Camera Obscura & Holograph Gallery — Attraction in San Francisco

I don't understand all these recent reviews for this place! According to a skateboarding local who stopped me on my way to the door he told me "the pandemic got it". It closed way back then and never re-openened! The chains on the door and worn look of the visitors center indicate that is probably true! I asked him if it was a temporary thing but he seemed to think it was a permanent closure. It's hard to find additional info online as to the long term status of it, or why it closed, but it was very disappointing! I'd made a special trip to it on my way out of town, as I'd really enjoyed the camera obscura in Edinburgh Scotland. Nearby to this one is a relatively nice beach with nice views and plenty of free parking, so I'm including two stars for that if you'd like to go for another reason. You can hop on the PCH 1 for a beautiful drive nearby so use this as a starting point if...

Ever wondered what it's like to step into a giant camera and see the world in a completely different light? Look no further than the Camera Obscura & Holograph Gallery in San Francisco! This quirky attraction offers a fascinating peek into the past with its vintage optical technology. It's like taking a trip back in time, but with better views!

Nestled on the scenic Point Lobos Avenue, this place is a hidden gem for both tourists and locals. The camera obscura itself projects a live 360-degree image of the surroundings, making it feel like you're inside a giant, retro Instagram filter. And the holograph gallery? Pure magic!

So, if you're in the area and looking for something unique, pop by this little piece of optical wonder. It's a snapshot of fun and curiosity that's definitely...

It’s a bit of a tourist trap. It cost me $3 to go in and they only accept cash. Once inside, you’re in a dark room with the obscura projected in center. It’s eerily quiet and you have to feel around to make sure you don’t bump into anything. There really isn’t much else in. The lens on the roof is rotating to show bay but at least 1/3 of the view is just a distortion of the building next door. I would have liked the experience more if there were speakers explaining how this works, or about the discovery, or whose idea it was to build a giant camera on coast. It would also be nice if there was a LED tape guide...