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I have been coming to Sutro Heights Park for 20 years and each time I visit I am so satisfied. There is a free parking lot located at the bottom of the park or there is street parking up above. This park boasts gentle rolling grass hills, granite pathways, colorful flowers, a rich history and the most sensational views. The grandkids had a blast running through the park & playing football and we all enjoyed a picnic with views of Ocean Beach. Be sure to read the history of this park (Adolph Sutro) I count this as one of my favorite parks in San Francisco
An easy and short hike. We started from the corner of Balboa St and La Playa. There are steps. We went in March and there were several blooms of calla lilies. Once you get to the top there are several view points. There's also some benches even further up.
Sutro Baths was in Harold in Maude..that's how students in my age group acclimate with Sutro..learning about Adolph Sutro is interesting in San Francisco CA...the barons that came here...Sutro was from Germany and he helped create the civilization..and the government left ruins of an old time...the baths..and also I just saw his old estate land...near Cliff House...near the beach...Ocean Beach! Sutro lived near Ocean Beach and Sutro was a civic leader..1880..an old time..relics of settlements..why? from Germany! This is review #2999...on to review #3000 SF review #2002
Color me ignorant and hurl your petty insults at me. I really didn't know this park existed. I guess I knew there was 'something' behind the trees here, but I wasn't motivated to cross Point Lobos Avenue until quite recently. It just didn't occur to me to veer away from the marquee sights like the Sutro Baths and Land's End Trail. Once I crossed the street, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Frankly it was mostly because it was so lightly populated. The eighteen acres that make up the park was once the estate of Adolph Sutro, the Comstock Lode silver baron and one-time mayor of San Francisco. It was apparently quite the spectacular Victorian garden, but after his death, it went to seed until the land was donated to the city. There are remnants of its former grandeur like the observation platform Plaza encircled by a castle-like stone wall. It overlooks the Cliff House which is semi-hidden by the trees. There's also a gazebo on the grounds and a broad walkway that provides a panoramic view of Ocean Beach. Otherwise the park appears to be the bastion of dogs and their indulgent owners. True the grounds need some sprucing, but there are plenty of benches if you need to rest your own dogs. I also take advantage of the wooden steps that start on Balboa and climb up the steep cliff amid more Pacific views. I'm working toward thighs of steel. Yeah right. RELATED - Exploring the Richmond? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HvkBu7
This is a great place to come walk your dog, get a birds eye view of the ocean and west part of the city, or watch the sun set. It's very peaceful and especially quiet during the weekdays. The park used to be the location of Adolph Sutro's elaborate estate in the late 1800s. Most of it was torn down but the stone parapet and Well House still stand. Around the stone structure there are lots of colorful flowers and the park even has a tiny rose patch. For a hike start at Balboa and La Playa where there is a sandy path stairway next to abundant ice plant and beach wildflowers. To walk up to the park and explore then circle around by Point Lobos Ave by the Cliff House and back is about a mile. To make the hike longer you can walk across the street to connect with the Sutro Baths or the Lands End Trail adding another 3 miles RT.
