San Francisco may have a reputation as one of America's most secular cities, but those who live here know better. Beneath the tech culture and progressive politics lies a vibrant, deeply committed faith community. From the iconic Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill to scrappy church plants in the Mission District, San Francisco's churches are some of the most creative, culturally engaged, and theologically thoughtful congregations in the country. Finding church here means finding a community that wrestles honestly with faith in one of the world's most complex cities. Also exploring California? Check out our guide to San Jose churches, or see what's happening in Seattle and Denver.

1. City Church San Francisco

Non-Denominational

City Church SF has become one of the most talked-about churches in San Francisco, drawing a young, urban congregation with its honest, culturally aware approach to faith. Meeting in the heart of the city, City Church tackles the real questions that San Franciscans are asking — about identity, purpose, justice, and belonging. The worship is excellent, the community is genuine, and the church has an unusual gift for making space for people who never thought they'd set foot in a church.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Teaching	4.9 / 5
Community	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.8 / 5

📍 Central San Francisco, CA

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2. Grace Cathedral

Episcopal

Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill is not just a church — it's a San Francisco landmark. The third-largest Episcopal cathedral in the country, Grace offers a worship experience that's awe-inspiring: soaring Gothic architecture, world-class choral music, labyrinth walks, and thoughtful preaching that engages with the intellectual and social currents of the day. The cathedral is radically inclusive, welcoming people of every background, and its programs on spirituality, justice, and the arts are nationally recognized.

Overall Rating	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.9 / 5
Welcome	4.8 / 5
Teaching	4.7 / 5

📍 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108

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3. Reality SF

Non-Denominational

Reality SF has emerged as one of San Francisco's most influential churches for young adults and tech professionals. With a focus on gospel-centered teaching and genuine community in a city that can feel isolating, Reality offers what many transplants are desperately seeking: real relationships. Their community groups are the lifeblood of the church, meeting in apartments across the city. The preaching is theologically robust yet accessible, and the overall vibe is thoughtful, not performative.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Community	4.9 / 5
Teaching	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.7 / 5

📍 San Francisco, CA

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4. Saints Peter and Paul Church

Catholic

Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach is one of San Francisco's most photographed churches — and for good reason. The twin-spired Romanesque facade overlooking Washington Square Park is stunning, and the interior is equally beautiful. This Italian-heritage parish has served the North Beach community since 1884, and its location in the heart of Little Italy gives it a cultural richness that few churches can match. The liturgy is reverent and the community is warm.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.7 / 5
Community	4.6 / 5

📍 666 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA 94133

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5. Epic Church SF

Non-Denominational

Epic Church has carved out a unique space in San Francisco's church landscape by meeting in the Mission District — one of the city's most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. The church attracts a young, multicultural crowd with its energetic worship, relevant teaching, and a genuine heart for serving the local community. Their social justice initiatives, particularly around housing and food insecurity, demonstrate faith that goes beyond Sunday morning.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Community	4.8 / 5
Worship	4.7 / 5
Welcome	4.7 / 5

📍 Mission District, San Francisco, CA

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6. Glide Memorial Church

United Methodist

Glide Memorial in the Tenderloin is unlike any other church in America. Founded on radical inclusivity and social justice, Glide's Sunday "Celebration" is a joyful, music-filled experience that welcomes everyone — from tech executives to people experiencing homelessness. The church's massive social service programs serve thousands of meals daily and provide housing, healthcare, and job training. Glide proves that the church can be the most relevant institution in any city.

Overall Rating	4.7 / 5
Welcome	4.9 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Community	4.7 / 5

📍 330 Ellis St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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7. St. Ignatius Church

Catholic (Jesuit)

St. Ignatius Church on the campus of the University of San Francisco is one of the most beautiful churches on the West Coast. The twin Baroque spires are visible from across the city, and the interior — with its stunning dome and ornate altar — is breathtaking. As a Jesuit parish, the intellectual tradition runs deep, and the homilies are consistently thoughtful and challenging. The USF connection brings a youthful energy to the congregation.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Teaching	4.7 / 5
Welcome	4.6 / 5

