Grace Cathedral Tours

Grace Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, flowers and heritage architecture
Grace Cathedral which includes heritage elements, a church or cathedral and interior views
Grace Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Grace Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements
Grace Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, railway items and a church or cathedral


Tour this Nob Hill landmark, a stately Episcopal church in the heart of the city that welcomes visitors of all faiths from around the world.

For a meditative morning in San Francisco, visit Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill. From its Gates of Paradise to its two labyrinths to its South Tower with remarkable city views, the cathedral is a breathtaking sightseeing highlight.

Sign up for the Grand Tour to see areas not often viewed by visitors, including the inside of the Chapel of Grace, the Vestry, the top of the South Tower and the Gallery, with views of the nave. Download the GraceGuide app to take a self-guided tour by smartphone.

Enter through the bronze and gold Ghiberti Doors (Gates of Paradise), a replica of those designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti for the Florence Baptistry. Important biblical moments are depicted on the doors. For the best photos, try to visit in the early morning.

The cathedral is known for its French Gothic architecture and massive stained-glass windows. Check out the murals lining the south wall, representing historic San Francisco events, from the earthquake of 1906 to the drafting of the UN charter in 1945.

View Grace Cathedral at dusk to see the famous rose window lit up. The window, formally named Canticle of the Sun, is 25 feet (7.6 meters) wide and made up of 3,800 pieces of cut glass that, when lit from behind, shine in shades of blue, red, orange, yellow, white and amber.

Calm your spirits during a walking meditation of the cathedral’s two labyrinths, outdoor and indoor. The outdoor one is open at all times. The indoor labyrinth is a replica of the 1220 labyrinth at France’s Chartres Cathedral.

Visit the AIDS Interfaith Memorial Chapel, one of just a few chapels dedicated to those impacted by the disease. The chapel was restored and rededicated on World Aids Day, December 1, 2017. One of the highlights of the chapel is the Keith Haring altar, The Life of Christ, completed before his death from AIDS.

Grace Cathedral is located on Nob Hill at the corner of California and Taylor streets. Visit during most hours of the day on weekdays and weekends.

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Best Lodging Options Near Grace Cathedral

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

4 out of 5
999 California Street, San Francisco, CA
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
Mayflower Hotel

Mayflower Hotel

2 out of 5
975 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
Mayflower Hotel
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
Fairmont San Francisco
Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

4 out of 5
333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grace Cathedral

Near Grace Cathedral, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including exploring nearby theaters that showcase local performances and indulging in shopping at unique boutiques and stores. The area offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for those looking to experience the cultural richness of San Francisco while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the cathedral itself.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots near Grace Cathedral include Ghirardelli Square, just 1 mile away, offering family-friendly vibes. Also, check out Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both 1 mile away, known for their unique gifts and local flavors. If you're up for a drive, visit the larger malls further out.

Recreation

Oracle Park, located 2 miles from Grace Cathedral, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The SF Masonic Auditorium, just steps away, provides a vibrant entertainment experience with live music. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Presidio Golf Course, 3 miles away, features beautiful greens and scenic views.

Adventure

At Grace Cathedral, enjoy ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, located 0.4 miles away. For hiking enthusiasts, the Coastal Trail offers scenic views and adventure vibes, situated 5 miles from the cathedral. Explore the outdoor beauty along Perimeter Road, just 4 miles away, for a refreshing experience.

Nightlife

An enchanting evening near Grace Cathedral awaits you! Catch a captivating show at the Orpheum Theatre, just 0.9 miles away, or enjoy a romantic film at Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, 1 mile away. For a cultural experience, the Louise Davies Symphony Hall, also 1 mile away, offers a delightful atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral in San Francisco is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including vibrant streets, urban parks, and art museums, perfect for those seeking culture, family experiences, and city exploration. While visiting, don't miss the chance to fully explore Grace Cathedral itself, which offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture. Enjoy the blend of art and nature that the area has to offer for an unforgettable experience.

  • Pier 39: Located 1 mile from Grace Cathedral, Pier 39 is a lively waterfront destination filled with shops, restaurants, and street performances. Enjoy stunning views of the Bay and the sea lions lounging on the docks, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
  • Moscone Convention Center: Situated 0.8 miles away, this modern event venue hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Its sleek design and bustling atmosphere reflect the vibrant business culture of San Francisco, making it a hub for networking and innovation.
  • Lombard Street: Just 0.8 miles from Grace Cathedral, Lombard Street is famously known as the "crookedest street in the world." Its steep, winding turns and beautifully landscaped gardens offer a unique urban experience, perfect for a leisurely stroll and picturesque photos.

Best time to go to Grace Cathedral

Visitor numbers around Grace Cathedral is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Grace Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grace Cathedral falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Grace Cathedral falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grace Cathedral

To save money on your trip to Grace Cathedral, take advantage of the free entry and consider visiting in February or from November to December when hotel prices are lower. Fridays tend to be the cheapest days for lodging, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grace Cathedral are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grace Cathedral is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Grace Cathedral is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your preferred destination, and more. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Grace Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.