"The only foreplay I really need is for a guy to kiss my hip bone. The hip is the most erotic and neglected body part. Kiss the hip bone with your lips... & I'm yours" - Karen McDougal (Playboy)
Ok, I'm a time traveler and I'll cut to the chase and say the glorious Victorian era was a time of excess, and well excess. The upper class women, often wore a tightly laced corset over a bodice or chemisette, and paired them with a skirt adorned with numerous embroideries & trims; over layers of petticoats. Yes, excess. For the gentleman, it was all about the Norfolk jacket and tweed or woolen breeches were used for rugged outdoor sports, like croquet & shooting. Knee-length topcoats, often with contrasting velvet or fur collars, and calf-length overcoats were worn later in the year. Men's leather shoes had higher heels and a narrow toe. And yes, the male corset was as popular as a waxed mustache on a humid day. Ahh the 1890's...
So what does time traveling have to do with the Sutro Baths? I'll be your voyeur to the Victorian era when the Sutro Baths were brand spanking new. It was mainly for the upper classes as mentioned above, and as we all know by now... the wealthiest are the naughtiest class out there. Or, do you prefer the word "kinky". Whatever your preference the overdressed, excessive, too snooty crowd needed to let loose somewhere and the Sutro Baths was the place to be. C'mon unlace that leather corset, toss those knickers in the air, and let it all hangout!
Back in the day, the Sutro Baths consisted of...
Six saltwater pools and one freshwater pool.
The pools included seven slides, thirty swinging rings, and one springboard. The saltwater was cycled naturally from the Pacific Ocean. Private dressing rooms were available for the more prudish ladies & gents. A museum and ice rink was also part of the Sutro building. However, due to its high maintenance and overestimating the wealthy population it suffered financially for many years until finally closing many decades later. A planned demolishing never took place because the entire building was burned down. Sadly, it was arson that took the walls off of the old Sutro Baths. R.I.P.
Today, the only thing left is the foundation of a once majestic Victorian building. The ruins is a daily reminder of once excessive era. It's a popular landmark via a short hike from either the historic Cliff House or from Ocean Beach. It is no longer private and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Sutro Historic District. All in all, I'd recommend the Sutro Baths to history lovers and the casual hikers. The best part is that it's absolutely free today, so bring the kids, but note it's true ruins, so don't expect glitz or glamour. Just bring your appreciation of yesteryear and a naughty imagination. Another bonus is if you get bored the Lands End and Coastal hikes are nearby too. And no worries a tight fitted corset or bonnet no longer needed, unless you want to showoff those hips;) read more