Cliff House
Published On: Mar 02, 2006

Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos

For visitors and locals alike, enjoying the ocean view from the Cliff House has become a tradition that goes back to 1863 when the first building was completed.
The original building which was a hotel hosted three US Presidents as well as other San Francisco affluent families. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1894. A Victorian building took its place and proved to be just as popular. The building featured galleries, dinning rooms and an observation tower that rose 200 feet above sea level. The building also was destroyed by fire.
Throughout the years the main attraction at Cliff house was the ability to watch and the sea lions at Seal Rocks. For ten months out of the year the sea lions would gather and sun themselves or play in the surf. For the other two months, the lions would head south to Channel Islands to breed. Unfortunately today, the sea lions have begun to spend most of their time at the docks of Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf.
Another historic building near the Cliff House is the ruins of the Sutro Baths. The three acre bath complex was originally built to attract visitors that wanted to swim in the six pools, try the three restaurants or take in a show at the amphitheater. The Sutro Baths are no longer open, but the ruins are part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area and is still a very popular place for those that want to enjoy the day by hiking and exploring.
The Sutro Baths and Seal Rocks aren't the only places at Cliff House that offers up fantastic ocean views. Ocean Beach is a wide ribbon of sand that is a hot spot for walking, running or sunbathing. Just a word to the wise, it can get very cold on the beach and the rough waters can make swimming hazardous. Surfers often flock to the area when the waves are good, just be sure to note that they are wearing insulated wetsuits for protection against the cold.

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