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Sutro Heights Park
Rating Details »
Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond48th Ave & Point Lobos Ave
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 561-4323
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
83 reviews for Sutro Heights Park
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!
swirling, twirling, drowning deep
blues and blacks, the colors keep
soaring, boring holes in time
w/crashing, smashing walls that climb
into each pore that roars w/pain
that slurs and purrs w/calmness feigned.
along the divide that bides discreetly
embrace the crests that nestle sweetly.
This was part of a two day adventure hopping around the north end of San Francisco and it was just amazing. I think words just won't do any justice and you just have to get out there. Amazing views of Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and Seal Rocks.
Yet another awesome adventure spot in my backyard. (YAY for the Outer Richmond District!) Everyone in the neighborhood comes here on sunny days (which happen to be few and far between on this side of SF). You will always see people playing with their dogs, having picnics, playing bocce ball (I think I'm the only one I've seen actually doing that), and just relaxing while enjoying the views. From the back of the park you can see amazing views of Outer Richmond, Golden Gate Park, Outer Sunset, and down the coast of Ocean Beach. This guy Sutro owned everything over here! I read on a plaque in the park that it used to be his home! I'm pretty sure that's the best spot to put a mansion! This is definitely one of my favorite parks in San Francisco and I go there often just to soak up the beauty on a clear day :)
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?"
Nice weirdly-formed spooky trees, lots of open grass, great views, areas that seem protected from the wind (though not been tested), no bums, uncrowded on holiday weekend, easy parking. I totally have missed this spot for years, living way across town, but it's really a cool spot. Would be excellent for a real hot day for its ocean location and great shade.
I used to come here when I was a kid to check out the amazing views of the city. Now that I've moved back here I'm glad can still get knocked on my ass by the sights from this park.
I've spent a few perfectly good days here with a sandwich, a few beers and some friends. It's a great date spot, day or night. If you've lived in San Francisco long and have never been here you're missing out!
I LOVE coming here and climbing on the Sutro ruins. It's a great day trip (makes a nice date event that's free and fun) and right by Golden Gate.
Sometimes life throws you a curveball you weren't prepared for. And when that happens, it helps to get an outside perspective. Literally, like the kind that makes all your little problems look, well, little. So when you're feeling poopy, hike up to Sutro Heights park and look down on the ocean and the little houses on the coastline and stare into the great ocean beyond. It's a wonderful feeling.
Plus, it's a good way to get up close and personal with a little slice of SF's history.
This is the best park to walk in after stuffing your face at dim sum or chinese or sushi...
I have been walking this park for many years, and I still love it's broad expanses. If you are not super surefooted, it has crunchy wide walkways and one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean.
If you are surefooted or have a ten-year-old that needs to burn off steam after a day of museums or shopping, there are some pretty safe (compared to Sutro Baths) ruins to explore.
I loved the photos on the signs that showed what the place looked like when people would take the train out from San Francisco for picnics on the grounds. Since my father (the fifth grade teacher) had taken me to the base of the mountain where Sutro made his big fortune by draining the silver mines, it was impressive to me that this is where he put his money to make his second fortune. In my mind, I can see horse-drawn carriages coming with people to visit Sutro or to parties at his home (Ok, excuse me for a minute while I stuff the hopeless romantic back into this practical speech therapist outer shell).
This is a friendly little park, which is very accessible. It has great views and an adorable gazebo which would be absolutely the best place in San Francisco to pop the question (oops, she keeps getting out). By all means, I hope you love this park as much as I do!
Do you want to melt your date's heart until it's like warm butter in your hands?
Take your date here on a beautiful sunny day and climb up to the rocky ledge that once supported the home of SF's 24th Mayor, Adolf Sutro.
Do you want your date to rush into your arms for warmth and security?
Bring your date up on the same rocky ledge on a gorgeous star filled night and watch her mold right into your arms as you watch the immense night sky collide with the endless crashing of the ocean.
Truly irresistible.
Do you want to make her scream and get her heart pumping like no other guy can?
On the same star-filled night, as she is molded against you, give her a delicious sweet kiss. Then, slowly peel her off of you and take off running back to the car, leaving her standing in complete confused darkness.
I guarantee either two things will occur, 1) Blood curdling screams as she chases after you or 2) a tough girl swearing after you like no sailor can.
Not sure which will happen, but I guarantee you this, there will be screaming and heart pumping.
OVERALL: Another park that I classify as a gem of SF. Easy to find, quiet, amazing views, and free parking. Views of nature's beauty at its finest.
Once upon a time, a very, very rich man lived here.
