The cliff house, the sutro bath ruins, ocean beach, fort point, fort funston, and the presidio are all part of the golden gate national recreation area ggnra. Historical images of the cliff house and sutro baths in san francisco can be found. The shifting fortunes of san franciscos legendary cliff house, from raucous seaside roadhouse to fanciful victorian palace to worldrenowned urban destination, are celebrated in this comprehensive illustrated history. Mary germain hountalas, the san francisco cliff house, ten speed press. The cliff house, san francisco, california library of congress. The cliff house since 1863, visitors have been attracted to the western shore of san francisco to refresh themselves at the cliff house. The cliff house had survived the 1906 earthquake with little damage but burned to the ground on the evening of september 7, 1907. Wealthy locals have wined and dined at the cliff house and the second cliff house, and the third cliff house since 1863, when senator john buckley built its first incarnation on the picturesque cliffs at the edge of what is now the golden gate national recreation area. The 21stcentury incarnation of the famous building boasts both neoclassical architecture and a new, modern wing and, of. The shifting fortunes of san franciscos legendary cliff house, from raucous seaside roadhouse. What isnt widely known is that there have been at least.
The curious history of the house on a cliff cliff house. The cliff houses in san francisco historical photos. A bike ride through these areas is an amazing experience where you can enjoy historic locations and extraordinary views along the way. Photo shows a crowd on the beach in the foreground, with the cliff house in the background. The richmond district is a neighborhood in the northwest corner of san francisco, california, developed initially in the late 19th century.
The first cliff house was a modest structure built in 1863 by senator john buckley and c. The original cliff house 18631894 after the gold rush, san franciscos population exploded and the citys downtown area got very crowded with new buildings and neighborhoods. The burning of the cliff house, san francisco, california. It burned to the ground the following year, however. But, unfortunately, it burned down to the ground the following year. Real estate developers, eager to make more money, saw lands end and its unparalleled beauty as a new place to develop. The publication date was not noted but it appears to be april 28th, 1949. The sutro baths was a large, privately owned public saltwater swimming pool complex in the lands end area of the outer richmond district in western san francisco, california built in 1896, it is located near the cliff house, seal rocks, and sutro heights park.
Every april, many of us dwell upon a terrible disaster besides our tax returns. This colorful history, which parallels the irrepressible spirit of san francisco itself, is chronicled through colorful visuals and an insiders unique narrative. As mary germain hountalas and sharon silva recount in their affectionate, lavishly illustrated book the san francisco cliff house, butler decided to open a seaside resort to attract wealthy san. San francisco photographs of the cliff house outof. Running under the populist party, sutro expresses that he is sick of all the villany. It wasnt the first shipwreck to land in the region see also. A brief history of favorite cocktails at the cliff house. Cliff house home san francisco, california menu, prices. The cliff house at pikes peak has 54 beautifully appointed hotel guest rooms and luxury suites, each uniquely decorated in the style of the late 1800s, complimented by modern services and amenities.
Cliff house circa this is in san francisco, ca and my grandparents, mom and brother ate here while watching seals. The cliff house is a hotel, restaurant, and reception facility which overlooks ocean beach and is currently under the care of the golden gate national recreation area. Nov 6, 2016 san franciscos famed cliff house has been rebuilt five times. The grandiose building boasted a tower topped by an observation deck. The shifting fortunes of san francisco s legendary cliff house, from raucous seaside roadhouse to fanciful victorian palace to worldrenowned urban destination, are celebrated in this comprehensive illustrated history. The name applies to three structures perched on the hillside overlooking seal rocks just outside of the golden gate. History of the san francisco cliff house richmond dist. Sutros at the cliff house sutros is a stylish yet casual restaurant with twostory windows and stunning panoramic ocean views. The cliff house, san francisco, california summary photograph shows person wading in the surf of the pacific ocean with the cliff house restaurant in the distance. When visiting the cliff house visit the gift shop in the new sutro wing offering an abundance of historic memorabilia, unusual gifts, local handmade crafts, and coastal travel books. Jun 27, 2018 if you like san francisco history, then you know all about the cliff house.
Original cliff house 18631894 the first cliff house was a modest struc was bought by adolph sutro, a selfmade mil. The story of san franciscos cliff house begins in 1863 with a modest white clapboard building perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the pacific. This article may feature affiliate links to amazon or other companies, and purchases made via these links may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you. See more ideas about cliff house, cliff house san francisco and san francisco. The first cliff house was a modest structure built in 1863 by masters butler and buckley. Little more than three decades later, following a devastating fire, visionary millionaire adolph sutro oversaw construction of an imposing victorian edifice on the same site. Fishing from cliff house or catching fish san francisco style. Jul 23, 2018 this pin was discovered by yolanda walton.
