Background

Sutro Heights Park: A Coastal Vista

Discover panoramic ocean views and historic gardens at Sutro Heights Park, a tranquil escape in San Francisco's Lands End.

4.7

Sutro Heights Park, perched above the Cliff House in San Francisco's Lands End, offers stunning views of Ocean Beach and the Pacific. Once the site of Adolph Sutro's lavish estate, the park now provides a serene escape with remnants of its historical gardens and panoramic vistas.

A brief summary to Sutro Heights

  • 846 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, Sutro Heights, California, 94121, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and find parking.
  • Bring a jacket, as the coastal winds can be strong and the weather can change quickly.
  • Explore the nearby Sutro Baths ruins and the Lands End Coastal Trail for a full day of sightseeing.
  • Check out the floor tiles from the conservatory that are still visible in the grass.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the 38 Geary bus line to the 48th Avenue and Point Lobos stop. Walk a short distance towards the ocean on Point Lobos Avenue to reach the park entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, payable with cash, Clipper card, or the MuniMobile app.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the Geary Boulevard exit and head west. Continue on Geary Boulevard to Point Lobos Avenue, then turn left. There are two parking lots near the park entrance on Point Lobos Drive, as well as street parking on 48th Avenue. Parking is free, but can be limited, especially on weekends. Be aware that the trail leading from the west parking lot can be steep.

  • Walking

    If you are visiting the Cliff House or Sutro Baths, Sutro Heights Park is a short walk uphill. Follow the paved path from the Cliff House, or take the stairs from the Sutro Baths. The main entrance is located at the corner of Point Lobos Avenue and 48th Avenue.

Unlock the Best of Sutro Heights

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sutro Heights

Sutro Heights Park, a hidden gem in San Francisco's Outer Richmond District, invites visitors to step back in time while enjoying breathtaking coastal scenery. This 18-acre park sits on the former estate of Adolph Sutro, a Comstock Lode millionaire and former mayor of San Francisco, who purchased the land in 1881. Sutro transformed the area into a grand public garden, inspired by European aesthetics, complete with a mansion, statues, and meticulously designed landscapes. Sutro Heights was intentionally designed to capture views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate, and the Marin Headlands. The gardens featured flower beds, forests, elegant walkways, hedge mazes, and parterres. Sutro adorned the grounds with over 200 concrete replicas of Greek and Roman statues to share European culture with visitors. The estate also included an observation plaza overlooking the Cliff House and a terrace-like structure called the Dolce far Niente Balcony, which offered views of Ocean Beach. In 1885, Sutro opened Sutro Heights to the public, charging a small fee to help maintain the grounds and pay his staff of gardeners and machinists. After Sutro's death, his daughter Emma continued to manage the park, but the gardens eventually fell into disrepair. In 1938, the Sutro family donated the estate to the City of San Francisco. The mansion was demolished in 1939, and most of the statues were removed. Today, Sutro Heights Park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. While the grandiosity of the original garden is gone, visitors can still see remnants of the past, including the iconic lion statues guarding the entrance, a statue of Diana the Huntress, and the Well House. The park's trails offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Ocean Beach, and the surrounding area, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Popular Experiences near Sutro Heights

Popular Hotels near Sutro Heights

Select Currency