San Francisco Zen Center - founded in 1962 by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, known for the classic "Zen Mind Beginner's Mind - is one of the largest Buddhist training centers outside Asia. It has three practice places: City Center, in the vibrant heart of San Francisco; Green Gulch Farm, whose organic fields meet the ocean in Marin County; and Tassajara Zen Mountain Center in the Ventana Wilderness inland from Big Sur. City Center has a diverse population of students, visitors, lay people, priests, and monks guided by teachers who follow in Suzuki Roshi's way. All are welcome. City Center offers seven charming guest rooms for short-term stays and personal retreats. This is a convenient and economical way to stay in the city while experiencing life in a Zen Buddhist temple and enjoying the serene elegance of a building designed by Julia Morgan. Breakfast is included and served buffet-style; lunch and dinner are available by donation M-F (S lunch only). Guests are welcome - but not required - to join in the daily meditation and other programs including the Saturday public program. Sunday is a day off. We are conveniently located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood and near the lower Haight, Fillmore, Civic Center and Performing Arts Districts. Restaurants, cafes, shops, grocery stores are in walking distance. Bus lines within one block can take you to Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, the Ferry Building, MOMA and Asian Arts Museums, and sites throughout the city.
Room 30 is a bright corner room with views of the city and a double bed. One window faces Laguna Street and the other faces the courtyard.
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Room 32 is a quiet room that overlooks the courtyard, with a plush organic double bed.
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Room 31 is a large courtyard-facing room, with a queen-sized bed, a queen futon couch/bed, and a desk. It can comfortably accommodate two couples.
Nightly Rate: $160 - $185
Nightly Rate: $160 - $185
Room 33 is a large, quiet room facing the courtyard, with a queen-size bed. There is room for one extra person with an added single bed or shikibuton.
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Room 35 is a large, quiet room with a queen-sized bed. There is room for one extra person with an added single bed or shikibuton.
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Nightly Rate: $170 - $185
Room 1, accessible to the disabled, has a queen-sized bed, a writing desk, and a private bathroom with tub and shower.
Nightly Rate: $190 - $205
Nightly Rate: $190 - $205
Room 25 is a bright southern-facing room with a plush Keetsa mattress. It's our newest guest room.
Nightly Rate: $150 - $160
Urban
San Francisco, CA (SFO) 13.8 miles
by public transportation: Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza Station. On Market/Hyde Street, take the 6 or 7 bus. Exit Haight and Laguna Streets. Walk one block on Laguna to Page Street.
Antique Shopping, Aquarium, Art Galleries, Beach, Gourmet/Fine Dining, Historical interests, Live Music, Movie Theater, Museum, Night life, Ocean, Performing Theater, Religious Services, Sports venue, Tours
Other
Board games, Coffee/Tea facilities, Fridge, Hairdryer, Library, Telephone, Walk to mass transit, Wheelchair access
Desk, Wi-Fi
Barbara Machtinger
English
I am the guest manager, or shika. This is a traditional role in a Zen temple. I have practiced at Zen Center for 15 years. It is a joy to welcome guests from all over the world. I am happy to answer any questions you have.
Free
Restrictive , Vegetarian gluten-free
Nut Loaf
Often served for Thanksgiving, it's rich and tasty, served with mashed potatoes and gravy.