Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Church

Address: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA

Website: https://gracecathedral.org

Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm (service times vary)

Admission: Free (entry to cathedral), donations encouraged; paid events/tours vary

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 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.

• 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.