Cliff House
The Cliff House is not just any other ordinary restaurant - it is a National Landmark steeped in rich and glorious history. Located atop the cliffs north of Ocean Beach, it had 5 major incarnations since its establishment in 1858.
Samuel Brannan, a well to do former Mormon elder from Maine, bought $1500 worth of lumber salvaged from a ship that crashed in the cliffs of Ocean Beach. These materials were used for the construction of the first Cliff House. The 2nd Cliff House was built for Captain Junius G. Foster, but it was far from the city and was less frequented, save for the horseback riders, hunters, and picnickers on a day out. With the opening of the Point Lobos toll road a year later, the Cliff House became more successful with the carriage trade for Sunday travels. Soon, omnibus railways and streetcar lines made it to near Lone Mountain, where passengers transferred to stage coach lines to the beach. The Cliff House was then experiencing brisk sales as more and more locals and tourists flock to it. The growth of Golden Gate Park attracted more patrons, especially those going to the beach or to Seal Rock.
In 1883, the Cliff House was bought by multi-millionaire Adolph Sutro. After a few years, the Cliff House was severely damaged by an explosion from the schooner Parallel, which went aground under the restaurant loaded with 40 tons of dynamite. The explosion was heard over a hundred miles away and destroyed the northern wing of the establishment. Cliff House was patched and repaired, but unfortunately, burned down to the ground on Christmas of 1894. No one was able to save the guest register, which included the signatures of 3 presidents and numerous world-renowned visitors.
In 1896, Adolph Sutro built a new Cliff House, a 7 story Victorian chateau, called by some as the “Gingerbread Palace,” below his estate on the Bluffs of Sutro Heights. This was the same year that work began on the famous Sutro Baths, which included 6 large indoor swimming pools north of the restaurant that included a museum, skating rink, and other recreational facilities. A great number of visitors arrived on steam trains, bicycles, carts, and horse wagons, especially during Sunday excursions.
The Cliff House and Sutro Baths survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake with minimal damage but burned to the ground on the evening of September 7, 1907. Rebuilding was completed within 2 years and, with some minor additions, is basically the one seen today. The building was acquired by the National Park Service in 1977.
Today, guests are able to dine in style amidst a breath taking view of the surroundings. There are seasons when one could enjoy scrumptious seafood while whale watching. It has a gift shop for souvenirs, gifts, and historical memorabilia. Cliff House features a private room called the Terrace Room, with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and Ocean Beach. It has its own terrace for different ceremonies and occasions, with weddings ranking as one of the more popular events hosted by the area.
Cliff House Information
1090 Point Lobos, San Francisco, CA 94121Phone 415-386-3330 Fax 415-387-7837
THE EAST BAYHighway 80 across the Bay Bridge, take the Civic Center / Ninth street exit. Turn right onto Ninth street, stay in the right lane and turn right onto Larkin street. Turn left on Geary and take Geary to the end.
FROM THE SOUTH BAY
Highway 280 North to the 19th Avenue exit. Proceed on 19th Avenue into Golden Gate Park, and make a left onto 25th Avenue, proceed to Geary Blvd. Cross Geary and make two left turns. Turn right back onto Geary to Ocean Beach.
FROM THE NORTH BAY
101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the 19th Avenue exit and proceed to Geary Blvd. Turn right on Geary and continue to Ocean Beach