This 18 acre park, now operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area, was once an estate owned by Adolph Sutro, a former mayor of San Francisco (1895 - 1897) and a Comstock Lode silver baron. To say dude was rich is an understatement, as he was also a land developer and major land owner. He purchased this area on the northwest side of San Francisco above the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. He built his mansion on top of the rocky ledge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach. He certainly had a sweeping view as far down south as Pacifica all the way north to Mt. Tamalpais. Sutro commissioned Greek statues, which decorated the grounds, along with fountains, Italian style gardens, Victorian flower beds, glass plant conservatory, hedge mazes, trees, outbuildings and a magnificent-looking entrance gate complete with two lion statues sitting guard below the gate. After Sutro passed away in 1898, his daughter took over the estate and eventually, she was unable to maintain the grounds as it fell to disrepair and became dilapidated. It didn't help that the grounds were vandalized by the locals and even stole the plants and vandalized the statues. The Sutro estate was subsequently donated to the city after the daughter's passing in 1938. The mansion was razed and a lot of the statues were removed, even the elaborate gate at the main entrance. However, they kept the two lion statues that stood guard since they were created in 1883. Out of the several statues that was originally in the grounds, only Diana the Huntress remained. It's a far cry compared to what it looked liked in the past; however, it's now a beautiful park, which is taken care of by the local neighborhood. Since it's part of the GGNRA, it's an extension of Lands End and Sutro Baths Ruins. It even has it's own free parking area, but there are no restrooms here. You gotta cross the street and use the public restrooms at Lands End Lookout building. Don't let that deter you from exploring every acre as it provides gorgeous views from the observation deck above and below. Then there's the classic view of Ocean Beach, the Pacific Ocean, Richmond District, Golden Gate Park and Sunset District from the south vista point of the park. One could spend some time here just enjoying the views alone. Bring your lunch here and you'll have a gorgeous backdrop. Just make sure to dispose of your garbage properly as there are several garbage receptacles in the park. Even then, people leave their rubbish on the grounds, and the dreaded disposable facemasks. This just irritates the hell out of me. But you can do your part in keeping this park clean, and that begins with you. Next time you're in the Cliff House or Lands End area, cross the street and you'll be in for a treat. Best part of all, it's FREE. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 55
I often forget that San Francisco has the Pacific Ocean as it's border to the West. After a hike along the Coastal Trail this weekend that concluded at Lands End, I made my way to the last stop of the 38 Geary bus. Since one had just left seconds before I reached the stop (Grrr...), I was a little antsy. The bus driver for the next bus answered my question about the open space next to the bus stop. He said it was Sutro Heights Park. I never knew there was a park here. With a few minutes to spare, I strolled along the path. I passed some beautiful sculpture of the Goddess Diana. There was also a charming structure which looked like a delightful spot to shelter if it rained. The park was wide open. People were walking and playing with their dogs. A young man was intensely engrossed in a hardcopy book! The views of Ocean Beach and the Great Highway from this perch were fantastic. Wonderful to make another discover of natural space...only in San Francisco are there still surprises to delight this native daughter.
Amazingly beautiful view looking down toward ocean beach. A little gem of its own with history and story .. beautiful park to sit and enjoy little sun and a good short hike. Ground at entrance gate was little uneven, so if you bring senior or kids, be extra cautious little, the rest of the park is ok.
Beautiful stroll through this park before sun sets! It's a great outing to be at and simply be. The view from the top edge of the park, is admirable. I got to see the motion of the waves with the shades of the sun rays reflected onto the ocean. They were lovely colors to be adorned over about. Calmness delved into this serene scene! Moving painting of the ocean from Sutro Park, seemingly.
This is where we as a family went blackberry picking back in the 70s. Fall meant berry-stainded fingers and buckets filled. Not much has changed about this area except there's now sort of official park signage on the grounds. The bramble-y bits are still bramble-y. There are fewer berry bushes, however. The old ruins of the observation deck a la Adolf Sutro still stand and are still in disrepair. The view is still beautiful. The lions that once flanked the entrance to Sutro Heights still stand. There's an icky bit of gating that takes away from their majesty somewhat, but you can still get a decent picture of them after cropping out the gate. Thank you, fancy camera phone! One bit of statuary that also still stands is of Diana the Huntress. How she made it unscathed all these years is a marvel. All the rest were demolished, carted off, what-have-you. Google Adolf Sutro & images of what this place was and try not to weep. If one is in the vicinity and would appreciate a lovely view of Ocean Beach, the Cliff House and the Marin Headlands, then get on up there. *small-ish parking lot, usually full. *whatever mini-gazebo was here (as per other yelpers' posts) is now gone.
