Location: San Francisco
Top Things to do in San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco, California (CA): The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Every neighborhood in San Francisco has its own personality, from the hippie chic of the Upper Haight to the hipster grit of the Mission. The Marina district boasts trendy bistros and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, while Noe Valley offers quaint and quiet boutiques. Wave hello to the sea lions at Pier 39, and sample local cheese and charcuterie at the Ferry Building. Sit in on a yoga session in Dolores Park or marvel at the Dutch Windmill across from Ocean Beach.
Restaurants in San Francisco
1. Temple Emanu-El
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By GPBurdell67 - Asheville, United States
You are unlikely to find this house of worship in your guidebook, but it is a truly unique building with a fascinating history. I've been to hundreds of churches, mosques and synagogues around the world and I've never seen one like this. From the congregation's website: "Dedicated in April 1926, the magnificent building at Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard is the third site of this congregation. Designed primarily by Arthur Brown, Jr. (designer of the War Memorial Opera House, the Hoover Library at Stanford and, with two others, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge) the building was influenced by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. From the exterior of the dome (150 feet) to the four-manual Skinner organ to the nine-foot high jewel box which is the Ark itself, the Main Sanctuary is a place of dignity, power and peace. In 1927, the American Institute of Architects selected Temple Emanu-El as the finest piece of architecture in Northern California." A note about security -- you won't just walk in because there aren't scheduled tours. We knocked on the gate and talked to a person who turned about to be the head of security. He was kind enough to allow us in and led us on a brief visit to the courtyard and sanctuary. No photos are allowed inside. Even if you don't go inside, admire the beautiful exterior architecture in this quiet neighborhood just south of the Presidio.
2. San Francisco Zen Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Beginner's Mind Temple (Hosshin-ji), also known as City Center, was established in 1969 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi as a training center in the Soto Zen tradition open to the general public. Offerings include daily meditation and service, semi-weekly dharma talks, classes, workshops, residential student programs, and the opportunity to discuss one's spiritual practice with an experienced Zen practice leader. If you are new to Zen Center, we suggest you visit us on Saturday morning at 8:40 am for an introduction to Zen Center and meditation practice followed by a public lecture, tea and lunch.
3. Grace Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,324 reviews
Grace Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal tradition courageously embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed, where beliefs are put into action and where people are encouraged to seek God and progress on their own spiritual journeys. The cathedral itself, a renowned San Francisco landmark, serves as a magnet, where diverse people gather to worship, celebrate, seek solace, converse and learn.Famed as a destination for visitors from all over the world, the cathedral is known for its striking architecture, stained glass, singular collection of art, and Interfaith AIDS Memorial Chapel.
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States
A Lovely, and Iconic Cathedral In August, while staying on Nob Hill, I took the opportunity to explore Grace Cathedral, a block and a half from our hotel. I had admired the structure from afar, on many occasions, but had never actually visited, so on this lovely Summer day, I changed that, and am glad that I did. I first admired the architecture from Huntington Park, just across Taylor St, from Grace Cathedral, and a vantage point, that gave me a great view of the imposing structure. Then, I crossed over California St, to see it from an angle - just as imposing. Finally, I took the time to explore it some, from both inside, and out. What a magnificent cathedral. This structure was built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, but in a style, that goes back a century, to French Gothic, and aspects of several cathedrals in France, can be seen, including buildings in Paris, and Chartres. Much of the French Gothic carries over to the interiors, as well. While lovely, the interiors were a bit austere, based on the ornate exterior facade - lovely, but just not as imposing. The Boys’ School, is attached, across a wide courtyard, but I did not explore its interior. The one regret is that I did not take a guided tour of Grace Cathedral, but hope to, on another visit, later in the year. If one did do such a tour, I would allocate at least three hours (I spent two, looking at the exterior and the interiors sections open).
4. Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
This church is known for its pastor, Cecil Williams, whose sermons never fail to thrill.
Reviewed By TV2451
Very important church that is fundamental to the delivery of social services to those in need as well as spiritual uplift. Long the home of great leaders in the community. Wonderful place. And the church is a lovely building.
5. Old Cathedral of St. Mary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
This downtown San Francisco landmark was the first Catholic church in California.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
Old Cathedral of St. Mary's is the first cathedral in California. It is an active Catholic Church. I visited the Cathedral when I was in Chinatown area of San Francisco. It began in 1853. The stone work is from China and was brought over by boat. The cathedral is very pretty with stained glass windows. There is more I read about the history in the history cases when one enters the cathedral. There is also a Cathedral Store, which I visited. They had some nice manger sets.
6. St. Mary's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
This modern cathedral is an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
Reviewed By DanW440 - Portland, United States
What a huge cathedral thus is! Outside and including the grounds it takes up an incredible amount of space- especially for San Francisco. It’s beautiful inside with ornate carvings. Stained Glass, a huge worship space and an added attraction- a vast view of the city and hills to the southwest. I recommend at least stopping here for a short visit, or by all means go to a worship service which I imagine would be marvelous.
7. Mission Dolores
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
The oldest building in San Francisco features adobe walls, original tiles and timbers lashed together with rawhide and hand-carved altars.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I visited Mission Delores. its the Northern most mission of Father Junipero Serra's in California. It started in 1782-1791. It was built by Ohone Native Americans. It is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. I took the self guided tour of the mission. I saw the smaller church, I saw pictures of Pope John Paul II visiting the church in April 27, 2014. The Basilica (larger church) was quite religiously impressive with statues, organ, stained glass, and domed roof. There is a small museum. The grave yard area was very interesting to visit. There is an example of an Ohlone Native American home. There is also a statue of Junipero Serra. To end the tour, I visited the gift shop. Staff is welcoming and very nice.
8. Presidio Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
9. The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
I visited the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. It is in the North Beach - Chinatown area of San Francisco. It was founded June 17, 1849. It was the first parish church in San Francisco as well as the first parochial school. The first ordination to th priesthood was held there in 1852. I visited during the Christmas holiday season so nativity scenes were up as well as poinsettias It was very pretty. The archietecture, religious statues, and; tall column struce of the cathedral are all nice to see.