A 38 to 48th Avenue dropped us off right at the park. The meadows were expansive. The views were beautiful. The site of the house, with the parapet and battlements, had commanding views of Seal Rock and of Ocean Beach. It was sunny and serene, and benches were conveniently placed at the better view points. Hanging gardens on the south side framed a staircase that was easy to follow.
The mosaic floor had been removed; I wondered if it might be at the California Academy now. Several campfire sites gave testimony that someone admired this place both day and night. Below the parapet on the north side, we noticed a WW2 two-story fire control bunker, although the Park Service didn't mention it anywhere on their interpretive signs. Out in the meadows there was a pretty gazebo where the gardens were pictured in the signs.
Reputedly, Sutro's ashes have been hidden somewhere in the park. It is an appropriate resting place, because it gives rest to us all when we visit. I can appreciate why he lived here.
This is my fortress of solitude, bat cave, and 10 forward all-in-one. =)
I remember this place many years ago and glad things have changed.
Renovations are impressive (parking accessibility, new benches, etc.).
This park is a jewel. I used to walk there quite a bit when I lived in that hood and the views were breath taking. I used to go at sunset to watch the sun get swallowed by the ocean. Also, there were usually cute dogs there, which is always a plus.
Go to this place and watch a sunset, you won't regret it.
Pretty cute park, missing a sun on this sad day though =(
There is a ring of rose bushes, and a cool castle-thing! You can stand on it and gaze at the beautiful ocean.
This place is very peaceful and would be a nice place to have a family picnic or just to get away and read a book or sit in the sun and enjoy the nice views. This park would also be a great place to take wedding photos or family photos! or photos with your boyfriend / girlfriend.
lots of parking across the street
Wonderful.
Instructions:
1. Go to park, bring soul (and maybe a hot pocket)
2. Lose it at the park watching the sun set over Western SF
3. Revisit constantly to remind yourself that life is good
I can't WAIT for the construction to finish. So far, they've constructed a nice-sized parking lot and the trails are coming along nicely.
I believe they will have a full set of stairs all the way down to the Sutro Bath Ruins when they're done. Meanwhile, just jump the plasticy fence and hike carefully down there. Don't tell them I told you to (or just miss out on another cool Outer Richmond place)
Potentially my absolute favorite place in San Francisco.
It's hard to believe within 10 minutes you can go from the heart of the financial capital of the west coast to this.... this grass-hilled, pebble-pathed corner of the city that has some of the most stunning views you will ever see. Ever.
You will have many options when you come here. You can walk along the path in Sutro Heights Park (proper) as it curves to the right and the entire north bay acknowledges your presence in a dramatic unveiling. You begin to see the water of the bay... then the mountains of Marin... then the Golden Gate Bridge and everything beyond it. The path continues for a half mile until it dead ends at a staircase. In a San Francisco version of "Choose Your Own Adventure," you can either take the stairs that fork to the left which will lead you down near the water... or you can continue forward and prepare to be suffocated by amazingness.
The stairs eventually end and you walk across a narrow dirt path with an extremely steep drop to your right. At this point you'll be thinking you're in picture-taking heaven... but keep going. Walk down a mini dip and back up onto the platform atop the hill in the ocean. Now, look around. You are standing in the middle of the bay with every view you could possibly want. Dramatic cliff sides, waves crashing against the shore, and the fog horn in what feels like an arm length's distance. When you look down at the next level of this hill, you will find a labyrinth made of pebbles, silently enticing you to walk its multiple paths.
And if this doesn't interest you, walk down to the Sutro Baths and check out the remains of old-school San Francisco luxury. You can even walk through a mountain and end up on the other side where multiple rocks, shooting out from the sea, are directly in front of you. I can't help but think of The Goonies every time I'm down there.
And if THAT isn't good enough, continue down Geary, follow the road as it curves past the Cliff House and a three mile span of Ocean Beach will suddenly appear. If you see this on a sunny day, when the coast goes on forever until it appears to be swallowed up by the mountains... as the sun sets over the Pacific and the water reflects multiple shades of orange, red and purple... you will understand why I'll never leave this city.
It's a pale shadow of its former glory, back when it was the estate of SF mayor Adolph Sutro. The conservatory is long gone and so is his house - which is a shame because the grounds were given to the city of SF and should have been maintained. At least the lawn is in decent shape and a few statues remain (there used to be hundreds), including the lions that guarded the gate (but the gate is no longer there).
When you climb up to where Sutro's home stood (only the foundation remains), you'll see that he picked a spot with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach. There are a few benches to sit and enjoy the view and some signs that tell you about the history of this location.