It has been rebuilt five times since for various reasons, such as remodeling or damage. The curious history of the house on a cliff mashable. However, certain anecdotal evidence also speaks about samuel brannan, a wealthy american businessman as the original builder of cliff house who constructed it in 1858. The cliff house, perched majestically above the ocean near san. It has had six major incarnations since its beginnings in 1858, the most recent being a 2003 restoration to the general appearance of the fourth. Famous houses in and around san francisco brother vs. A capsule history of playland, based on a 2002 interview with george k. San franciscos famed cliff house has been rebuilt five times. New operator could take over san franciscos cliff house. The first cliff house was built in 1858, above ocean beach, in west san francisco. Later it was turned into a restaurant with a breathtaking view.
Shortly afterward, captain junius foster leased the restaurant, took over its management, and made it into a legend. Located two blocks from union square at the intersection of geary street and taylor street, this historic hotel is centrally located for business or pleasure. The first was a rather plain structure built in the 1850s. The cliff house is a restaurant on point lobos avenue perched on the headland above the cliffs just north of ocean beach, in the outer richmond neighborhood of san francisco, california. According to the san francisco public library there was a small news copy regarding the totem pole when it was installed. Perched high above the cliffs near ocean beach, the cliff house has a history perhaps unlike any other restaurant in the country. It was originally built in 1863 by two businessmen, c. The famous cliff house of san francisco was built in 1863 by senator john buckley and c. Cliff house in an age where san franciscans who grew up. Library of congress prints and photographs division washington, d. From every angle, there is much to see the famous seal rocks, the pacific ocean, the sutro bath ruins and the entry to the golden gate. Cliff house san francisco, california the cliff house has been a world renowned restaurant since the first house was built in the year 1858.
Our sunday buffet brunch in the terrace room is a san francisco tradition offering freeflowing champagne and a delicious buffet. The cliff house, san francisco carleton watkins american, 1829 1916 36. So much history and the i dont believe it cliff house stood during the 1906 san francisco, ca earthquake but a year later burned to the ground. On january, 1887, a ship named parallel ran aground directly beneath the cliff house. Oct 14, 2016 the cliff house, perched majestically above the ocean near san franciscos northwestern tip, has been one of the citys most famous landmarks since it opened in 1863. Sutros daughter began the reconstruction of a new cliff house restaurant in 1908, but on a vastly smaller scale.
Apr 14, 2020 the worldfamous cliff house is the crown jewel of the largest urban national park in the united states. Presidents as well as prominent san francisco families such as the hearsts, stanfords and crockers who would drive their carriages through miles of sand dunes from downtown san francisco to isolated ocean beach for. The curious history of the house on the cliff in san. It is sometimes confused with the city of richmond, which is 20 miles 32 km northeast of san francisco. The paper time machine is a book that pulls together 124 colorized historic. Adolph sutro is elected 24th mayor of san francisco.
This san francisco hike offers nature, history and unobstructed views of the golden gate bridge. It contains three restaurants sutro, bistro, and the terrace room which serves an upscale sunday brunch. History of the cliff house the first cliff house was built in 1863 and became a place for the wealthy residents of sf to come out to the ocean in their carriages and dine. Numerous and frequentlyupdated resource results are available from this search. The facility burned down in june 1966 and is now in ruins within the golden gate national recreation area and the sutro historic. The clift royal sonesta hotel is a modern and daring hotel that perfectly captures the spirit of san francisco. The story of san francisco s cliff house begins in 1863 with a modest white clapboard building perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the pacific. The beach from the cliffhouse near san francisco, california painted in 1886 by peter petersen toft is one of two watercolor landscapes of the american seaside acquired for the white house by first lady caroline harrison in 1890. Cliff house history golden gate national recreation area. If you know anything at all about san francisco or even if you dont chances are that youve heard of the historic cliff house. The area immediately around cliff house is part of the setting of jack londons novel the scarlet plague 1912. There have been three different cliff houses, each with a story of its own. It was built and has been owned by local san francisco families since its first iteration in 1863, celebrating the 150th anniversary in 20.
From the gold rush to today in just 217 seconds kqed news duration. Camera obscuras have a long history in san francisco. In an age where san franciscans who grew up in the city and still live there are referred to as unicorns, the cliff house has a rare story. Seasonal displays are still popular and include our famous halloween and christmas shops with wonderful gifts for the holidays. Since 1863, this fabled restaurant has been a favorite for generations of locals, tourists, foodies, history buffs and lovers of the fine art of good living. The curious history of the house on a cliff cliff house san francisco. The cliff house, san francisco, california library of. The san francisco cliff house by mary germain hountalas. The history of this fabled site spans 150 years, beginning in the mid1800s when the original building stood alone on the edge of the pacific. Cliff house, san francisco history, sutro gary stark. My customers have never been to san francisco loved the view, the food and the service. In the book native americans in early photographs by tom robotham, 1994 by jg press, reprinted in 2004 by world publications group, inc.
