San Francisco Zen Center, Buddhist meditation center in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, United States.
The San Francisco Zen Center is a three-story brick building in Hayes Valley with meditation halls, residential quarters, and community spaces for Zen practice. The rooms are arranged to support both formal practice sessions and the daily life of those who live and study there.
A Japanese teacher named Shunryu Suzuki founded the center in 1962 as the first Soto Zen organization in western America. The building itself dates to 1922, when it was originally designed as a residence club for Jewish women before becoming a practice space.
The center blends Japanese Soto Zen traditions with American life, drawing people from the neighborhood who come to sit in meditation and learn together. Daily rhythms of practice shape how the space is used and shared by visitors and residents alike.
The center is currently closed for renovations with programs temporarily held at various locations around the city. Check current information before visiting to find where activities are taking place.
The building was designed in 1922 by architect Julia Morgan, a pioneering figure in American design and construction. This architectural connection links two separate cultural histories within a single structure.
Location: San Francisco
Phone: +4158633136
Website: https://sfzc.org
GPS coordinates: 37.77391,-122.42612
Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25
Painted Ladies
641 m
San Francisco City Hall
848 m
San Francisco Mint
417 m
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
952 m
City and County of San Francisco
852 m
War Memorial Opera House
690 m
San Francisco Opera
684 m
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
641 m
San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
790 m
Woodward's Gardens
797 m
NEMA
748 m
Fox Plaza
878 m
California Automobile Association Building
699 m
Cafe Du Nord
872 m
Third Baptist Church
929 m
Archbishop's Mansion
837 m
Nourse Theater
579 m
Statue of Abraham Lincoln
868 m
New Conservatory Theatre Center
574 m
Charles Dietle House
42 m
Nightingale House
247 m
California Volunteers
564 m
St. Paulus Lutheran Church
979 m
San Francisco Ballet Building
641 m
The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
562 m
Carmel Fallon Building
259 m
Large Four Piece Reclining Figure
704 m
Inspiration
652 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes