California Pacific Medical Center

California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information in San Francisco

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to California Pacific Medical Center

California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) stands as a cornerstone of healthcare and architectural heritage in San Francisco, blending over 150 years of medical tradition with advanced, patient-centered innovation. Established through the merger of several of San Francisco’s oldest hospitals—including Children’s Hospital of San Francisco, Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center, Ralph K. Davies Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Hospital—CPMC has grown into a multi-campus network offering comprehensive care. Its campuses, such as Van Ness (the flagship), Davies, and Mission Bernal, reflect both historical significance and a commitment to state-of-the-art medicine. CPMC is recognized for its seismic safety upgrades, academic partnerships with leading universities, and its not-for-profit mission that reinvests in community health. Visitors can expect modern facilities, accessible services, and a seamless experience whether supporting loved ones or exploring a significant healthcare landmark (SF Planning; Sutter Health; Wikipedia).

Introduction
Historical Background and Formation of CPMC
Evolution of Facilities and Seismic Upgrades
Medical Innovation and Academic Partnerships
Community Impact and Not-for-Profit Mission
Embracing Technology Initiatives
Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Tours, and Accessibility
Preservation and Redevelopment of Historic Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visitor Tips
Summary and Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Formation of CPMC

CPMC’s legacy reaches back over 150 years, formed from the union of four landmark hospitals. The Pacific Dispensary for Women and Children, established in the late 1800s, laid the foundation for future growth, focusing on underserved communities. These institutions expanded services, opened nursing schools, and established clinics that became pillars in their neighborhoods, such as St. Luke’s Neighborhood Clinic in 1920 (Wikipedia).

The modern CPMC was created in 1991 with the merger of Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of San Francisco, later joined by the Ralph K. Davies Medical Center (1998) and St. Luke’s Hospital (2007) (SF Planning). This strategic consolidation unified specialties and resources to better serve San Francisco’s growing and diverse population.

Evolution of Facilities and Seismic Upgrades

In response to California’s seismic safety laws (notably SB 1953), CPMC undertook a multiyear redevelopment plan:

Van Ness Campus: Opened in 2019, this 12-story, 274-bed flagship hospital unifies adult, women’s, and children’s care with advanced technology and LEED-certified design (Jared Korb Photography).
Davies Campus: Underwent seismic retrofitting in 2008 to continue acute care and specialize in rehabilitation and behavioral health (SF Planning).
Mission Bernal Campus: Built on St. Luke’s historic site, this campus offers emergency services, an Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) unit, and is preparing for the Sutter Advanced Neuroscience Complex, due in 2028 (Sutter Health; SF Planning).
California and Pacific Campuses: With the opening of new facilities, these historic campuses have transitioned away from inpatient care. The California Campus at 3700 California Street is being redeveloped into residential housing, with historic structures preserved for adaptive reuse (SFYIMBY).

Medical Innovation and Academic Partnerships

CPMC is renowned for pioneering work in cardiac surgery, gastroenterology, oncology, organ transplantation, and robotic surgery (SFCitizen). Its organ transplant programs are among the most respected in the region.

Academic affiliations with UCSF, Stanford, and Dartmouth promote research, clinical trials, and healthcare workforce development (Wikipedia). These collaborations keep CPMC at the forefront of medical advances.

Community Impact and Not-for-Profit Mission

As part of the Sutter Health network, CPMC operates as a not-for-profit institution. It reinvests in local health initiatives and workforce development, dedicating millions to behavioral health and preventive care programs annually (Sutter Health). CPMC collaborates with local organizations to promote health equity and address the needs of San Francisco’s diverse communities.

Embracing Technology Initiatives

CPMC leverages digital transformation to improve care delivery and patient experience. Telemedicine, digital imaging, and AI-driven diagnostics have enhanced efficiency and outcomes, particularly as remote access has become increasingly vital (SFCitizen). Unified health records across campuses support seamless coordination of care.

Visitor Information: Visiting Hours, Tours, and Accessibility

CPMC Campus Overview

Campus	Address	Bed Count	Key Services	Notable Features
Van Ness	1101 Van Ness Ave	~274	Acute care, maternity, surgery	Flagship, integrated technology
Mission Bernal	3555 Cesar Chavez St	120	Community acute care, emergency, maternity	Efficient, community-focused
Davies	45 Castro St	N/A	Rehabilitation, behavioral health, outpatient	Specialty, training programs

Additional Details by Campus

Van Ness Campus: Centrally located in Cathedral Hill, accessible by Muni and BART, open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. Visitor check-in and badges required. Parking garage available.
Mission Bernal Campus: In the Mission District, open 9:00 AM–7:00 PM, accessible via Muni and on-site parking.
Davies Campus: Near Castro and Lower Haight, open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with parking garage and Muni access (SmithGroup; Sutter Health).

Visiting Hours

Van Ness Campus: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Mission Bernal Campus: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Davies Campus: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Always confirm hours before visiting, as they may change due to department needs or public health advisories.

Tours and Tickets

CPMC is not a tourist attraction and does not offer traditional public tours or tickets. However, group educational visits or guided tours may be arranged through the community relations department. Occasionally, open houses or public events are held—see the official website for announcements.

Accessibility

All campuses are fully ADA-compliant, with accessible parking, wheelchair access, elevators, and multilingual support (SFCitizen). Information desks at each entrance can provide assistance.

Getting There and Amenities

Public Transit: All campuses are served by Muni bus lines; Van Ness Campus is near BART. SFMTA Trip Planner.
Parking: On-site garages/lots with hourly/daily rates.
Amenities: Cafeterias, vending machines, Wi-Fi, gift shops, chapels, and quiet rooms.

Preservation and Redevelopment of Historic Sites

CPMC’s former California Campus at 3700 California Street is undergoing adaptive reuse into residential housing, preserving structures like the Marshal Hale building and 401 Cherry Street (SFYIMBY). This reflects San Francisco’s dedication to balancing urban growth with historic preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are regular public tours offered at CPMC?
A: No, but special group or educational tours may be arranged by contacting CPMC’s community relations.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Hours vary by campus, generally 9:00 AM–8:00 PM. Always check the campus website or call ahead for updates.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or a ticket required?
A: No. Visitors supporting patients do not need tickets, but must check in and wear a visitor badge.

Q: Is CPMC accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, all campuses are ADA-compliant and provide full accessibility.

Q: Are there nearby landmarks to visit?
A: Yes. Van Ness Campus is near Civic Center, Japantown, and the Fillmore District.

Visitor Tips

Check CPMC’s official website for the latest visiting hours and guidelines.
Use public transit or on-site parking for convenience.
Respect patient privacy and follow hospital rules.
Plan visits to coincide with nearby cultural attractions.

Summary and Conclusion

California Pacific Medical Center is a vital part of San Francisco’s healthcare and historical fabric. Its campuses exemplify thoughtful integration of architectural heritage with modern medicine. Visitors benefit from accessible facilities, clear visiting policies, and proximity to city landmarks. Whether visiting a loved one or learning about San Francisco’s medical history, CPMC offers a welcoming, innovative environment. For real-time updates, maps, and visitor assistance, consider downloading the Audiala app.