📍 650 Parker Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

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8. New Community Church

Non-Denominational

New Community Church in the Sunset District serves one of San Francisco's most diverse neighborhoods with a warm, multicultural congregation. The church is particularly known for its welcoming atmosphere toward Asian American communities, reflecting the Sunset's demographics. The teaching is practical and grace-filled, the worship is heartfelt, and the small groups create genuine connections in a part of the city that's often overlooked by other churches.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Community	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.7 / 5
Teaching	4.6 / 5

📍 Sunset District, San Francisco, CA

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9. Mission Dolores Basilica

Catholic

Mission Dolores is where San Francisco began — literally. Founded in 1776, the original mission chapel is the oldest surviving structure in the city. Next door, the basilica built in 1918 is a stunning Churrigueresque masterpiece. This parish connects you to centuries of California history while offering vibrant, multilingual liturgy that reflects the Mission District's Latino heritage. A visit here is both a spiritual and historical experience.

Overall Rating	4.6 / 5
Worship	4.8 / 5
Welcome	4.6 / 5
Community	4.5 / 5

📍 3321 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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10. Sunset Church

Presbyterian

Sunset Church in the outer Sunset District brings a warm, neighborhood-church feel to a part of San Francisco that can feel far from the bustle of downtown. This Presbyterian congregation is known for its strong pastoral care, meaningful worship, and a community that genuinely looks out for one another. The church's location near Ocean Beach gives it a peaceful, contemplative quality that matches its approach to faith.

Overall Rating	4.5 / 5
Community	4.7 / 5
Welcome	4.7 / 5
Teaching	4.5 / 5

📍 Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA

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How We Ranked These Churches

Our rankings are based on FaithScout's multi-dimensional rating system. Unlike simple star ratings, we evaluate churches across five key dimensions that matter most to visitors: teaching quality, community atmosphere, worship experience, welcome and hospitality, and children's ministry. Each score comes directly from real visitor reports — not paid placements or self-reported data.

Churches are ranked by their overall composite score, weighted by the number of visitor reviews. For San Francisco, we placed extra emphasis on representing the city's unique neighborhoods and the remarkable diversity of worship traditions that thrive in one of America's most cosmopolitan cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best church in San Francisco?

Based on visitor ratings on FaithScout, City Church SF, Grace Cathedral, and Reality SF are among the highest-rated churches in San Francisco. The best church for you depends on your preferences for worship style, theology, and community — take the FaithScout quiz to find your ideal match.

Are there thriving churches in San Francisco?

Absolutely. Despite San Francisco's reputation as a secular city, it has a vibrant and growing church scene. Churches like City Church SF, Reality SF, and Epic Church are drawing young, engaged congregations. Historic churches like Grace Cathedral and Mission Dolores continue to thrive. Faith is alive and well in the City by the Bay.

What is church culture like in San Francisco?

San Francisco churches tend to be thoughtful, culturally engaged, and welcoming of questions and doubt. Many congregations actively engage with the city's progressive culture while maintaining theological depth. You'll find less of the Bible Belt formality and more of an honest, come-as-you-are approach to faith community.

Are there churches near downtown San Francisco?

Yes, several excellent churches are located in or near downtown. Grace Cathedral sits atop Nob Hill, Glide Memorial is in the Tenderloin, and Saints Peter and Paul Church anchors North Beach. City Church SF and Reality SF also meet in central locations accessible by public transit.

How do I find a church in San Francisco?

Take the free FaithScout quiz at faithscout.com/onboarding to get matched with San Francisco churches based on your preferences. You can also browse all San Francisco churches and filter by denomination, neighborhood, and worship style.

Start Your Church Search in San Francisco

San Francisco's church community proves that vibrant faith can thrive in any cultural context. From the awe-inspiring Grace Cathedral to the grassroots energy of Epic Church, from the radical inclusivity of Glide Memorial to the gospel-centered depth of Reality SF, the City by the Bay offers a faith landscape as rich and diverse as the city itself.

Ready to find yours? Take the FaithScout quiz to get personalized matches, or browse all San Francisco churches to explore on your own. Also check out our guides to San Jose and Seattle for more West Coast church recommendations.