Roald Amundsen Marker

Tucked away by Ocean Beach on the West Coast of San Francisco, the Sutro Baths provide visitors a chance to explore nature and part of San Francisco's history. Visitors can walk in the bath ruins, which were once a group of large indoor swimming pools, and enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs, Seal Rock, and the ocean.Must see and must do at the Sutro BathsGo down the stairs for close up views of the baths, the ocean, to walk inside to the cave and, if you're brave, across the pool beams.Best and worst time to go to the Sutro BathsSeptember and October have the warmest weather and the least fog, allowing for the best views. At any time of year, the views will be clearest in the early afternoon, after the fog has burned off. Try to avoid going in the early morning, when the weather is almost always foggy and cold.Admission to the Sutro BathsAdmission and parking are free at the Sutro Baths. Visitors can park in two nearby parking lots or take the 38-Geary bus line from downtown.Wildlife at the Sutro BathsVisitors can see sea lions, and if they are lucky, whales and dolphins, swimming through Ocean Beach.Insider Tip for the Sutro BathsBe sure to look inside the visitor center after getting your fill of the views. The gift shop has beautiful and entertaining photographs of the swimming pools in their heyday.Author's bio: Kacie Berghoef is a freelance writer who has lived in San Francisco since 2011.