The Majestic Old Saint Mary's Cathedral: A Historic Gem in San Francisco
Explore the historic Old Saint Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco's Chinatown, a stunning architectural gem with rich cultural heritage.
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral, nestled in the heart of Chinatown, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual heritage of San Francisco. With its beautiful stained glass windows and serene atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for those seeking both culture and tranquility.
A brief summary to Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
- 660 California St, San Francisco, Chinatown, California, 94108, US
- +1415-288-3800
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 12:15 pm-6:15 pm
- Sunday 8:15 am-11:45 am
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends can be busier with tourists and locals.
- Don't miss the chance to admire the intricate stained glass windows up close; the light creates a beautiful atmosphere.
- Check the cathedral's schedule for special events or concerts that may coincide with your visit.
- Consider visiting early in the morning when the cathedral's serene ambiance is at its best.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Chinatown to fully experience the cultural richness of the area.
Getting There
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Bus
From downtown Berkeley, walk to the nearest bus stop on Shattuck Ave. Catch the AC Transit bus line 51B heading towards San Francisco. Stay on the bus for approximately 30 minutes until you reach the stop at California St & Kearny St. From there, walk 2 blocks west on California St to reach Old Saint Mary's Cathedral at 660 California St.
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Start at the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Take the BART train towards San Francisco/Daly City. Get off at the Montgomery St. station, which is about a 25-minute ride. After exiting the station, head east on Market St, then turn left onto Kearny St. Walk 3 blocks to reach California St, then turn right and walk 1 block to arrive at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral located at 660 California St.
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Walking
If you are near the UC Berkeley campus, head south towards Telegraph Ave. Continue walking down Telegraph Ave until you reach the intersection with Bancroft Way. Turn left onto Bancroft Way and follow it to Shattuck Ave. Turn right onto Shattuck Ave and walk south until you reach the intersection with California St. Turn left onto California St and walk 6 blocks to arrive at Old Saint Mary's Cathedral at 660 California St.
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Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Open your rideshare app (Uber or Lyft) and set your destination to '660 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108'. The driver will pick you up from your current location in Berkeley and take you directly to the cathedral. The ride usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
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