I absolutely LOVE our hikes here, life doesn't get better than this! Think tranquility, stunning oceanfront views, and calories burned. This was my 'hood' growing up (continues to be 'til this day), and I've always embraced it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. With that said, please pick up your trash and keep this park immaculate. Thank you. I highly recommend hiking around here and throughout Lands End, Sutro Baths, up through Fort Miley, Sea Cliff, and the Presidio. Golden Gate National Recreation Area is full of endless beautiful scenery/trails, take in Mother Nature and the rich history! Bring your cameras, phones, binoculars, dogs, kids, sunscreen, hats, sweaters, and plenty of water. Happy Hiking =)
VIEW from the top. The view is mesmerizing, memorable, and spectacular all at once. The sense of sight, no doubt, will be overloaded as you take in all the scenery around you. It's definitely a picturesque perspective of the surrounding area surely. Sutro Heights Park not only provides spectacular views of Ocean Beach and surrounding areas, but there are abundant grassy areas where you can sit back and relax as well. On the day I visited, some were enjoying time with their dogs, others enjoying the view or exploring the park, while some chose to wait for the sun to make its way to the horizon. In any case, there seems to be qualities/aspects to this park that everyone can enjoy and appreciate. BOTTOM LINE: The views are spectacular. I'm fortunate there was time during my vacation to visit this park.
Little remains of the extensive gardens that Adolf Sutro opened to the public in 1883. He spent in excess of a million dollar to recreate an Italian garden on the 22 acre site. There were replicas of 200 European statues placed in the garden. There was also a stable, a conservatory filled with exotic orchids and a rock and sandstone parapet that enclosed an observatory, water towers, and a gallery, The Sutro home was built to take advantage of the views. The estate was demolished and the most of the statues were removed after the Sutro family donated the land, the gardens and their home to San Francisco in 1938. All that remains today are the winged lions guarding the entry to the park, and a few other statues. The foundations of the sandstone parapet is still there and so is a staircase. You will see breathtaking views of the Pacific from this high bluff. The area is flat. It is easy to walk about and explore what is still here, and marvel at what it must have been like in the 19th century. A walk in this ghostly green garden is not to be missed. A hint of what it looked like Looking out at the cliff house http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/07/67/35/2062158/7/628x471.jpg The Sutro house http://www.city-data.com/forum/attachments/san-francisco-oakland/37764d1236724354-what-thing-sutro-heights-park-sf-untitled.jpg
1 year ago
Sutro Heights is special because of its unique history as a former public garden and estate, its dramatic clifftop location with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate, and its remnants of the past, including the Sutro Baths ruins and historic statues. The park offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest, with a former estate, formal gardens, and a grand observation parapet overlooking the coastline. Easy street parking off of 48th Avenue. read more
I have been coming to Sutro Heights Park for 20 years and each time I visit I am so satisfied. There is a free parking lot located at the bottom of the park or there is street parking up above. This park boasts gentle rolling grass hills, granite pathways, colorful flowers, a rich history and the most sensational views. The grandkids had a blast running through the park & playing football and we all enjoyed a picnic with views of Ocean Beach. Be sure to read the history of this park (Adolph Sutro) I count this as one of my favorite parks in San Francisco read more
2 years ago
An easy and short hike. We started from the corner of Balboa St and La Playa. There are steps. We went in March and there were several blooms of calla lilies. Once you get to the top there are several view points. There's also some benches even further up. read more
Sutro Baths was in Harold in Maude..that's how students in my age group acclimate with Sutro..learning about Adolph Sutro is interesting in San Francisco CA...the barons that came here...Sutro was from Germany and he helped create the civilization..and the government left ruins of an old time...the baths..and also I just saw his old estate land...near Cliff House...near the beach...Ocean Beach! Sutro lived near Ocean Beach and Sutro was a civic leader..1880..an old time..relics of settlements..why? from Germany! This is review #2999...on to review #3000 SF review #2002 read more
