Grace Cathedral, San Francisco

Church Prominent Episcopal cathedral known for murals and organ

Nob Hill’s Grace Cathedral features twin towers, stained glass, and two labyrinths; visitors attend services, organ recitals, and view city panoramas from the church precinct.

Main image

Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral located on Nob Hill in San Francisco and serves as the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of California.

The building is noted for its large interior artworks and religious features, including multiple contemplative labyrinths and replica bronze doors modeled after Lorenzo Ghiberti’s panels; it also hosts concerts and public worship services.

The present cathedral replaced earlier church buildings damaged in the 1906 earthquake, with major construction and interior work carried out through the 20th century.

The cathedral sits atop Nob Hill above downtown San Francisco, within walking distance of Union Square and the Financial District, and its steps and plaza are visible landmarks in the city.

  • Diocesan Seat: Serves as the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of California and functions as an active parish with regular services, concerts and civic events.
  • Art and Features: Contains notable artistic features including interior labyrinths and replica Ghiberti doors that are commonly cited as visitor highlights.

What to See #

  • Labyrinths: Two indoor labyrinth installations used for contemplative walking and occasional public events, located within the cathedral interior.
  • Ghiberti replica doors: Replica bronze doors modeled on Lorenzo Ghiberti's panels, installed at the cathedral entrance and noted among its best-known artworks.
  • Plaza and Steps: The cathedral plaza and main steps provide public space and elevated views over downtown San Francisco and the surrounding cityscape.
Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
37.7916, -122.4130
Daily 8:00am-5:00pm (service times vary)
Free (entry to cathedral), donations encouraged; paid events/tours vary

How to Get to Grace Cathedral, San Francisco #

Grace Cathedral is a short walk from Powell or California Street cable car stops; several MUNI bus lines serve Nob Hill. Parking is limited and often metered on surrounding streets.

Tips for Visiting Grace Cathedral, San Francisco #

  • Attend Choral Evensong or a Sunday service to hear the noteworthy choir and organ in context.
  • Climb the pulpit steps or the labyrinth for different perspectives; the labyrinth is a quiet draw for meditative visitors.
  • The cathedral is on a hill (Nob Hill) - nearby parking is limited, consider local MUNI lines or a short walk.

Best Time to Visit Grace Cathedral, San Francisco #

Grace Cathedral is visitable year-round; weekday mornings and late afternoons are quieter for wandering the nave and the labyrinth.

Summer
Jun-Aug · 12-20°C
Fog mornings possible but comfortable for walking the nearby hills.
Fall
Sep-Nov · 12-22°C
Often clearer skies and warmer afternoons for city views.

Weather & Climate near Grace Cathedral, San Francisco #

Climate

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (788 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 23°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

44 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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