Camera Obscura of San Francisco
When it comes to finding unique (and often weird) tourist attractions, California is a great place to start your search. The state is home to some of the nation's oddest landmarks, including the Camera Obscura os San Francisco. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this large scale camera obscura provides 15 passenger van rental travelers with a novel view of the cliffs just north of Ocean Beach in west San Francisco.
What is a camera obscura?
Traditionally, a camera obscura is an optical device that projects an image of it's surroundings onto a screen. The device is often used for drawing and entertainment. The device consists of a box with a hole in one side. Light from an external scene passes through the hole and strikes a surface inside where it is reproduced, upside-down, but with the color and perspective preserved. The technology behind the Camera Obscura of San Francisco works in pretty much the same manner: an image is projected onto a horizontal viewing table via a reflected image from a viewpoint at the top of the building. The San Francisco Camera Obscura has the added feature of a revolving image – 15 passenger van rental travelers who stand for six minutes within the camera obscura will enjoy a 360 degree view of the scenery surrounding the building... from within the building!
San Francisco's obsession with cameras obscura
Cameras obscura have a long history in San Francisco, so it's no surprise that hundreds of local residents at visiting 15 passenger van rental tourists take the time to check out this landmark building in the city's west end. The first recorded reference of a camera obscura in the city dates back to the 1860s and was located inside the Woodward's Gardens. It's also believed that a previous incarnation of the Cliff House included a camera obscura on the fourth floor back in 1896.
What you'll see in the camera obscura
15 passenger van rental travelers will enter a completely dark room inside the camera obscura. The only thing visible in the room are holographic images on the walls. Once the room is full, a guide will turn on the device and give a full demonstration and history of the camera. During the show, 15 passenger van rental travelers will see a circular plate come to life with amazing images projected from Seal Rock and the area surrounding the Cliff House. The quality of the image isn't crystal clear – it's more like a painting, depending on the what the weather is like at the time. If you're able to, try and visit the Camera Obscura on a sunny day and a cloudy day. The image will look completely different!
The camera's location
The Camera Obscura of San Francisco is located at the Cliff House, in the Outer Richmond area of San Francisco. 15 passenger van rental travelers will find parking along Point Lobos Avenue. The lot is almost always packed on the weekend, so remember to arrive early. Weekdays and off-seasons are the best times to avoid the crowds. Once you've parked your 15 passenger van rental, descend the stairs on either side of the Cliff House to reach the platform. You'll see the booth for the Camera Obscura here (it's impossible to miss, seeing as it's painted bright yellow and all!). 15 passenger van rental travelers can visit the camera any day of the week. The landmark is open every day, weather permitting. For more information on please call 415-750-0415.
Preserving San Francisco's giant camera
The Camera Obscura of San Francisco was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 due to it's engineering significance. The internal workings of the camera have remain unchanged since its erection in 1946 (the exterior of the building was modified in 1957 to look like a giant camera).
Admission to the Camera Obscura of San Francisco is $3 for adults, and $2 for children and seniors. The camera is open from 11am to 5pm (weather permitting).
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