Color me ignorant and hurl your petty insults at me. I really didn't know this park existed. I guess I knew there was 'something' behind the trees here, but I wasn't motivated to cross Point Lobos Avenue until quite recently. It just didn't occur to me to veer away from the marquee sights like the Sutro Baths and Land's End Trail. Once I crossed the street, however, I was pleasantly surprised. Frankly it was mostly because it was so lightly populated. The eighteen acres that make up the park was once the estate of Adolph Sutro, the Comstock Lode silver baron and one-time mayor of San Francisco. It was apparently quite the spectacular Victorian garden, but after his death, it went to seed until the land was donated to the city. There are remnants of its former grandeur like the observation platform Plaza encircled by a castle-like stone wall. It overlooks the Cliff House which is semi-hidden by the trees. There's also a gazebo on the grounds and a broad walkway that provides a panoramic view of Ocean Beach. Otherwise the park appears to be the bastion of dogs and their indulgent owners. True the grounds need some sprucing, but there are plenty of benches if you need to rest your own dogs. I also take advantage of the wooden steps that start on Balboa and climb up the steep cliff amid more Pacific views. I'm working toward thighs of steel. Yeah right. RELATED - Exploring the Richmond? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2HvkBu7 read more
This is a great place to come walk your dog, get a birds eye view of the ocean and west part of the city, or watch the sun set. It's very peaceful and especially quiet during the weekdays. The park used to be the location of Adolph Sutro's elaborate estate in the late 1800s. Most of it was torn down but the stone parapet and Well House still stand. Around the stone structure there are lots of colorful flowers and the park even has a tiny rose patch. For a hike start at Balboa and La Playa where there is a sandy path stairway next to abundant ice plant and beach wildflowers. To walk up to the park and explore then circle around by Point Lobos Ave by the Cliff House and back is about a mile. To make the hike longer you can walk across the street to connect with the Sutro Baths or the Lands End Trail adding another 3 miles RT. read more
This 18 acre park, now operated by Golden Gate National Recreation Area, was once an estate owned by Adolph Sutro, a former mayor of San Francisco (1895 - 1897) and a Comstock Lode silver baron. To say dude was rich is an understatement, as he was also a land developer and major land owner. He purchased this area on the northwest side of San Francisco above the Cliff House and Sutro Baths. He built his mansion on top of the rocky ledge overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach. He certainly had a sweeping view as far down south as Pacifica all the way north to Mt. Tamalpais. Sutro commissioned Greek statues, which decorated the grounds, along with fountains, Italian style gardens, Victorian flower beds, glass plant conservatory, hedge mazes, trees, outbuildings and a magnificent-looking entrance gate complete with two lion statues sitting guard below the gate. After Sutro passed away in 1898, his daughter took over the estate and eventually, she was unable to maintain the grounds as it fell to disrepair and became dilapidated. It didn't help that the grounds were vandalized by the locals and even stole the plants and vandalized the statues. The Sutro estate was subsequently donated to the city after the daughter's passing in 1938. The mansion was razed and a lot of the statues were removed, even the elaborate gate at the main entrance. However, they kept the two lion statues that stood guard since they were created in 1883. Out of the several statues that was originally in the grounds, only Diana the Huntress remained. It's a far cry compared to what it looked liked in the past; however, it's now a beautiful park, which is taken care of by the local neighborhood. Since it's part of the GGNRA, it's an extension of Lands End and Sutro Baths Ruins. It even has it's own free parking area, but there are no restrooms here. You gotta cross the street and use the public restrooms at Lands End Lookout building. Don't let that deter you from exploring every acre as it provides gorgeous views from the observation deck above and below. Then there's the classic view of Ocean Beach, the Pacific Ocean, Richmond District, Golden Gate Park and Sunset District from the south vista point of the park. One could spend some time here just enjoying the views alone. Bring your lunch here and you'll have a gorgeous backdrop. Just make sure to dispose of your garbage properly as there are several garbage receptacles in the park. Even then, people leave their rubbish on the grounds, and the dreaded disposable facemasks. This just irritates the hell out of me. But you can do your part in keeping this park clean, and that begins with you. Next time you're in the Cliff House or Lands End area, cross the street and you'll be in for a treat. Best part of all, it's FREE. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 55 read more
1 year ago
I often forget that San Francisco has the Pacific Ocean as it's border to the West. After a hike along the Coastal Trail this weekend that concluded at Lands End, I made my way to the last stop of the 38 Geary bus. Since one had just left seconds before I reached the stop (Grrr...), I was a little antsy. The bus driver for the next bus answered my question about the open space next to the bus stop. He said it was Sutro Heights Park. I never knew there was a park here. With a few minutes to spare, I strolled along the path. I passed some beautiful sculpture of the Goddess Diana. There was also a charming structure which looked like a delightful spot to shelter if it rained. The park was wide open. People were walking and playing with their dogs. A young man was intensely engrossed in a hardcopy book! The views of Ocean Beach and the Great Highway from this perch were fantastic. Wonderful to make another discover of natural space...only in San Francisco are there still surprises to delight this native daughter. read more
Amazingly beautiful view looking down toward ocean beach. A little gem of its own with history and story .. beautiful park to sit and enjoy little sun and a good short hike. Ground at entrance gate was little uneven, so if you bring senior or kids, be extra cautious little, the rest of the park is ok. read more
8 years ago
Beautiful stroll through this park before sun sets! It's a great outing to be at and simply be. The view from the top edge of the park, is admirable. I got to see the motion of the waves with the shades of the sun rays reflected onto the ocean. They were lovely colors to be adorned over about. Calmness delved into this serene scene! Moving painting of the ocean from Sutro Park, seemingly. read more
This is where we as a family went blackberry picking back in the 70s. Fall meant berry-stainded fingers and buckets filled. Not much has changed about this area except there's now sort of official park signage on the grounds. The bramble-y bits are still bramble-y. There are fewer berry bushes, however. The old ruins of the observation deck a la Adolf Sutro still stand and are still in disrepair. The view is still beautiful. The lions that once flanked the entrance to Sutro Heights still stand. There's an icky bit of gating that takes away from their majesty somewhat, but you can still get a decent picture of them after cropping out the gate. Thank you, fancy camera phone! One bit of statuary that also still stands is of Diana the Huntress. How she made it unscathed all these years is a marvel. All the rest were demolished, carted off, what-have-you. Google Adolf Sutro & images of what this place was and try not to weep. If one is in the vicinity and would appreciate a lovely view of Ocean Beach, the Cliff House and the Marin Headlands, then get on up there. *small-ish parking lot, usually full. *whatever mini-gazebo was here (as per other yelpers' posts) is now gone. read more
10 years ago
I absolutely LOVE our hikes here, life doesn't get better than this! Think tranquility, stunning oceanfront views, and calories burned. This was my 'hood' growing up (continues to be 'til this day), and I've always embraced it. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. With that said, please pick up your trash and keep this park immaculate. Thank you. I highly recommend hiking around here and throughout Lands End, Sutro Baths, up through Fort Miley, Sea Cliff, and the Presidio. Golden Gate National Recreation Area is full of endless beautiful scenery/trails, take in Mother Nature and the rich history! Bring your cameras, phones, binoculars, dogs, kids, sunscreen, hats, sweaters, and plenty of water. Happy Hiking =) read more
13 years ago
VIEW from the top. The view is mesmerizing, memorable, and spectacular all at once. The sense of sight, no doubt, will be overloaded as you take in all the scenery around you. It's definitely a picturesque perspective of the surrounding area surely. Sutro Heights Park not only provides spectacular views of Ocean Beach and surrounding areas, but there are abundant grassy areas where you can sit back and relax as well. On the day I visited, some were enjoying time with their dogs, others enjoying the view or exploring the park, while some chose to wait for the sun to make its way to the horizon. In any case, there seems to be qualities/aspects to this park that everyone can enjoy and appreciate. BOTTOM LINE: The views are spectacular. I'm fortunate there was time during my vacation to visit this park. read more
Little remains of the extensive gardens that Adolf Sutro opened to the public in 1883. He spent in excess of a million dollar to recreate an Italian garden on the 22 acre site. There were replicas of 200 European statues placed in the garden. There was also a stable, a conservatory filled with exotic orchids and a rock and sandstone parapet that enclosed an observatory, water towers, and a gallery, The Sutro home was built to take advantage of the views. The estate was demolished and the most of the statues were removed after the Sutro family donated the land, the gardens and their home to San Francisco in 1938. All that remains today are the winged lions guarding the entry to the park, and a few other statues. The foundations of the sandstone parapet is still there and so is a staircase. You will see breathtaking views of the Pacific from this high bluff. The area is flat. It is easy to walk about and explore what is still here, and marvel at what it must have been like in the 19th century. A walk in this ghostly green garden is not to be missed. A hint of what it looked like Looking out at the cliff house http://ww3.hdnux.com/photos/07/67/35/2062158/7/628x471.jpg The Sutro house http://www.city-data.com/forum/attachments/san-francisco-oakland/37764d1236724354-what-thing-sutro-heights-park-sf-untitled.jpg read more
Another little gem hidden away! with spectacular views of the Ocean beach. The parking is free and is just before 48th ave, along the highway. A short walk takes you to the top. However, there is a viewing platform which looks like a small castle. It was built by Adolph Sutro in, I think in 1880s. It's abit run down but you can see magnificent views of the beach from there. Children would love going up and down the steps to the viewing platform. Love this place and will include it in my list of excursions to take visiting friends and family. A must see, if you love the ocean read more
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful... this park was such a perfect destination for yesterday's lazy Sunday. We took our dog, a blanket, and a ball and spent an hour or so walking around, playing with the dog and sitting on the old estate fence. We were content to relax, soak in the sun, and enjoy the amazing views of the Ocean beach, the coast line and the ocean itself. I would highly recommend Sutro Heights Park for daytime fun or to watch the sun go down. It's great to walk around and imagine what it must have looked like at it's peak... when San Francisco's old millionaire mayor had his mansion up there. What a yard! Note: The pup was a lil muddy after playing in this park. See ya there! read more
7 years ago
We love this spot of San Francisco after traveling miles to enjoy our Pacific Ocean it's so nice to enjoy yourself with not alot of people during our weekday trips to San Francisco. We enjoy this special place on every visit. We have now found special places to eat and stay overnight near by. It is a very special place to just breathe in the ocean air look at fishing boats and ships arriving into San Francisco bay. If you like nature I'd come here. read more
15 years ago
Every time I've been out at ths Sutro Baths or Ocean Beach, I've noticed this park but never ventured in. Finally did so yesterday and seriously, I couldn't have picked a better day. It was clear blue skies as far as the eye can see. Windy but gorgeous-Sutro Heights is just a little hidden oasis to relax and take in all the birds, views and greenery. Lots of benches for sitting, large lawns, views of Ocean Beach, and the park-couldn't have asked for anything more. The little plaques were interesting and told readers about Sutro's former estate up here and some of the old photos were cool. Afterwards my boyfriend and I went down the stairs (a little sandy and narrow in places but not too steep) and ended up near La Playa, cut through and then made it over to Golden Gate park for more adventures. Love this place and can't wait to come back with a book and a picnic! read more
