PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH

PLAYLAND AT THE BEACH – An exhibit, titled Playland, can be seen until April 2012 at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. The exhibit is a miniature railroad that passes through iconic imagery of San Francisco’s yesteryear. Playland used to exist beneath the Cliff House, along the Great Highway, beginning in 1921. The real amusement park is long gone, but it’s been re-created, to enjoy once again or to see it for the first time. The Playland landmarks include a Ferris wheel, Dutch windmill, Fun House, bison paddock, Big Dipper Rollercoaster, Diving Bell, Cliff House, Sutro Baths and Golden Gate Bridge. SIDE NOTE - You can still visit the Sutro Baths ruins and the Camera Obscura near the Cliff House. I suggest that you park at a metered space on Great Highway and take a walk on Ocean Beach. Then, have brunch at the Cliff House and make sure to ask for an ocean view table.  Also, you can visit many of the vintage amusements, which used to be featured at Playland.  Go to the Musee Mecanique, located at Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 45.