Sutro Historic District

• Meander up to the Sutro Baths site and imagine a three-acre glass bathhouse rising up from the ruins.
• Cross Point Lobos Avenue and stroll the ghostly green vale of Sutro Heights Park.
• Bring binoculars for close-up views of the marine mammals and birds.
• Park rangers and docents lead special walks for those interested in the natural and cultural history of the Cliff House area.

The Dune Tansy
Between June and September, the golden-yellow, button-shaped flowers of the dune tansy (Tanacetum camphoratum) brighten the cliffs around Sutro Baths. Even prettier than its blossoms are this native plant’s delicate, feathery leaves, which are thick with soft silvery hairs. People once made an herbal remedy of tansy tea to cure colds, expel worms, treat hysteria, strengthen the kidneys, and ease other ailments.

Northern River Otter
River otters (Lotra canadensis) are a semi-aquatic, carnivorous member of the weasel family. Though they may look cute and cuddly, these charismatic mammals are bigger than you may think. They can weigh between 10 and 30 pounds and measure up to 4 feet long.

River otters are curious by nature and will sometimes approach people. Although this may seem charming, for your safety please keep a safe distance. Wild animals can be unpredictable, and river otters have been known to attack people. Report any encounters or attacks to Park Dispatch at 415-561-5510. It is violation of Federal law to feed or approach wildlife CFR2.2(a)(2).

Adolph Sutro once owned one-twelfth of the land in the City and County of San Francisco. He built the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights Gardens, and Cliff House Railroad at the city’s northwestern tip—an area of rugged coastal geography that now shares his name.

NPS Sutro Baths history >>

NPS Sutro Heights history >>

NPS Cliff House history >>