Grace Cathedral in San Francisco

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Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Kabuki, a Joie de Vivre hotel

Kimpton Buchanan

Whether sightseeing or in search of spiritual enlightenment, these three San Francisco churches fit the bill — no matter what your religion.

Grace Cathedral (1100 California Street): This Nob Hill church was founded during the gold rush in 1849. While the original building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, this newer French Gothic masterpiece is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the U.S. The soaring interior is dotted with stained glass — more than 7,000 square feet of it — depicting at least 11,000 people including Albert Einstein and John Glenn. It’s a bit of a celebrity draw as well — Courteney Cox and David Arquette married here. While visiting, take a few meditative moments to walk the cathedral’s two labyrinths — one inside, one outside. The Huntington Hotel is a half block away.

Glide Memorial Church (333 Ellis Street): You won’t find the fanciest people at Glide. But you will find the heart of San Francisco here. This church is probably the most inclusive one you’ll find in the city — reaching out to gays and lesbians, transgenders, the homeless, people of color, and everyone else. Come for a service and you’ll see the lively and soulful Glide Ensemble raising your spirits with music. In addition, the church has an extensive social service program, providing meals, beds, healthcare and other services to those in need. The Hotel Nikko is a block from Glide.

Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption (1111 Gough Street): It’s got a long name, but locals know it as St. Mary Maytag. Just look at the top and you’ll recognize what looks like the agitator inside the washing machine. The outside is a lovely picture of San Francisco. Inside, however, stained glass windows make up a ceiling cross, and on the wall is a haunting, large yellow stained glass window with Jesus’ silhouette. Don’t miss the organ, perched atop a concrete column. You’ll be in walking distance from the church, if staying at the Kabuki or Best Western Tomo.

– Debbie Abrams Kaplan of Frisco Kids and Kaplan Ink.

[Flickr/sachman75]

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