It’s cool. We’ll point you in the right direction. Stanford Court overlooks the city from Nob Hill, one of San Francisco’s safest and cleanest neighborhoods. It’s a great spot with some spectacular views, all just blocks away from Union Square. Whether you’re headed to the Financial District, looking for the best dim sum in Chinatown, or meeting up at the Moscone center, everything you need is easily within walking distance.
Local attractions
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason St. 0.3
This free (donations accepted) San Francisco attraction is located just 4 blocks from the Stanford Court and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the cable car and its importance to the city of San Francisco.
California St & Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94108 0.1
Huntington Park is one of our favorite spots on Nob Hill. This beautiful park is located just two blocks from the Stanford Court and is an oasis within the hustle and bustle of a busy city. The park includes a kids play area and offers the best views of Grace Cathedral.
See legendary artists in an intimate setting at SF Masonic—a concert venue in Nob Hill. A piece of San Francisco history, the structure was originally dedicated in 1958 as a center for the Masons of California, later becoming a space for music and comedy. A 2014 renovation transformed the space into a state-of-the-art auditorium. Performers gracing the stage this year include Van Morrison, Joan Baez, Elvis Costello, and comedians Hannibal Buress and Patton Oswalt.
San Francisco's Ferry Building is located in the Embarcadero neighborhood just 1 mile from Stanford Court. (and an easy cable car ride)The ferry terminal welcomes incoming workers from around the Bay Area and the building features upscale restaurants and retail boutiques. The plaza outside the Ferry Building also features a farmer's market.
Situated on the west end of Huntington Park, Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church and the largest Gothic structure in the West. The Doors of Paradise— a replica of 15th century artist Lorenzo Ghiberti’s famous gilded bronze doors greet visitors to the Cathedral’s entrance. Inside, large-scale murals by Jan Henryk de Rosen adorn the walls and two elaborate labyrinths cover the floors. Each Tuesday, hundreds gather for yoga on the labyrinth, a must-do for all yogis in town. Mats are available for loan at Stanford Court.
Located just two blocks from the Stanford Court, Sons and Daughters is one of our top recommendations. If you're looking for a culinary experience you'll remember forever, Sons and Daughters is the San Francisco restaurant which will deliver. Prepaid reservations are required and their tasting menu is currently $245 per person with an optional wine pairing currently priced at $165 per person. The food, wine, and service you will receive are as good as you'll find in the city.
Union Square is a 2.6 acre public plaza which is San Francisco's preeminent shopping destination including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, Louis Vuitton, Apple Store, and dozens of other big brands and small boutiques. Union Square is located just 4 blocks from the Stanford Court.
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest and most established in the country and a destination unto itself. The Dragon's Gate at the instersection of Grant and Bush is a great photo op and be sure to explore the many restaurants, bakeries, souvenir shops, and vendors throughout the neighborhood.
You know that a place is good when people are willing to stand in line and the line at Good Mong Kok Bakery in San Francisco's Chinatown can get long. But trust us, it's worth the wait. Some of the best dim sum in San Francisco and baked goods that are oh so tasty!
Nob Hill Cafe is a family-run restaurant atop Nob Hill which is known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and expansive wine list. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining and some of the best pizza in the city.
Swan Oyster Depot is a bucket list foodie destination in San Francisco. Be prepared to wait in line as long as a few hours to get one of their few seats, but it is well worth the wait. Some of the best seafood in the country is served in this landmark San Francisco restaurant.
Osso Steakhouse is located just two and a half blocks from the Stanford Court and is one of the best steakhouses in San Francisco. Located on the ground floor of the Gramercy Towers and next-door to The Masonic Auditorium on California Street, Osso is known for its huge portions and is an exceptional Nob Hill Steakhouse experience.
Looking for one of San Francisco's best burritos? This is the place. Tacorea definitely is NOT authentic Mexican cuisine with Korean options and tater tots stuffed in their burritos. But we love it and think you will too!
Uncle Vito's is one of our favorite Nob Hill pizzerias. They've been serving up delicious pies since 1977 and are located just two blocks from the Stanford Court.
Step through the doorway of Stookey's Club Moderne and you'll be transported back in time to the post-prohibition era of the 1930's and 1940's. Their expert bartenders, decked out in period-appropriate fashion are some of the best in town and craft such favorites like a Sazerac, Aviation, 20th Century, and a classic Old Fashioned. Fun fact: the club occupies a space on the corner of Bush and Taylor which was once an all-night pharmacy with 24-hour delivery service. During prohibition, the only way to purchase alcohol "legally" was to have a doctor's prescription and know the right pharmacy.
There are lots of great sushi restaurants in San Francisco. One of our favorites is Maru Sushi located just 2 1/2 blocks from the Stanford Court. Really fresh fish with great rolls but our favorite may be their Katsu Donburi bowl.
The stunning Grace Cathedral—most notable for its front doors, which are replicas of the Baptistry of Florence Cathedral’s "Gates of Paradise” by master artist Lorenzo Ghiberti—and Dragon’s Gate, the entrance to Chinatown, are just a couple blocks away.
Grace Cathedral
1100 California St 4 MINS
Grace Cathedral is located just two blocks from the Stanford Court and offers self-guided tours.