Ellen DeLaura asked about visiting New St Mary's several days ago. I also hadn't been there in years until last week. Coach parking (white zone) is ample on the north (Geary ) side of the cathedral, that side also being the public entrance. Visiting really couldn't be easier. The cathedral is architecturally quite impressive and well worth a visit.
They do have a daily 12:10 pm mass or occasional funeral during the week, during which the cathedral is closed, so you should check the schedule before visiting.
"The Cathedral is open every day from 9:00 am until 5pm (opens at 9:30am on Saturdays) for visits. We kindly ask that you refrain from touring the Cathedral during Mass times (see below). The Docent Program also offers special group tours and a school program. Schedule a group tour by calling 415-567-2020 Ext. 207."
Getting here
The Cathedral is located at Gough St. and Geary St. in San Francisco. Set your coordinates to 1111 Gough St. San Francisco, CA. If you’re using MUNI, the 49, 38, and 31 all stop within walking distance of the Cathedral. WESTBOUND: The 38 GEARY stops on the corner of Gough; EASTBOUND: The 38 Geary stops on Geary at Laguna within walking distance. The 38R GEARY R stops on Geary/Starr King corner further down the hill. If you’re driving, free parking is available at the Gough Street entrance.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is located in the North Entrance Mezzanine level of the Cathedral on Geary Street. (Access from the Cathedral is by stairway near the north entrance of the Cathedral or by the elevator.) You will find the perfect gift for Baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, and other important occasions, as well as souvenirs from the wide selection of unique and beautiful gifts in every price range:
- Cathedral souvenirs and photo guide books
- Icons from Greece
- Crucifixes and crosses from Greece, the Holy Land and Italy
- Italian statues and ceramics
- Large selection of rosaries and medals
- Selections of bibles, books and missals
- Holy cards in English and Spanish
- CDs featuring organ music on the Cathedral Rufatti Organ
- CDs and DVDs of sacred music and feature films
- Products from the Holy Land, Peru, Ecuador, India, Indonesia and Korea
- San Francisco souvenirs
Greg