A Day in Nob Hill

Stanford Court Hotel is nestled atop Nob Hill, one of the seven original hills of San Francisco. The neighborhood has maintained a certain charm since its inception, established by the four major railroad tycoons. The gentle hum of the iconic cable cars and sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay are just some of the sights and sounds of Nob Hill.

Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach and the Financial District are all just blocks away, but there’s plenty to discover in Stanford Court Hotel’s backyard. Here’s how to spend a day in Nob Hill.

Morning

Once the morning fog has lifted, head out toward Grace Cathedral. The stunning sanctuary features both an indoor and outdoor labyrinth guests are free to solve; mosaics by Polish exile Jan Henryk de Rosen and a moving altarpiece created by Keith Haring shortly before his death. The cathedral is open 8 am to 6 pm most days and welcomes visitors from all walks of life.

After Grace Cathedral, perhaps you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a coffee. Check out nearby brunch options using our local brunch guide. If you’re looking for a caffeine boost and a light breakfast, stop by the new Megafauna Coffee located on 1098 Jackson St.

Next on the list is the Cable Car Museum at 1201 Mason St. This free museum shows guests the mechanics of the SF cable cars and its history, all in the cable car powerhouse on Washington-Mason. It’s definitely worth a visit! Learn about all that goes on right under your feet in Nob Hill.

Afternoon

In the mood for local art? Both Spoke Art and Hashimoto Contemporary galleries in Nob Hill are excellent choices, featuring international and hyper-local contemporary pieces. Read more here.

By now it’s lunch time, or at least 5 o’clock somewhere. Head over to Polk Street to peruse your menu options. There you’ll find Thai food (Thai Spice Restaurant), raw-bar fare in a no-frills setting (Swan Oyster Depot), Italian and Mediterranean cuisine (Ti Piacera Ristorante), and a whole lot more.

For a small neighborhood spot tucked away from Polk Street, head over to Café Nook at 1500 Hyde St. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches or salads for lunch and watch the cable cars pass by. In the evenings, Nook turns into a wine bar that serves up pita pizzas and unbeatable happy hour deals (5-7pm).

Evening

After a filling meal, wander back over to Grace Cathedral to relax in Nob Hill’s favored Huntington Park. The perfectly-manicured green space is a welcome refuge to grab a park bench or spot in the grass, take in the surroundings, and unplug.

Want to catch some live entertainment? There’s usually a good show at the The Masonic in Nob Hill. The theatre regularly sees the likes of touring bands, exciting new stand-up comedians and other experimental performances. Read up on what’s in town while you’re around and book your tickets in advance.

Nightcap

If you’re looking to bar hop in the evening, consider the selection on Polk Street in Lower Nob Hill, between California and Post streets.

More in the mood to linger? Enjoy a few drinks, a meal or perhaps just at nightcap at Seven Stills Nob Hill, the local brewery and distillery’s newest venture located in Stanford Court Hotel. Seven Stills Nob Hill is a restaurant, bar and lounge space with a fun yet sophisticated feel. Pair menu options with unique whiskeys, handcrafted cocktails or enjoy craft beer flight. Dinner is served 4-10:30 pm daily and the bar and lounge is open until midnight.