete structure built into a hillside. The structure has various graffiti tags and artwork on its surface. The landscape features dry, yellowish ground with patches of low vegetation, and distant hills are visible in the background. The sky is clear and blue with a visible contrail.
Glen N.

Who is going to give this less than five stars? There's no service or food or anything to complain about. There's no manager, Karen. Little Devil's Slide (to be exact) is just a graffiti-covered eighty-year-old fire control station built in 1939 to locate and attack enemy ships. More than 100 of these stations exist, but this one is unique in that a structure like this would normally be embedded into the ground and not sticking out like a sore thumb, looming over the area, but the private owner dug around it and having abandoned the project, left it there like a tiny haunted gang-banger mansion. This offbeat landmark and cool photo op is also known as a bunker or military reservation, having been acquired five years later in 1944 by our army for Battery 244 (Milagra Ridge) as a flank command (left-right-left) and observation post. Where you'd normally find an depression position finder (DPF) or a coincidence range finder (CRF), now you'll only find empty beer cans. (CRV) The hill leading up to it is short and accessible by bike, though you'd have to rely on the small, neighboring, free parking lots at Devil's Slide Coastal Trail (that fill up quick) or the large, free parking lot at Gray Whale Cove about a mile north on PCH.

Visiting family members loved this spot!
Chris M.

Yes, it's an old bunker. Yes, it's covered in graffiti. Yes, it's not a place to explore if you're afraid of heights OR landslides. And, yes, it is a MUST to visit if you're driving between San Francisco and Santa Cruz! This spot is easily missed. You either must park at the Grey Whale Cover Parking Lot and then hike to this abandoned bunker or park at the Devil's Slide Trail and then hike a hundred yards or so to the bunker. Either way, it's a very cool spot -- and a piece of coastal history! Just don't get too close to the cliffs on the north, south or west of the bunker. That wouldn't end well.

Cathy C.

Definitely gotta come here early ... parking is ridiculous ... you will be lucky to find any and no one really wants to walk the whole slide trail then get to this point and then hike up a fairly steep hill on a warm day.. its beautiful here ... great panoramic views of the ocean once on top and then artsy structural shots of this graffiti riddled bunker. Ladies... hold off on wearing heels here ... every single time I come I always see cringeworthy moments of girls on dates with wearing heels ... not trying to be judgey but um this clubhouse is not a club boo.... just sayin

02.15.20 Devil's Slide Bunker
May A.

Wow! The views... Located in Pacifica off of Highway 1 we made a short stop here at Devil's Slide. There is a small parking area where we were lucky to find a spot. We walked up towards the landmark sitting up on Devil's Peak. It is a sight of crumbling remains riddled with graffiti. At first we couldn't figure out what it was. We looked at the cement building up close still confused of what it was until we walked around to the part facing the Pacific Ocean... it looked like a military bunker. I learned later that it was originally built during World War II as an observing station. It was interesting how it hasn't fallen yet and remained balanced on top, teetering off the summit to this day. We continued to walk further down to get a closer view of the ocean... and, wow, what we saw were incredible views of the mighty Pacific Ocean which made for great photographs. It was beautiful weather with lots of sunshine but it was cold because of the wind. There is a sign before climbing the steep hill. Devil's Slide Bunker sits on private property and is not open to the public, yet that has not stopped curious folks from enjoying the views from up the grade. Review #1674

Ed U.

It's hard to miss this unique sight when you're driving this stretch of Hwy 1 from Montara. It sticks out like an unfinished tract home that some burrowing lunatic decided to leave on a stumpy peak for the ocean view presumably. However, when you get up-close, you recognize it's an abandoned, graffiti-covered building that once served as a WWII military triangulation and observing deck because a Japanese invasion was a constant worry back then. Triangulation? That just sounds dirty...and a little painful. I don't think they saw anything except random seagulls, so the land was sold to a private owner who just left it there when he abandoned his own construction plans. There are signs that explicitly command people not to trespass into this area, but that doesn't stop anybody from walking up there. The real idiots are the ones who climb into it with little recourse should they fall and injure themselves. The winds pick up really quick and there are no guardrails, so they're on their own. Good luck 'cause I'm just here to take a picture. RELATED - Looking for other sights and eateries down the peninsula? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2KWj9yk

Lu-Shien T.

Driving along the coastal highway? Pullover, park, stroll. Beware when taking selfies. Drop offs are sheer and can be vertigo inducing. Gawk at the cliff, the wildflowers, and that garish bunker now turned tourist icon--we even got to watch someone tag the wall! Bring sunscreen and a nice warm hoodie. You're gonna want it.

Look close, it is at the peak of the hill
Scott F.

