Located at the top of Nob Hill overlooking Huntington Park, Grace Cathedral is San Francisco's own Notre Dame. The iconic Gothic church is a architectural and artist marvel, complete with flying buttresses, stained glass windows, bronze Renaissance style doors, two walking labyrinths and an Aids chapel. Grace Cathedral also hosts a variety of cultural events that are open to the general public. The church is now an international pilgrimage site for secular and non-secular visitors alike.
Parking and public transportation at Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral operates its own parking garage but rates are high, just like everywhere else in downtown San Francisco. It's much easier and lots more fun to ride the cable car up here or even get a short but intense workout in by walking up the three or four steep blocks from the Union Square area.
Best and worst times to go to Grace Cathedral
The church hosts several masses a day, typically in the morning at 9am, again at noon and then again around 5pm. Depending on the purpose of the visit, whether its to tour to church or check out the services, these could be the best or worst times to visit. Sundays are by far the busiest days.
Admission to Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is open to the public daily free of charge but personal tours are also available for around $25.
Must see/do at Grace Cathedral
The church is famous for several outstanding features including its bronze relief doors, the "Gates of Paradise" which where created from a cast of original Florence Baptistry in Italy. Inside, the Keith Haring Aids Chapel attracts art lovers and activists in droves. The floor of Grace Cathedral features a labyrinth modeled after Paris's famous one inside Notre Dame. Another labyrinth outside of the church in the courtyard often hosts midnight wanderers. Grace Cathedral also puts on everything from jazz concerts to film screenings on a regular basis.
Other places to visit near Grace Cathedral
The top of Nob Hill is also home to some of San Francisco's most majestic historic hotels. No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the Top of the Mark, a rooftop bar and cafe inside the elegant Mark Hopkins Hotel. They serve 100 different kinds of martinis over truly breath-taking views of the city skyline.
Insider tip for visitors
Grace Cathedral's columbarium, which is located in the second and third floors of the bell tower, contain some highly valued altar pieces by acclaimed muralist John de Rosen. It is only open to the public on Sundays.
Authors Bio: Ocean Malandra was born and raised in San Francisco. He is a widely published travel writer and journalist that can be followed at @Ocean Malandra.
