In Newseeek Budget Travel's latest column about "tourist traps" (you love), San Francisco's historic Cliff House makes the Top 7. Beloved for its "gorgeous views" and inspired setting, it's appropriately described as a "neoclassical marvel."

As for being a trap. Is it? Perhaps… it could be. But it doesn't have to be. Especially if you stay outside. Though there are two on-site restaurants (Sutro's and the more casual Bistro), plus a gift shop, it's the ruins and the view that are the real draws. Both of which can be enjoyed for free.

Overall, Cliff House offers three of the top five most-cited reasons for visiting San Francisco, all in one: atmosphere and ambiance, restaurants, and scenic beauty. Found at the north end of Ocean Beach, it's a traveler's destination. A point along the 49-mile scenic drive. A popular place to unwind, ever since it opened in 1863.

As noted though, the main reasons to visit Cliff House are the ruins of Sutro Baths and the amazing, elevated views. Take your time and explore them, at no charge. Photos, snap as many as you like. And for a very reasonable $3, experience the camera obscura on the terrace, the only such device in America still in its original location. Part of the old Playland at the Beach, the Giant Camera (built in 1948-9) projects parabolic images of Seal Rock, the crashing waves, setting sun, and coast. Very pretty.

^{* Gorgeous view: Cliff House and the camera obscura. Photo © Cosentino Ed. Some rights reserved under the Creative Commons License.}