We wanted to visit but the area was closed so we couldn't get close. The Yelp reviews we looked at made us want to visit, but it. Wants in the cards for us this trip. We were able see it from the beach that we were able to get to just to the south. ( I think the beach was a better use of iur time)

Shayla B.

The views are just absolutely breathtaking! I came here after hiking McNee ranch and was enamored by the gorgeous views of Montara State Beach. There's a parking lot located to the right as soon as you exit the tunnel bypass road. I came here on a Saturday around 4:00pm and there was plenty of parking spaces available! The lot does fill up quickly though and I noticed this as soon as I made it back to my car. After you park, there's a small trail that will lead you to the top of the view point. There's a weird old house painted with graffiti that sits on top of a rock at the peak of the viewpoint. Not really the most attractive viewpoint, but views of the Bay are what people really come here for. The old house is supposedly an old World War II building that has been reserved. I'm sure it looked better at one time, but it's still worth a picture or two. I will admit that it's kind of quirky and that makes it unique and kind of cool in my eyes. There were lots of people at the peak when I walked up there but it wasn't crowded. I saw a photographer taking pictures of the beach. It's really a nice place to take some beautiful pictures. A definite stop off if you are in the area!

The West is the best
Dan G.

Pull off for parking on either side of the HWY 1 tunnel near Pacifica for the Devil's slide. There are many observation points along the road up the hill. Gorgeous coastal views await you. We were lucky enough on this day to spy a pod of whales. Just look for the spray. Shocked by how many people walked right by and didn't care or notice. This is a high erosion area and any kind of hike is thwarted by fences. I was amazed by the rock structure and formations showing the years of tumultuous geologic activity. The road can be steep and we saw a couple carving away on 70s era banana skateboards that had to be a rush. Rip it up! I'd say take a hike. But, it's really more of a walk. Enjoy.

Erika E.

A nice, peaceful hike with great views of the ocean. Don't forget to bring a jacket as it'll probably be windy and cold. There are no cars so you'll just be sharing the road with other hikers and cyclists. The road is paved so it's also family friendly for babies in strollers. The parking lot is small and there only two of them on each side (north and south). We were here on a Sunday morning at around 10am and there were lots of free spaces.

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Review Highlights - Devil's Slide Historical Landmark/viewpoint

Use caution while walking from parking towards the bunker and surrounding bunker area as there are no fences..

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Mazza Castle - An All Hallows Eve Ritual & Ceremony at the Mazza Castle - Medium, June Ahern

Mazza Castle

(14 reviews)

Who knew there was a castle in Pacifica? A nice visit if you're into history, architecture and want…read moreto see some views. Built in 1908 by the San Francisco rail magnate Henry Harrison McCloskey by the sea as a safe haven after his San Francisco home was severely damaged in the 1906 earthquake. It was later sold by his wife after her husband's death in 1914 Up until 1959, it had a reputation as a speakeasy, an illegal abortion clinic, a brothel and Coast Guard barracks during World War II. The castle was purchased and restored in 1959 by the late Sam Mazza, commercial painter and real estate magnate filled it with items from old theaters (fixtures, props) and items he purchased at garage sales...so a lot of kitschy items can be found. Place was never used as a residence but hosting parties and used as an event space. The place isn't as grand as I had imagined but definitely back in the day when Pacifica wasn't quite developed. A bit worn on the outside with no greenery and can see it providing a creepy backdrop at night. The docents (dressed as Mr and Mrs McCloskey) and Jeanette Cool, Executive Director of the Sam Mazza Foundation provided rich history that made it interesting and fun. The tour is 1.5 hours with a 10min video from 2000 of Sam Mazza at age 94...energetic and a bit quirky, eccentric with unique taste. All his real estate holdings, including the castle, and his art was left to his foundation after he passed in 2002. So now the castle provides tours, afternoon tea, holiday events and even a Halloween event with a medium...yeah friend bought tickets for that! An enjoyable visit with light refreshments after so grab a bite to eat before or after your tour

Visited the Mazza Castle (aka Sam's Castle) on a Sunday evening for the Castle Music Salon. We were…read moreable to enjoy the extraordinary sounds of the Musical Art Quintet, talented musicians playing a wide range of tunes on string instruments including the cello, bass, violin, and viola (x2). The entire group was in good spirits and focused on their performance, yet also carefree as they spoke to the audience of their music and history. Refreshments were included with the ticket price, including various wine offerings. And guests were able to roam around the inside of the castle and explore a few of the different rooms before the show and during intermission. There was a steep hill on the drive up, but it wasn't too scary. The castle itself is beautiful, the structure simpler on the outside, but the inside, restored by Sam Mazza, is covered in quirky decor, furnishings, instruments, and artifacts collected from throughout the bay area (a lot of interesting paintings and sculptures, and even a suit of armour on the lower level). There's much to learn about this monument's incredible history, including its past as an illegal abortion clinic, its days as a speakeasy (Chateau Lafayette), and even its origin as a safe haven for Henry Harrison McCloskey's family when it was first built following the 1906 earthquake. Castle tours are available by reservation, organized by the Sam Mazza Foundation. They also hold a number of special events here occasionally, including the amazing Castle Music Salon that I recently attended. It's certainly worth a visit, I think moreso when you can view the castle in conjunction with an event.

Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

Sweeney Ridge

(189 reviews)

There are a few entrances, but I think the most popular one is on Sneath Lane. This trail is paved…read moreand pretty steady and not too difficult for about a mile but then gets a bit steeper for the next mile to the top. On the way up you can see views of the San Andreas Reservoir Lake. After the rain you can hear the water flowing and see some little streams and wild mushrooms. To the ridge is a little under 2 miles. I like the fact there is a small bathroom which I find quite rare on trails like this. To the left is the San Francisco Discovery Site which has a plaque with some information. Apparently, this was the place the Spanish settlers first saw the San Francisco Bay. To the right the trail goes along the ridge to the remains of the old Nike missile site. The views are stellar, and one can see for miles on end, Marin, the city, Pacifica Mount Diablo, etc. I love watching all the planes coming in and out from nearby SFO. From Sneath the hike is about 5 miles and 2 hrs. I've also gone the Mori Trail route which is nice because it's not paved but this trail is steeper. It's worth checking out the funky Shelldance Orchid Gardens which is located at the trailhead but they are only open on the weekends.

This is a nice enough spot to go for a hike. It was easy to find my way to the Sneath Lane Trail…read moreParking using google maps, a small lot within a residential neighborhood, that fits about 10-15 vehicles. It was foggy, cold, and incredibly windy during my visit last week, and of course, there's an incline as the trail wraps around the mountain. But it wasn't too bad, the actual climb up didn't feel as difficult as it looked from a distance, starting with the sneath lane trail then connecting to other trails higher up. In fact, there are many options for different trails to take. The Baquiano Trail had a dirt pathway while the Notch Trail toward the Nike Missile Control Site was paved. Near the SF Bay Discovery Site, there's a small restroom building (it was pretty clean for a park facility, on a Thursday afternoon). The gorgeous foliage lining the various paths was captivating, along with lovely views of the hills, lake (san andreas reservoir), and sunlit scenery in the distance. Too foggy to enjoy the views the higher you get though, just a giant cloud of fog everywhere. I barely made it three miles out before turning back. It was just far too windy and foggy to wanna be out there very long (I'm sure hot days would be even worse with zero shade to be found). Plus my legs definitely had a workout from the uphill trek. Luckily the jog back down was a breeze. And I did slow down to appreciate the vegetation and vast array of plant species, once again, before leaving.

The Flintstone House - Turtle rock

The Flintstone House

(12 reviews)

Neat local flavor to take a look out…read more It's actually someone's house that they live in, so make sure to be mindful and polite when visiting (because I can't imagine how annoyed the neighbors would be with randos going in and out as well as just thinking this place is an eyesore with how rich and pretentious the neighborhood already seems). There are statues of the saber tooth there and Fred, some dinos. Lots of purple and orange colors. It's not only just Flintstones theme as there are bunnies, aliens, Terracotta warriors and an eclectic mix of decor. Neat, fun and interesting stop if you're nearby and on the way somewhere else.

