To fully appreciate the illustrious past of the Sutro Baths, it is recommended to view some photos online so as to truly recognize the contrast. Once a wondrous playground for Californians, its six seawater pools fed by ocean tides were of varying sizes. A brainchild of the gold-rush millionaire Adolf Sutro, the Sutro Baths had 500 dressing rooms and seating for 3700 spectators. An ice rink was added in the 1930s and he even opened a museum filled with curiosities such as taxidermy, exotic plants and Egyptian mummies. Alas, the baths became a financial burden and was no longer sustainable. Planned for demolition in 1966, it was burnt to the ground, allegedly by arsonists. Today, it is a favourite haunt for urban explorers of ruins, as it is still possible to discern the contours of the remnants belonging to the old buildings and the deep diving pool. The Sutro Baths ultimately remains a great place to uncover its glorious past as well as watch the avid surfers riding towards the beautiful Californian sunset.