Where the waves of the Pacific Ocean wash up against the quiet neighborhoods of San Francisco, Ocean Beach has endured as a popular destination for tourists and San Francisco residents alike. At water's edge is the Cliff House restaurant where visitors can look down upon the remains of the Sutro Baths, a 19th-century indoor pool complex. Just south is the famous Golden Gate Park with its two stately windmills, followed by the well-loved San Francisco Zoo. But a century of change has altered the landscape and the attractions of Ocean Beach, making way for new developments and reflecting the evolution of the city of San Francisco itself.
Captured here in more than 200 vintage photographs is the history and beauty of Ocean Beach, compiled from the collections of authors Kathleen Manning and Jim Dickson, both active members of the San Francisco History Association. In this new volume, striking images from Ocean Beach's past showcase local businesses, landmarks, and the awesome natural beauty of San Francisco's western edge.