Flintstones House Hillsborough CA Wed 4/12/23 ©…read moreLet me start by saying, this quirky house is not a tourist destination! For decades, this prominent feature in Hillsborough hills just off the scenic route Hwy 280 brought happy feelings to passers by! Of course it's been a curiosity for decades in existence... but wait! All it is, a wonderful single family residence, with a twist in a story full of intrigue & litigation! And it has its own Wikipedia page! I've told myself, Grey, you live close by, you've got to write about the Flintstones House! It's a curiosity worth noted, yet a source of controversy to its neighbors! A colorful authentically looking residence in the affluent Hillsborough community uniquely affected the inner moods within the neighborhood, while much of the story remained hidden from public eye. The listing wasn't on the Yelp maps until recently, a yelper put it on during the pandemic, the house itself has been gracing the hill for decades in existence. The Flintstones house has been renovated & changed hands some years ago... I believe it used to sport an off white stucco, at some point it got repainted bright orange & purple... sold in 2017 & that's when complaints began. As the storytelling goes, the original Flintstones suburban sprawl developed in real life! Much controversy to it in the recent years due to the current owner coloring it even brighter burnt color resembling the cave & decorating the yard even more...beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Neighbors considered yard decorations an eye sore! So they brought forth the law suits. The installations of dinosaurs became a point of contention. Maybe historic inaccuracies were getting on their nerves? :-) After all, all we know is that Fred & Wilma enjoyed the company of their pet dinosaur Dino, but were there many others in the Stone Age? What about a Giraffe, a woolly mammoth, and a Fred Flintstone himself?! I understand neighbors didn't want any attention in the affluent town they reside in. Well, the owner won the law suit! She gets to keep her dinosaurs! Not only that, but also $125K from the city for originating the architectural review in the first place! And we the public got to enjoy this amazing architectural creation for years to come! *Well, he packed his guitar and his bar-room tan, Gotta get some miles behind him as fast as he can, Another destination, some place else to play. *But as the night approaches, a change is in the air His heart is pumping fast, he's got no cares The music befriends him, it can take him anywhere It's a honky-tonk engagement But there's no better place to play His mind feels like crazy pavement He's getting crazed out every day [ Review #766 w 2 pix on May 2, 2023 ] Flintstones House! Hillsborough CA Wed 4/12/23 Yabba Dabba Doo! @Flintstones House Hillsborough CA Wed 4/19/23

Bootleggers Steps

Bootleggers Steps

(2 reviews)

Thanks to my cousin's husband who shared the info regarding Bootleggers Steps, I would not have…read morechecked it out. We hiked up to Mori Point & yay, We found Bootleggers Steps. Bootleggers Steps in Pacifica, CA. is a 200-foot climb with 185 steps that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Coastline . If you find get to Mori Point, you will find Bootleggers Steps. Hmm, I wonder why this place got its name and found out Bootleggers Steps got their name from the park's history as a site for bootlegging during Prohibition. Details: Distance: 0.11 miles, 200 foot climb Views: 360-degree panorama of Pacific coastline History: Former site of bootlegging and World War II structures Heading up to Mori Point/Bootlegger was a quick 9 minutes, ( per hubby's GPS) but longer for us because I stopped along the way to take photos. The path was safe leading to the spot, just rocky at some areas, but OMG, Wow, the view was breathtaking so worth it giving up other SF plans for this. I had fun going down the steps and back up, easy peasy, My Life's grateful moments was experienced here!!

Outdoor stairmaster. This is my happy place. I thought sunset was the obvious best time to come but…read moreone day I did a full moonlit hike and was converted. One the edge of a cliff someone was playing the violin it was a very special moment that almost felt like a simulation. Everytime I come here I see something new and fascinating, I suppose that is the art of noticing.

Wind Harp Tower - Excuse me, while I kiss the sky,,,

Wind Harp Tower

(33 reviews)

Very cool, and very odd at the same time. Over the years while working nearby, I've come to…read moreappreciate the "wind harp" sculpture. A 92 foot structure of metal, it's actually very cool. When windy, this "thing" really howls with a tone like no other. If in a nearby building, you can actually hear it while inside at a meeting. At the same time, you get used to it. Recommendation: Pick a windy day to visit There's rumors about it (I suggest to try it): ================================= * If you throw a metal object, it will redirect and cling like a magnet to the sculpture * Try to throw a ball thru the sculpture, and it will bounce/reflect away and not penetrate. A Poem: ======== In South San Francisco's gentle breeze, A wind harp sculpture sways with ease, Its graceful form, a work of art, Sings a song from the depths of heart. A melody woven from the wind's embrace, Whispers secrets in an airy space, Strings of metal, resonating free, Echoing the city's symphony. Tall and slender, it reaches high, Against the clear, blue, open sky, Capturing the essence of the coast, In its harmonious, airy host. As the Pacific's breath does flow, Through this sculpted harp, music grows, A serenade for those who pass, A moment of peace, a breath, a class. So, in South San Francisco's grace, This wind harp sculpture finds its place, A reminder of nature's artful dance, In the city's embrace, a sweet romance.

We came on a cool and quiet day, there was a bit of wind, but not much. We also didn't go…read moreunderneath the structure, just around it, along the concrete pathways circling the grassy area where the towering piece of art is situated. We sat on a bench looking out into the distance. The area's not high enough to really offer spectacular views of any kind (the more desirable scenery is blocked by ordinary looking buildings). But the atmosphere at this site was peaceful. And the sculpture, stretching toward the sky, resembled a harp in its unique way, even if it didn't sound like one. We parked at a lot for TMB Baking since it was most convenient.

Devil's Slide Historical Landmark/viewpoint - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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