I almost missed this place when I was walking out of Land's End, but luckily I backtracked when I saw some dope lion statues guarding the entrance to this place. When you see lions out in front of anything, you know there's something good behind there, whether it be super expensive houses, dim sum, or in this case, a super chill park. Entering the park, it looks pretty small, but it's more expansive than it initially appears. You could probably wander for a good hour here without running out of things to explore. There's a great view of the ocean and the Outer Sunset, some weird castle looking things that you can just sit on and chill, and a run-down looking gazebo thing that I wasn't really going to mess with. There are also a lot of little signs scattered throughout the park talking about the history of the area, but I don't come to parks to read, so I didn't read them, but you sure can! There were a bunch of little kids learning to ride their bikes, retired people walking and stretching, and teenagers walking their dogs, so it's a good place for all age groups. And of course, there are a bunch of trees and shade and lots of grass to run around and play in. All in all, it's a nice park with an aura of calmness about it. Definitely a great place to go for a little relaxation. read more
Not sure if it's true, but I've often heard that most New Yorkers have never been to the Statue of Liberty or up the Empire State Building. By the same token, I truly wonder how many San Franciscans are even aware of this obscure, hidden treasure that exists in the westernmost part of our fair city. Sutro Heights park is a truly amazing place that one can easily miss. Located in the cliff area high above the Cliff House, it has a commanding view of Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, and the Sunset district. Always fun to look and pick things out like Safeway, the condos, the windmills, Park Chalet, and so forth. On a nice day, this place is absolutely breathtaking...so beautiful!!! Park on the backside and it's a quick and easy walk to the viewpoint. Short walk from the bus stop too if you prefer public transportation. When you're done, there's a quick shortcut down a path through the trees to the parking lot below if you'd like to go to the Cliff House or need a convenient public bathroom. read more
Gorgeous views of Ocean beach and beyond. I'm a walker. A major walker. When the sun is out and the weather is nice, I'm out and about. No lazy couch potato of a man would ever survive a day with me out on the streets. In that respect, I'd be perfectly paired with someone who is equally into experiencing everything this cool city has to offer. In addition, he better like to walk with me. So, since I was to spend a day with a certain someone, I warned him that I wanted to go for a walk. Never mind that the walk encompassed a span of almost 30 blocks to Ocean Beach and back. Yes, I am strong willed. Sutro Heights Park are the actual grounds of the Sutro estate. I was saddened to read that after his passing, the estate fell into ruins and eventually the buildings demolished. The walk here is both gorgeous, amazing and a step back in time. The paths are well kept as well as the gardens. And once you reach the edge of the estate, the views sweep down to the Cliff House, out to Ocean Beach and the 1 HWY is visible for miles. You can exit either back to Geary and take the winding sidewalk down to the beach or the sandy steps that lead you down to Balboa. Easy to access, easy to exit. I stood there, taking in the views and the cool breeze. Then nodded at the fellow. "Walk to the beach?" read more
What a wonderful place to be able to go and forget all of your worries... I remember first going here when I was little and enjoying the greenery and serenity with my parents. They both lived in San Francisco many years so we always went to all of the cool, less crowded places. I parked in the parking lot off of Point Lobos and took the little walk up the hill to get to the grounds. You immediately see a lush green lawn and a dirt walking path. The air just seems more crisp and fresh up here. Walking on the path a little ways you get to the money shot where you can see from the outer sunset and Golden Gate Park to far off in the Pacific Ocean. Simply breathtaking. You can just sit here and take in the view for a long time. The grounds are very well maintained and taken care of. This would be the perfect place to take your family for a picnic. Granted you should be aware that this is just a beautiful lookout point so if you're looking for things to do here this is not your place. I recommend everyone visit here at some point! read more