Free parking (and plenty of it).
What an unbelievable slice of the world. Spectacular views of Ocean Beach, huge swaths of grass to sit and enjoy life, and plenty of history. And very, very peaceful, the way the sun was cutting through the trees was a tad spiritual, and that's coming from your favorite atheist yelper.
I almost felt like I was cheating on Dolores Park walking around here, as I definitely will be back. Don't worry Dolores, babe, you are still by far #1, but I think I just found #2.
Lovely place for a wedding ceremony in the summer. Almost free and has gorgeous views. A little hiking required and can be windy but it's a park so can't ask for more.
Wedding Ceremony shot at Sutro Heights park:
http://iqphoto.com/blo...
JK
Sutro Heights Park is a gem of a park, with beautiful Ocean views, flowers, and a few picnic tables with views of the waves crashing below. This is a small neighborhood park, and while I would like to keep it to myself, this is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. There are steps which descend to Ocean Beach as you walk downhill towards Sutro Heights Avenue....just walk down the path that runs along the side of the big, haunted looking house which is the first house at the edge of the park, and voila, steps to the left of you...and another spectacular view, which you might just have to yourself.
I'm not too sure where the name originated, but I've always known Sutro Heights as "Cat's Eye" This place is one of my FAVORITE places in the city. It's a hidden jewel. If you experience it during the day, you'll get gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach. At night, you experience the romance of Cat's Eye (especially during a clear night). Find the stairs that lead you to your castle... finding a seat at the proper time ensures your best view of a San Francisco sunset
On most nights, it can get chilly and extremely windy. Be sure to bring a warm jacket. Bring a date or a close friend. Usually best enjoyed with someone else.
It's beautiful here. It's a nice walk, but VERY WINDY and CHILLY! Looking out at the vast Pacific Ocean, I felt like a very small person. Haha. One of my friends took me and my family out here to check out the view and to see the Sutro mansion -- or what's left of it. It would be a nice hike during warmer weather. Definitely worth a visit at least once.
I use to walk by here all the time when I was younger. I could walk through the park, down the trail to the Cliff House mechanical museum. This was also a great place to bring my dates when I was a tiny young boy to enjoy the nice views of the beach and just hang out...
Great place to bring a dog too!!
I had a very nice long walk to the Park on Mother's day. (An empty, meaningless day to me as I lost my mom long ago.) This park was wonderful for that "existential angst":):) :) I saw cute dogs and hyper kids, or was that hyper dogs and cute kids? Anyway, it was fun, smelling the sea air and being somewhere in SF I hadn't been before...
My fiance and I checked out this park last weekend. It was absolutely gorgeous. In fact, it was so gorgeous that we decided that we are going to hold our wedding Ceremony there.
The people at the Golden Gate Parks and Recreation Department have been extremely helpful and a delight to work with.
Initially, we weren't sure where we wanted to hold our wedding ceremony and after a few phone calls with the Parks and Recreation Department, we were given a few very good suggestions, all of which we really liked. After seeing the view and the overall beauty of Sutro Heights, however, our decision was almost made for us.
It is absolutely beautiful.
In one portion of the park, there is a staircase as mentioned by Frankie F. in her review http://www.yelp.com/us...
As you walk up this staircase, you end up on this beautiful ledge/platform area that overlooks ocean beach and the surrounding area. This was the foundation for the Sutro home. This is where we are planning on holding our wedding ceremony.
We walked around the entire area and really loved it. They're also building a new parking lot across from the park that will open up later this year. There already is a nice parking lot right at the lower entrance of the park.
Overall, the various views from the park are absolutely breathtaking. I'm sad that I never took the time before to walk around this park until now.
Beautiful space in sF!!! The views of ocean beach from here are breathtaking!
I love starting my run at the beach chalet, then running up to this park for a warm up then back down to sloat and then back to the chalet for a nice flat run... seabreeze cooling me as I run my legs off.
I am lucky enough to live right across the street from Sutro Park. The pics that Toro put up is the view from my apartment everyday and night. I know, jealous, right!
This park is great for a dog walk, a hike if your adventurous enough to climb past the bushes and find those killer trails and/ or a sunbathe on a sunny day, yeah that's me with no shame in my bikini on the hill.
There is also a secret stair case you can find that leads to a perch that places you on top of the world, well the Ocean Beach world. People point and look up at you like 'how'd you get up there?!' Well, this native has shared a lot of secrets to the city via Yelp, but I'm going to have to keep this one to myself.
