The Guide toSan Francisco's Grace Cathedral
Painstakingly built over the course of 37 years after the 1906 earthquake and fire, Grace is both a tourist landmark and a working cathedral known for its inclusivity.
Towering over San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood, the iconic Grace Cathedral is hard to miss. Known as much for its "Gates of Paradise" as for its breathtaking stained glass windows, two labyrinths, Interfaith Memorial AIDS Chapel, and majestic Aeolian-Skinner organ, the cathedral is the third largest Episcopalian cathedral in the United States. Painstakingly built over the course of 37 years after the 1906 earthquake and fire, the poured-concrete Neo-Gothic cathedral is not only a beautiful tourist landmark and cultural event site, but is also cherished as a working cathedral known for its inclusivity. All are welcome.
The History of Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral traces its roots to Grace Church, a small parish that was built during California's Gold Rush in 1849. The 1906 earthquake completely destroyed the original structure. The Crocker family, an influential family in San Francisco at that time, donated their Nob Hill land for the construction of the present structure. The building of Grace Cathedral began in 1927 but it was only in 1964 that the intricate structure, with all its gorgeous details, was fully completed. The landmark event was celebrated with a sermon by Martin Luther King Jr., which was attended by nearly 5,000 people.
Highlights of Grace Cathedral
Ghiberti Doors
The main entrance to the cathedral is guarded by the Ghiberti Doors, also called the "Gates of Paradise." They are a rare replica of the doors designed by famed Italian artist Lorenzo Ghiberti for the Florence Baptistry. Cast from bronze and covered with gold, the doors depict important biblical events.
The Labyrinths and Yoga
Grace Cathedral has two labyrinths, one inside and one outside. The outdoor labyrinth is accessible 24/7. Trace the design of the labyrinths with your feet and get into a meditative state. Yoga practices at the cathedral, which take place on and around the indoor labyrinth in the middle of Grace's awe-inspiring, beautiful space They are held regularly on Tuesday nights and Saturday mornings. You may bring your own yoga mats, but those visiting from out of town may rent a yoga mat for a small fee.
The Stained Glass, Murals, and the Architecture
Inspired by French Gothic architecture and such iconic structures as Notre Dame in Paris, Grace Cathedral has huge stained-glass windows and soaring arches. In addition, two walls lined with murals depict several important events in the history of San Francisco, such as the earthquake of 1906 and the drafting of U.N. charter in 1945. The stained-glass windows of the cathedral are decorated with portraits of both biblically significant personalities, such as Adam and Eve, and important people in world history, such as Albert Einstein and Robert Frost.
If you want to capture the beauty of this awe-inspiring and historic piece of artistry with your lens, mornings are the best time. The cathedral isn't too crowded and the sunlight is just right for some stunning shots of those stained-glass windows.
Top of the South Tower
Check the website ahead of your visit to see if a behind-the-scenes tour is available, which includes the climb to the top of the South Tower for some of the best views of San Francisco.
How to Explore Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Sightseeing admission tickets are $12 (adults) and include the self-guided tour, which is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Portuguese, and Korean. This tour is also available as an English, docent-led experience.
Be sure to check for special events on the website before planning your visit. Entry is restricted on such days.
Individuals seeking a place for prayer or meditation are welcomed at no cost during sightseeing hours. Religious services are held regularly. For more information, visit the website.
Getting to Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is located at the intersection of California and Taylor Streets. The California Street cable car is the easiest way to reach Grace Cathedral. Whether you start downtown or on Van Ness Avenue, the cable car will drop you at the cathedral's Great Stairs. A cable car journey to Grace Cathedral takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on where you board the cable car from. You can also take the 1 Muni bus and get off at Taylor Street or Clay Street. Public transportation is recommended for reaching Grace Cathedral since parking is scarce, though Grace Cathedral does have a paid parking garage.
Iconic Sites Near Grace Cathedral
Just steps beyond Grace Cathedral, you'll find a number of famous San Francisco hotels, venues, and nightclubs.
The Fairmont San Francisco
Dating back to 1907, the iconic building has hosted several U.S. presidents. It's also where Tony Bennett first sang "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." You can tour the hotel's lobby or, even better, book a room for the night.
Book a Hotel Room
Tonga Room
A Polynesian classic, this iconic San Francisco location has been pouring Tonga Mai Tais since 1945. There’s a lagoon in the center of the room where the band will play on a thatched barge, and it periodically rains and thunders throughout the evening. Large (and boozy) Tiki cocktails and pupu platters will quickly get you into an island groove.
Top of the Mark
This rooftop bar has been a permanent fixture in San Francisco's nightlife since 1939. The bar is known for its signature cocktails, inspired by San Francisco's landmarks, and breathtaking views. Given its popularity, try arriving early in the evening for the best seats.
Book a Hotel Room at the Intercontinental Mark HopkinsHuntington Park
Located in the center of Nob Hill, this beautiful park is known for its centerpiece: a replica of Fountain of the Tortoises, an iconic Roman fixture.
The Masonic
This outstanding venue is one of Nob Hill's many architectural treasures. Whether you're seeing a concert or hosting a banquet, there are few places quite like The Masonic
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