It's a Hidden Gem. Really. I find that after living in SF for 3 years now, I am starting to forget just how amazing some of the places in The City can be. The first time I stumbled upon Sutro Heights Park, I was actually blown away. The vistas here are stunning. The views overlooking Ocean Beach and the (actual) Pacific Ocean are, on a clear day, some of the best to be had considering you can get there on a 38 ride for $2.25 and walk 200 more yards through a perfectly landscaped and lavishly vegetated flat stroll. Once upon a time, the old Sutro Mansion was up here. To the North is the Sutro Baths historic site (a downhill walk from here) - to the West are Seal Rocks, and to the South is Ocean Beach. As you get to the farthest edge to the West, you've got a lot of height and a long view if the day is nice. As I mentioned, it's amazing from a natural beauty and landscape design standpoint. There is some history to be had here too. Oh yeah, it bears making sure to say the following: You should see the Sun set from here. The water temperature changes fast and watching the air chill and light change is legitimately the sort of thing that can make you see the world differently. There are many other places that a stop here first after heading West can take you. Sutro Baths, Lands End and Lincoln Park to the North. Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, The Sunset (and don't forget Hockey Haven over on Balboa!!!) are not far to the South. You can tie this park into a great day in many ways. Pick a good day, because the weather will make this worth it if the day is nice. Authors Note: The park is really on 48th at the end of Geary. I submitted an edit and will take this off once it's changed. read more
Sutro Heights Park; one of the very few hidden gems in the city. The reason why I say few is because not a lot of people go here or know about it. People are rushing to go to Lands End or Sutro Baths that they forget about Sutro Heights Park! This magnificent park towers over Ocean Beach. You can see half of outer Richmond and Sunset as well as Golden Gate Park. Sometimes, you may see someone drawing really cool sand art that would only look amazing from a specific vantage point because they draw it in large scale! This is also a great place to bring your dog, friends, and family. Perfect for sunsets! You can go up the steps near the center of the park and go even higher! There are a couple of benches up there and one huge tree in the middle. This is actually where I asked out my boyfriend and it's been a holy place since, haha! read more
14 years ago
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10 years ago
Ok, so I grew up in San Francisco and I had never been to this park!! Let me tell you I loved it, completely recommend it. I heard about this place through a SF history class and learned how Adolph Sutro's home was located in this park back in the day. Apparently he left his gazebo and fountains that were a part of his estate. Of course knowing this much information I was wanted to see it with my own eyes and they're there! Also, the view is beautiful! You get to see the beach from a different view point. It's amazing, totally recommend it for a family day or just to bring a date. It doesn't seem to be as popular, but it's totally worth it. read more
20 years ago
A scenic place to take a nice photo of the beach. While it's very nice, the view is limited to one angle (see pic) and rest of the park is peaceful but it appears that the rosey days of this park were decades ago (maybe a century). read more
I discovered Sutro Heights Park on a weekend looong run. It's a secret city gem! I can't believe it took me 4 yrs to run in to it (literally) GO there for the incredible, breathtaking views of the entire Ocean Beach and GG park. It's located just before Cliff House & across the st from the Sutro baths....it's so dreamy! http://www.josephstubbscreations.com/Home2/sf/sfparks/sutrohts/sutrohts.html read more
15 years ago
Secret tourist worthy spot and very romantic sunset viewing spot. ~ Definitely one of the city's hidden gems! There are no words to describe how it feels to sit at the edge of the wall/cliff and watch the sun set into the majestic Pacific Ocean on a nice day. If you're around the area and have time to kill, just go! What are you waiting for? Fresh air and a nice view cannot and will not kill you! read more
I feel pretty lucky to live right by such a fabulous little park with the best view of Ocean Beach, Cliff House/Seal Rock, Sutro baths. On a sunny day, you can't beat a stroll around this park. It's never too crowded, quiet and away from traffic - only a few people and dogs around. On the southeast corner of the park, you can access some trails that will take you down to "beach level" or Safeway. This is our usual "shortcut" when we head down on foot (gotta love that hike UP the hill/stairs with our cartons of milk and yogurt and sour cream... yeh). But it's a nice view on the way down. read more
18 years ago
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48th Ave & Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Outer Richmond
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(415) 561-4323
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