In the 1870s the men who built the transcontinental railroad, the "nobs", built mansions on top of this hill, reached by the new cable cars. The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed almost all of them. In their place came grand hotels, a cathedral and some of the city's most expensive apartments.
What to see
- Grace Cathedral, an Episcopal cathedral built over several decades, with gilded doors cast from Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" in Florence, stained glass and murals. Two labyrinths, one inside and one on the terrace, are open for walking meditation.
- Huntington Park, a small, formal park opposite the cathedral, with a copy of a Roman fountain.
- The grand hotels around the park, including one that opened in 1907, just after the fire. Their lobbies and rooftop bars, with views over the city, are open to non-guests.
- The Pacific-Union Club, a brownstone mansion that was the only one of the old palaces to survive the fire, now a private club.
The Cable Car Museum
Down the hill at Washington and Mason, the free museum shows the machinery that drives every cable car in the city; see riding the cable cars.
Practical notes
Nob Hill is very steep. Ride the California Street cable car up and walk down into Chinatown. It is also one of the calmer, safer places to stay downtown; see where to stay in San Francisco.
A short history
Nob Hill was too steep for horses until the cable car arrived in the 1870s. Then the "Big Four" railroad barons, Leland Stanford, Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins and Charles Crocker, and the silver king James Flood built enormous mansions on its summit. The 1906 fire destroyed every one except Flood's brownstone, which survived as a burned-out shell and was later restored. The rest of the hilltop was rebuilt with grand hotels, a cathedral and luxury apartments. The hill's name probably comes from "nabob", a term for a very wealthy person.
A walking route
- Ride the California Street cable car up from the Financial District.
- Visit Grace Cathedral, walking the labyrinths and admiring the gilded doors and stained glass.
- Sit in Huntington Park opposite the cathedral.
- Look into the lobbies of the grand hotels around the park.
- Walk down Mason Street to the Cable Car Museum.
- Descend into Chinatown via Washington or Clay Street.
Views and bars
The hotels on Nob Hill have long been known for their rooftop and top-floor bars, with views over the city, the bay and the bridges. A drink at sunset is a classic San Francisco experience, even if you are not staying at the hotel. Some of the hotels also have historic bars with old-fashioned decor worth a look.
Grace Cathedral in more detail
The cathedral was built between the late 1920s and 1964 in a French Gothic style, using reinforced concrete to withstand earthquakes. Its gilded bronze doors are casts of Lorenzo Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise in Florence. Inside, murals show the history of the city and the founding of the United Nations, and the AIDS Interfaith Chapel holds an altarpiece by the artist Keith Haring. The labyrinths are open for walking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nob Hill a good place to stay?
Yes, for a calm, central base with cable car access. The only drawback is the hill. See where to stay in San Francisco.
Is Grace Cathedral free to visit?
Visitors are welcome; check current visiting hours and any requested donation.
How steep is Nob Hill?
Very. Use the cable car to go up and walk down.