Charles butler, a real estate speculator, built the first frameandclapboard cliff house on the edge of the ocean in 1863. Start on the golden gate bridge for unrivaled views of san francisco bay and the city skyline. San franciscos cliff house hotel at its most dramatic mashable. California heritage collection, the bancroft library university of california, berkeley this is an online archive of images and texts illustrating californias history and culture, including the cliff house and sutro baths in san francisco. Oclcs webjunction has pulled together information and resources to assist library staff as they consider how to handle coronavirus. The san francisco cliff house hardcover tattered cover. The second cliff house, built in 1896, had a camera obscura on its fourth floor that was destroyed when the building burned down in 1907. University of alabamapictorial historybookwolfe1983great photos tuscaloosa.
The cliff house, dramatically perched on the sheer rocks at the northern end of ocean beach, is one of san francisco s iconic buildings. The worldfamous cliff house is part of the sutro historic landscape district and is also the crown jewel of. The beach from the cliffhouse near san francisco, california. San francisciana photographs of cliff house, san francisco, california. The now famous house on the cliff survived the earthquake that struck san francisco in 1906 with only a minor damage. The ggnra is the largest urban park west of the mississippi river and offers a wide array of activities.
Little the shifting fortunes of san franciscos legendary cliff house, from raucous seaside roadhouse to fanciful victorian palace to worldrenowned urban destination, are celebrated in this. Perched on spectacular cliffs overlooking the pacific ocean, the cliff house is one of the crown jewels of san franciscos golden gate national recreation area ggnra. Cliff house, san francisco sutro heights menu, prices. San franciscos cliff house 18961907 click americana. The cliff house western neighborhoods project san francisco history san francisco s cliff house has been an institution since the 1860s. The bizarre yet wonderful history of san franciscos cliff.
So much history and the i dont believe itcliff house stood during the 1906 san francisco, ca earthquake but a year later burned to the ground. The first recorded reference to one is from the 1860s in an attraction called woodwards gardens. The cliff house is a restaurant on point lobos avenue perched on the headland above the. Book your tickets online for cliff house, san francisco.
Once you visit san francisco, youll understand how there simply isnt anywhere else like it on this planet. San francisciana photographs of cliff house,san francisco, california. The richmond is in many ways defined by its relation to. Removed to storage in 19, it was recently found in the collection of the decatur house. The cliff house, perched majestically above the ocean near san francisco s northwestern tip, has been one of the citys most famous landmarks since it opened in 1863. History cliff house san francisco, sutro baths san. The san francisco cliff house book was absolutely amazing to see the originals before i visited in the late 1990s. The cliff house, right, a 157yearold restaurant, overlooks seal rocks, and the giant camera. W ealthy san franciscans flocked to the new restaurant to enjoy fine dining and coastal views. Chronicle archives this incarnation of the cliff house, at san franciscos lands end, was built in 1894, opened in 1896, survived the 1906 earthquake, only to burn down september 7, 1907. In adolph sutro, then the cliff house owner and mayor of san francisco, built a new cliff house modeled after a french chateau. Manitou springs hotels official website the cliff house. The history behind the ruins and the cliff house, san francisco. A house was first constructed here in 1858, just as san francisco s first big boom was ending, by a mormon businessman who used timbers from a ship that had wrecked on the rocks below to build the house.
Book now at sutros at the cliff house san francisco in san francisco, ca. See more ideas about cliff house san francisco, san francisco and cliff house. San francisco is a unique city that should be on the top of your travel bucket list. Things to do in san francisco, california san francisco is a breathtaking northern california city that offers an abundance of history, stunning scenery, fresh air and delicious cuisine. Then enjoy a slowpaced hike along the pacific ocean, passing through baker beach and sea cliff en route to the sutro baths at lands end. This san francisco hike offers nature, history and. According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience cliff house. For dining we offer the casual bistro restaurant and the elegant sutros at the cliff house.
Finish with a drink at the cliff house, where you can watch the sunset from panoramic windows. The cliff house sits at point lobos, right at the entrance to san francisco bay. Sutros at the cliff house san francisco restaurant san. Nov 16, 2006 cliff house, san francisco history, sutro gary stark.
Little the shifting fortunes of san francisco s legendary cliff house, from raucous seaside roadhouse to fanciful victorian palace to worldrenowned urban destination, are celebrated in this. Four cliff houses have stood at the northwest tip of san francisco, at the entrance to the golden gate near point lobos, above the pacific ocean, overlooking seal rocks. The history of this fabled site spans 150 years, beginning. Each room is individual in character and may include special features such as gas fireplaces, two person spa tubs, steam showers and towel warmers. The beach and cliff house, san francisco 1 photographic print. Apr 19, 2017 chronicle archives this incarnation of the cliff house, at san francisco s lands end, was built in 1894, opened in 1896, survived the 1906 earthquake, only to burn down september 7, 1907. The ss ohioan, a cargo ship, ended up on the rocks near the cliff house on a dark night in 1936. Reliable information about the coronavirus covid19 is available from the world health organization current situation, international travel. Cliff house survived the earthquake that struck san francisco in 1906 with only minor damage. Interview western neighborhoods project san francisco history.