This place is just simply amazing. Today was a warm and clear day, and the shade made the wind the perfect remedy. I stood there careless and free while facing the ocean.
Not a thought in my head, just... happiness. Days like this that make life amazing. Places like this that make you feel good.
I love how amazing this place can make you feel.
End.
I really love this park. When my brother lived in the neighborhood, he, I, and some of his friends would often play frisbee golf here. No, there's no official course, but we had a pretty cool unofficial one, including the final hole that went down the hill towards La Playa. We lost a bunch of frisbees on that hole.
Besides its frisbee-golf greatness, Sutro Height Park is interesting because it's such a hodgepodge. Parts of it are well maintained, and other parts are falling apart. Gophers have basically taken over a lot of the lawns, while the groundskeepers keep other parts picture perfect. The falling-apart statues all over the places are also cool, as is the amazing view from the parapet thing. I think it's a parapet.
I also like that this park, while outlandish in many ways, also functions as a regular old neighborhood park. You'll find people strolling their children, dogs running around, and people catching sun when there is sun.
HAUNTED!!
Hubby took me walking here once...and I swear to GOD I saw something floaty and white. It was really faint, and I could barely see it, but it was there. I told hubby about it, and he rolled his eyes and sighed, "IT'S FOG, YOU DUMMY!"
I KNOW what I saw...and to me, white and floaty equals GHOST SPIRIT OF THE DEAD AND DAMNED!!!
But other than the creepy atmosphere of the fog and chill, I thought it was quite lovely. We found ourselves walking for hours, just milling around, enjoying the sights. It's definitely much more enjoyable on sunny, non-ghost days, though. Just a lil' FYI.
My favorite park in San Francisco, I come here in the morning when there's no one here but me (alright, stalkers, it just FEELS like there's no one but me, so don't go getting any ideas). This used to be some rich guy's estate but when he kicked off he left the property to the city or some such nonsense. Family's loss, my gain!
There are gardens, sweeping ocean and city views (the highest natural in views in SF can be found here as far as I know), and a big old stone-supported raised-up lawn where rich guy's mansion used to be. Climbing the stairs up to the top makes me feel like a little girl playing princess.
My favorite way to do Sutro park is to pick up the Coastal Trail down at the base of Lincoln Park, walk it to Ocean Beach and keep straight across the street into Sutro Park. This is also the most romantic park in SF. You can perch on the big old rocks up on the upper level, listen to the ocean, and take in the sights with someone you love.
Oh man....the most amazing views of the ocean, the beach, the Cliff House, the Sutro Baths....spectacular! It's really easy to miss this place. People always seem to want to head down to Ocean Beach. Sure, that's great...but take some time and appreciate this place. This park is pretty cool - a small little park with some nice shady areas. It's always less crowded than the surrounding areas, so it's a nice tranquil location to just enjoy the views.
What a gem. I have driven by a zillion times, but finally got my bum out of the car to check it out the other day. Fabulous ocean views, wide paths. Walk far enough, and it opens into the Legion of Honour. Perfect for when you need to have a nice, long think.
It's really not fair to have a park this beautiful and accessible in San Francisco.
Sutro Heights Park is a true coastal gem.
It's never too crowded, and it's a great place to catch your breath, enjoy the view, and reflect on life and love.
The views are panoramic, and magnificent.
When visibility is perfect, you are treated to a visual masterpiece: a huge local stretch of gorgeous California coastline.
Go there with your dog, by yourself, or with a date.
It doesn't matter.
Sutro Heights is a nice place to just be.
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.josephstubb...
I love technology, and would even consider myself a futurist. And yet, I can't help but think I might trade it all in to go back and live in Adolph Sutro's San Francisco...especially if I got to *be* Sutro. Wowing the city with my "astute acts of public munificence", plus getting to live in a "cottage" (read: mansion designed to look quaint) overlooking Ocean Beach and the Cliff House? Yeah, I could go without internet for that. I mean, I could still send in my Yelp reviews by telegraph, right?
Back in the present, the cottage and gardens are sadly gone, but Sutro Heights is still a postcard-worthy park, especially thanks to the view of Ocean Beach that stretches all the way to Devil's Slide. The north half is the former grounds of the cottage, now a beautiful grassy lawn, and the south half is a semi-trackless hillside with sand steps leading down to Balboa. For all the traffic heading out to the Cliff House and Lands End, Sutro Heights Park gets surprisingly overlooked. But really, if you're out this way, it's not to be missed.
I luv to take my labs here, its always pretty and the history is fascinating as well. Don't forget to look at the old pictures of the area in the Cliff House!!
